While working a routine shift near St. Louis, Missouri, an AT&T technician happened to glance across the street — and froze.
Through a tangle of tall weeds, chained to a boarded-up, abandoned house, was a dog so thin and frightened that it made his heart drop.
The pup stared back at him, eyes pleading.
In that instant, the technician knew he couldn’t just walk away.
He urgently contacted Stray Rescue of St. Louis, and veteran rescuer Donna Lochmann headed straight to the scene. As she approached the distressed dog, she softened her voice and inched forward carefully.
“He stuck his little tongue out and gave the tiniest tail wag,” a Stray Rescue representative told The Dodo. “He didn’t even bark — he just wanted someone to help him.”
Lochmann was stunned that anyone could abandon such a young dog like this.
“Her heart was broken knowing this babe was out there alone — scared, hungry, and worried,” the representative said.
She gently loaded him into her vehicle and brought him back to safety. At the shelter, staff named him Chimpi — and the transformation began almost immediately. With a warm bed and gentle hands around him, Chimpi slowly started to loosen up.
Soon afterward, he moved into a loving foster home, where his sweet personality is shining through.
“He’s such a friendly little guy,” the representative said. “Right now his absolute favorite thing is cuddling. He hasn’t started playing yet, but once he realizes he’s safe and no one is ever leaving him behind again, his true personality will blossom.”
In the coming weeks, Chimpi will be neutered and officially available for adoption. Rescuers feel confident he’ll find a home quickly.
“He’s been great with every person and every dog he’s met,” the representative said. “He’ll be a wonderful fit for almost any family.”
To support dogs like Chimpi, you can donate to Stray Rescue of St. Louis.
