For Donna Lochmann, the chief life-saving officer in Missouri, rescuing animals is not just a job; it’s a true calling.
Seven years ago, while driving through the city in search of a specific dog, Donna noticed movement inside a pile of trash. Concerned, she stopped to investigate and discovered a heartbreaking surprise among the garbage bags.
Curled up into a small ball, the frightened animal’s dark coat blended so well with the trash that he was nearly invisible. In that moment, Donna knew she had to act quickly—a decision that would forever change both of their lives.
A Pup In Desperate Need Of Help
Donna knew the dog might get scared and run away, so she approached him slowly, speaking to him in a soft, soothing voice.
When she got closer, her heart broke. The pup was emaciated, weak, and instead of trying to escape, he simply lay still, unable to move. Donna’s concern grew as she saw the full extent of his condition.
The dog did not lift his head when she approached, his eyes reflecting the pain and neglect he had endured for so long.
As soon as Donna wrapped him in her arms, he experienced the warmth of love for the first time in what seemed like forever. His ribs were clearly visible, and Donna knew he needed urgent medical care.
Within moments, she had him in her car and was driving him to Stray Rescue of St. Louis, where the team would provide the care he so desperately needed.
A New Beginning And The Name That Meant Destiny
It seemed that fate had something special in store for this dog. The rescue team named him Kismet, a word meaning “destiny.”
Kismet was soon placed with a foster mom named Nikki. Under Nikki’s care, he began to thrive. Within just a few months, he gained weight and began showing signs of joy.
“He’s doing wonderfully. He’s gaining weight (yay!) and has started wagging his tail and loves to give kisses. He sleeps a lot on any soft surface he can find. Kismet is such an awesome dog,” Nikki shared with the rescuers.
Living A Happy Life With His Forever Family
It didn’t take long before Nikki and her family became completely smitten with Kismet. His sweet, gentle nature stole their hearts, and Nikki knew she could never let him go.
“They officially adopted him and love him to pieces. Look how amazing he is doing! She says he is the most amazing dog and she’s actually the lucky one,” the rescue shared on Facebook.
Kismet had finally found the loving forever home he so richly deserved. Life with Nikki was everything he had been deprived of in the past.
Recently, the rescue received an update on Kismet, and the transformation was nothing short of incredible. Seven years after being found in the trash, Kismet is now a strong, happy dog who adores his family.
Instead of lying on a pile of garbage, Kismet now sleeps in a soft bed beside his mom, surrounded by toys.
“He sleeps in the big bed with her. He’s so happy. He loves toys. He’s a healthy, beefy boy. His eyes sparkle. He lights up any room he walks into,” the rescue said in their heartwarming update.
Once abandoned with little hope of survival, Kismet is now a shining example of how love and compassion can transform a life.
