As winter swept through St. Louis, Missouri last December, most residents took shelter indoors, avoiding the bitter cold. But for one lonely stray dog, there was no safe place to go — until he found a stranger’s porch.
Curled tightly into a ball on a doormat, the sweet dog tried his best to shield himself from the biting wind.
“He was curled up in a tight ball on someone’s porch, hiding from the wind,” Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL) shared on Facebook.
Thankfully, a Good Samaritan noticed the shivering pup and immediately called SRSL for help. Rescuers responded without hesitation.
It didn’t take long for them to realize the gentle dog — later named Gasper — was as friendly as he was vulnerable. With ease, they slipped a leash around his neck and coaxed him off the porch toward safety.
Once back at the shelter, Gasper's true personality began to shine.
“When we got him back to Stray Rescue, we discovered this very nice old man craves affection,” SRSL wrote.
After a thorough check-up, the shelter’s veterinary team estimated Gasper to be around 8 years old. He was clearly exhausted from life on the streets, but his heart was full of gratitude.
“Every time we visit him, he does a big stretch and slowly sinks into the floor as we pet him,” SRSL shared. “He closes his eyes and just melts into the massage.”
With each passing day, Gasper's spirit grew stronger. Soon, the senior boy's playful side began to emerge.
“He loves when you make kissy noises, and giant tennis balls are pretty much the coolest thing ever!” SRSL said. “He’s a leaner, too — he loves pressing into you when you pet him.”
While Gasper has been thriving with love and care, his journey isn’t over yet. SRSL is searching for a special family to offer him a forever home. Gasper has multiple skin tumors, so he’s looking for a hospice foster or adoptive home — but he’s not on a ticking clock.
“He could have years left,” SRSL explained. “He’s doing so well now that he’s safe and loved, and we believe he’ll only continue to blossom in a peaceful home.”
Though Gasper hasn’t found his perfect match just yet, the team at SRSL knows it’s only a matter of time. Until then, they’re cherishing every moment with their resilient, affectionate boy.
“He’s absolutely adorable!” they said.
If you’re interested in fostering or adopting Gasper, you can learn more here.
To support dogs like Gasper, you can make a donation to Stray Rescue of St. Louis here.
