When a kind-hearted stranger in St. Louis, Missouri, noticed a scared and lonely pup curled up behind a dumpster, they knew they had to act.
They contacted Stray Rescue of St. Louis, pleading for help.
A Rescue Mission
Donna Lochmann and her team from Stray Rescue wasted no time, heading straight to the alley where the dog was spotted.
The pup, later named Joan of Bark, was huddled in fear, trying to make herself invisible. Silent and motionless, she seemed resigned to her fate.
But when Joan of Bark heard Donna’s gentle voice, her sorrowful eyes met her rescuer’s, revealing the pain and fear she carried.
Gaining Her Trust
Donna approached cautiously, offering Vienna sausages to the frightened pup.
Though wary, hunger got the better of Joan of Bark, and she slowly accepted the food. After some time, Donna managed to slip a leash around her neck.
However, as Joan of Bark stood up, her rescuers noticed why she was so scared—her back leg was broken.
Likely hit by a car, the injury had been left untreated for too long.
“She’s fearful and in pain, but who wouldn’t be in her position?” Stray Rescue of St. Louis shared in a heartfelt Facebook post. “It’s okay, baby, you’re safe now. We’ve got you.”
The Road to Healing
Once safely in a crate, Joan of Bark was rushed to a veterinary clinic, where X-rays confirmed the severity of her injury.
Despite the vet team’s best efforts, her leg could not be saved and had to be amputated.
Before surgery, the kind staff gave her a soothing bath, which Joan of Bark seemed to appreciate deeply.
Her grateful eyes expressed a newfound sense of safety.
After the surgery, the brave pup began her journey toward recovery.
A New Lease on Life
Once healed, Joan of Bark moved to the shelter.
Free from pain for the first time in ages, she blossomed under the care and affection of her rescuers.
Her playful spirit emerged—she loved zooming around the yard, even as a tripod.
Stray Rescue eventually placed her in a foster home, where Joan of Bark experienced the warmth and comfort of a real home.
Though shy at first, she quickly bonded with her foster family and furry foster sister.
Waiting for Forever
Joan of Bark’s foster family showered her with love, and she embraced every moment of cuddles, playtime, and companionship.
While she still waits for her forever family, one thing is clear—this resilient pup is ready to bring joy and unconditional love to the lucky humans who make her part of their lives.
A Hopeful Future
Joan of Bark’s story is a testament to the power of compassion and second chances.
Whether her biggest wish has come true yet remains unknown, but with her incredible spirit and loving heart, there’s no doubt she’ll soon find a home to call her own.
Thank you to all the heroes who gave Joan of Bark the life she deserves!