Animal rescuers never fail to amaze us. They tirelessly work through uncompromising conditions to save those lives we cherish most. On a bitterly cold January morning in St. Louis, Missouri, the hardworking team from Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL) encountered a heart-stopping scene. A lone white dog darted along an active set of train tracks. With the temperature plummeting and a train rapidly approaching, the rescuers knew the stakes were high. But the dangers didn’t stop there—the stretch of tracks ran high above the river, where one misstep could mean disaster for the frightened pup.

Stray Rescue of St. Louis/Facebook

Donna Lochmann, SRSL’s chief life-saving officer, acted quickly. “The spot [where] we initially saw him on the tracks was open and right above the river,” Lochmann said in an interview with The Dodo. “One wrong step and he could have very easily fallen in.” Though her instinct was to rush onto the tracks and save him, metro employees nearby warned her to stay back for her own safety.

Thinking fast, Lochmann tried another approach. She pulled out a treat, hoping to coax the dog, later named Laclede, away from danger. Meanwhile, the metro workers radioed the incoming train conductor, who slowed the train to a crawl in an effort to guide the dog toward the rescuers. After a tense few moments, Lochmann managed to slip a leash over Laclede’s neck and lead him to safety.

Stray Rescue of St. Louis/Facebook

“He was scared, filthy, so skinny and freezing,” Lochmann said. “The temperatures that day were in single digits, and the wind was so cold … it was nice to finally get him off those tracks.” Safely in her Jeep, Laclede immediately curled up on the heated seat, relishing the warmth as he drifted off to sleep.

Once at SRSL’s headquarters, Laclede received a full veterinary exam and a much-needed bath. Despite his skeletal frame and dirty coat, the resilient dog showed no significant health issues. With nourishing food and gentle care, his energy returned, along with his bright, wagging tail. “Now he’s bathed, happy, and he has a tail that just won’t quit!” SRSL shared on Facebook.

Stray Rescue of St. Louis/Facebook

Laclede’s joyful spirit quickly endeared him to everyone at SRSL. “He’s a big, boisterous, joyful boy, but he is also so gentle and caring,” they wrote. Although he’s loved by all who meet him, Laclede is still waiting for his forever family. His rescuers are confident that his next chapter will be just as heartwarming as his rescue story.

“Man, we love this dog,” SRSL wrote. “Just give him a safe place where he can relax and be himself, and you’ll have one loyal, cute, fun boy for life!” If you are interested in learning more about Stray Rescue of St. Louis, click here. To fill out an adoption application for Laclede, visit here. Thank you, SRSL, for giving this deserving boy a second chance at life. Now, let’s find him a home!

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