When rescuers from Stray Rescue of St. Louis heard about a dog wandering alone in the woods, they wasted no time. Gathering their supplies, they headed out to search for him, determined to bring the frightened pup to safety.
They knew the forest could be cold and dangerous, especially for an abandoned dog. Carrying food and blankets, they hoped to find him quickly and offer some comfort.
But the woods stretched for miles, and despite hours of searching, there was still no sign of the dog. Just as the team began to lose hope and considered turning back, they noticed a small gray figure curled up among the dry leaves.
Safe At Last
As they approached, the rescuers knew they had found the dog they were looking for.
Startled by the sight of strangers, the little pup froze in fear. Surrounded by unfamiliar faces, he didn’t know whether to trust them or run.
One rescuer knelt down, gently offering a treat. The moment the hungry dog caught the scent, he cautiously accepted it, devouring the food as though it had been days since his last meal.
The food gave him just enough strength and courage to stand and take a few steps toward the people who wanted to help. But as soon as he moved, one rescuer noticed a wound on his leg. His ribs were clearly visible beneath his thin fur, and he looked exhausted.
The team also realized that daylight was fading fast. They had to move quickly if they wanted to reach safety before dark.
Carried Out Of The Woods
When they began walking back, a new challenge appeared. The dog refused to leave the woods, too scared to step out into the open.
To help him, one rescuer gently scooped him up and carried him to the trail. Once he was back on solid ground, he managed to walk for a short while, but the car was still a mile away.
Soon, his frail body gave out completely. He was simply too weak to continue. Without hesitation, the rescuers took turns carrying him the rest of the way.
By the time they reached the car, the sun had already set, but they made it out safely. Now, the tired pup was finally heading to the clinic for medical care.
They named him Matlock.
“He had the best night’s sleep he’s had in a very. long. Time. He is not out of the woods, and he’ll have to fight for his life. His body weight is at a very dangerous level, especially for the size dog he is. But he’s in the right place. He’s very sweet and very safe. You got this buddy,” the rescue wrote on their Facebook page.
At last, Matlock could rest peacefully, surrounded by warmth and kindness instead of loneliness and fear.
However, his journey to recovery was far from over. Veterinary tests revealed that the wound on his leg wasn’t just an injury but a tumor that needed urgent treatment.
Even so, Matlock now has something he didn’t have before: people who care deeply about his future.
Those wishing to follow his progress or support his recovery can visit his rescue page and help this brave dog continue his fight for life.
