A vigilant truck driver became an unexpected hero when he spotted a trembling little dog abandoned in a ditch in St. Louis, Missouri.
His keen awareness and commitment to making a difference played a crucial role in saving the puppy’s life.
Although he couldn’t stop, he called Stray Rescue of St. Louis, informing them about the puppy desperately needing help.
Even in our daily routines, we have the capacity to make a significant positive impact by reaching out and lending a helping hand to those who cannot speak for themselves.
A Call For Help
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
Stray Rescue of St. Louis responded quickly when the Good Samaritan spotted the little brown and white puppy quivering in the ditch and called for help.
They found a small pup, whom they named Odella, in honor of the truck driver named Odell, who called and saved her life.
As soon as the puppy saw Donna Lochmann, Chief Life Saving Officer at Stray Rescue of St. Louis, her tail began to wag. She was terrified and hungry, but also very friendly.
What they didn’t know then was that Odella had significant injuries from being hit by a car.
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
“We couldn’t tell at first, but sadly our clinic informed us that she has some significant injuries. X-rays indicate a dislocated hip and broken foot,” the rescue wrote on their blog post.
This little six-month-old girl needed a lot of help, but thanks to Odell, she was finally getting the much-needed care.
“To picture her quivering in that ditch all by herself and hurting breaks our heart. We are so grateful to the truck driver who somehow spotted her and saved her life. Her healing journey begins today,” the rescue added.
Odella’s Healing Journey
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
To save Odella’s leg, doctors had to pop her dislocated hip back in place and bandage it with a splint.
The doctors and the rescue did everything in their power so the sweet little baby could keep her leg.
Her healing journey took longer than expected due to another femur fracture, but after a couple of months, she was perfectly healthy and able to get up and run again on all fours.
Throughout this process, Odella stayed with her foster mom, Donna.
Source: Donna Lochmann
Donna, who had already adopted a couple of rescues, fell in love with sweet Odella.
Donna said on Facebook: “She just never left. She came in, unpacked her bags, and that was pretty much it!”
Odella is now enjoying her life with her mom and all her furry siblings.
“She has the happiest personality and bounces from one dog to another to find one that will keep playing! She loves her toys and peanut butter kongs,” Donna wrote.
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
All of this was possible because of Odell’s kindness.
One call was enough for this sweet pup to go from laying in a ditch with broken bones and no one to love her to living her best life with a loving family.