Donna Lochmann and her team have been inspiring animal rescuers for years. In almost every situation, no matter how harrowing, difficult, or impossible it seems, they find hope – and give their best shot!
And, guess what? Most of these stories turn out to be happy endings, which is the best part.
This time, these Missouri rescuers got a call about a giant dog tied up on a short leash at a park. He stood there, cold and soaked on a very rainy day, abandoned by previous owners.
While he appeared “intimidating” at first, the people had no idea how genuinely sweet he was. But, Donna and the team were about to find out!
All He Asked For Was Some Love
It was easy for Donna, the volunteer at Stray Rescue of St. Louis, Missouri, to spot the dog, even from a distance. He was a giant, weighing around 85 pounds and barking loudly at anyone who came near.
“Tied up to a meter at a park and left behind on a very rainy, muddy, cold day. We got calls that he was there for awhile, on a short leash, not knowing what to do with himself,” the Missouri rescue stated in the post.
Donna, however, didn’t want to give up. She approached him slowly, talking to him in a gentle manner – and it worked! After a while, the pup calmed down and was even happy about the treats she gave him.
It was clear right away that he wasn’t intimidating at all. He was still afraid and coping with the abandonment trauma.
“Of course he looks intimidating. He’s huge and barks at us as we approach. But the moment he knows he’s safe and we’re going to be nothing but nice to him…just look at his big ol happy face,” the rescue added.
After the initial introduction, Donna and the team scooped him up in a humane trap and loaded him into the car.
Little did this boy know back then that this, in fact, was a freedom ride!
The pup was safely transported to the SRSL facility where he began a brand-new journey. Soon enough, he melted everyone’s hearts!
You’re Safe Now, Buddy
They named him Eddie, and it fit him so well. This giant boy is as cheerful as his name. After he realized that he was safe, Eddie couldn’t contain his happiness.
He literally showered everyone with sweet cuddles and hugs, happy to be finally free of that short leash.
For now, Eddie will stay with his caregivers in a nice, cozy foster home where he will learn all about being a dog.
When he’s finally ready, this gentle giant will be up for adoption. The rescue will make sure Eddie finds a suitable home and owners who will never betray him like that again.
“You are safe and will never be abandoned ever again, Eddie! Whoever gets to adopt you is one lucky soul, that’s for sure,” SRSL concluded.
Good luck, Eddie! You deserve the best!