Rosie, a staff member at Stray Rescue of St. Louis, was out walking a shelter dog, completely unaware of the shocking discovery waiting just ahead.
As she moved along the sidewalk, she spotted a discarded crate draped in a black tarp. Rosie stopped cold, her stomach dropping. She hurried toward it, worried someone had left animals inside and praying she could reach them in time.
The crate sat in direct sunlight, and that day in St. Louis, Missouri, temperatures had climbed to a sweltering 98 degrees.
Saved Just in Time


Worried about the dogs’ safety, Rosie immediately called for assistance.
“[They] radioed on their walkie-talkie. They felt a little panicked because it was so hot outside,” a representative from Stray Rescue of St. Louis shared with The Dodo.
Speaking softly, Rosie lifted the tarp and was stunned to find two sweet dogs desperately waiting to be saved.
“They were panting heavily and needed to get inside right away,” the representative added.
The dogs looked at Rosie with a sense of relief and gratitude, knowing they had been found just in time.
A Quick Trip To The Clinic


The team rushed the dogs, later named Arnold Jackson and Punky Brewster, to the clinic. There, they received water, had a full examination, and were given vaccinations.
Arnold and Punky were estimated to be around three years old and were believed to be siblings. Despite the horrific ordeal they had been through, both dogs maintained a sweet and gentle nature.
Since the Missouri shelter was at capacity, the team started searching for foster homes. They posted photos of the dogs on the shelter’s foster page, asking for help from the community.
Arnold quickly found a foster home, but Punky had to wait, hoping her turn would come soon.
A New Beginning With Loving Families


Eventually, both dogs found loving homes with wonderful families who promised to care for them.
Arnold and Punky are now enjoying their new lives, filled with love, comfort, and security. Finally, they have everything they’ve ever dreamed of—kind parents and a great home.
“These dogs are going to have wonderful futures! They are both so sweet,” the representative said.
From being abandoned on the sidewalk to thriving in their new homes, Arnold and Punky are now joyful pups, discovering the beauty of life every day.
A huge thank-you goes to the dedicated staff at Stray Rescue of St. Louis for rescuing their lives and helping them find their greatest happiness.
A Call For Responsibility
We hope no dog will ever experience abandonment again and that every dog owner understands the importance of never leaving a pet behind. Their well-being should always come first.
If owners truly have no other choice but to surrender their p
