Rescuer Discovers a Mama Dog and Her Puppies Struggling to Survive on the Streets

For more than twenty years, Stray Rescue of St. Louis has played a vital role in animal rescue across Missouri.

This organization stands out by providing care and refuge for dogs that many may choose to ignore, those who are abandoned, injured, scared, or feeling let down by humans. They rise to the occasion when others turn away, ensuring these animals receive the second chance they long for.

Donna Lochmann has dedicated over two decades of her life to this mission at Stray Rescue of St. Louis, tirelessly working each day to help dogs find their way into loving homes and brighter futures.

Among all the rescues she encounters daily, there are some stories that resonate deeply with her heartstrings, like this particular one waiting just ahead in our journey together. Continue reading to discover an inspiring tale about resilience and hope as we delve deeper into the world of pet rescue!

A Bushy Hideout for a Furry Family

Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis

Rescue volunteers understand that the streets might appear calm at times, yet everything can shift in an instant. During her drive through St. Louis, Donna came across a distressed female dog covered in dirt and heavy with milk. It was clear she had just given birth to puppies not long ago.

The mother was roaming around, urgently looking for something to eat. With compassion, Donna decided to provide some food for her, hoping it would encourage the dog to return to her hidden pups after filling up.

Donna expressed optimism about this plan by stating that once the mother satisfied her hunger, there was a chance she would find her way back home, wherever those little ones were tucked away amidst abandoned buildings and dense underbrush surrounding the area. After enjoying the meal set out for her, Donna observed as the mother maneuvered through yards and crossed busy streets before disappearing into thick foliage.

While tracking this determined mom through tangled plants, a sudden sound caught Donna's attention: one of the puppies crying loudly from distress below ground level. Tragically trapped inside a twenty-inch deep pipe filled with fear and confusion lay that poor puppy desperately calling out for rescue.

Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis

At the end of the pipe, a lone black puppy was discovered, estimated to be about six weeks old. She whimpered and cried in fear as I approached her for rescue.

The moment she was secure inside my jeep, her tail began wagging joyfully. Donna shared that while this took place, the mother dog kept barking anxiously and retreated deeper into the woods.

As I ventured further in search of additional puppies, it became clear that several small black pups were present nearby. These little ones also appeared to be around six weeks old and were quite active, making it difficult to catch them all safely.

Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis

Donna expressed the need to fetch one puppy at a time, carrying it to the jeep while managing its wiggly movements.

After successfully placing all four puppies in the vehicle, she returned to retrieve their mother.

A Surprising Turn of Events Unfolds

Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis

Upon her return to the deserted location, Donna discovered an unexpected presence beside the mother dog. To her astonishment, a second adult female was also there.

She observed that this one had two black ears and wondered whether they were siblings or if perhaps one was an older puppy from a previous litter. They remained close together while navigating through overgrown grass and abandoned properties.

Capturing both adult dogs proved more difficult than anticipated; the traps set earlier failed to work effectively, compelling Donna to leave for the night and plan on returning in the morning instead. After a night filled with uncertainty, she went back to the site and successfully managed to catch the other dog thanks to some food placed nearby which attracted it just right.

Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis

Nervousness and fear were evident in her demeanor. Our goal was to place her safely in the jeep before any sounds of distress could reach her mother, which might have caused additional worry.

Once she was secured inside, a glance back revealed her friend alone in the field nearby, an image that tugged at our hearts deeply. After realizing we needed to return for the companion left behind, several hours passed without finding success.

A new strategy had to be devised for another attempt on the following day.

Tears of Joy Overflow

Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis

The mother dog, unlike her companion, showed no interest in food and avoided the trap completely. A different approach was necessary.

They decided to use a soiled blanket and pee pads from the puppies' foster home instead of treats. After setting up the trap, they played footage of one puppy's cries echoing from inside a pipe.

This tactic seemed effective. Upon returning early the next morning after another restless night, relief washed over them as they discovered the mother dog resting in the trap.

Despite her fear, she stayed quiet while being carefully lifted into their vehicle for transport to their facility. Following days filled with persistent attempts to rescue all members of this family brought an immense sense of satisfaction that left them teary-eyed; finally, safety had been achieved.

It was mentioned by Donna that these dogs would receive endless love and become cherished members of new families soon.