Heart and Soul, two inseparable dogs, faced the harsh reality of abandonment together by the side of a highway. They relied on each other for warmth and safety in the absence of a caring family. Their bond only grew stronger when Soul was seriously injured in an accident. Despite rescue efforts, Heart stayed fiercely protective and watchful over her companion.
Donna Lochmann, the chief lifesaving officer at Stray Rescue of St. Louis, discovered the injured pair during her route to the shelter. She managed to secure Heart and gently transport Soul in her vehicle to the shelter. Throughout the journey and their shelter stay, Heart never stopped watching over Soul.
At the shelter, X-rays showed that Soul’s injuries were critical, beyond the help of medical intervention. Heart was allowed to be with Soul during his final moments, laying beside him in a poignant goodbye as he passed peacefully.
The shelter staff, moved by their story and Heart’s evident grief, provided her with a quiet space and a charm containing Soul’s ashes, symbolizing his eternal presence in her life. Heart briefly stayed at the shelter before moving to a foster home, where she began to adjust and receive the love she deserved.
Heart continues to search for a permanent home, and the staff at Stray Rescue of St. Louis is committed to ensuring Soul’s memory accompanies her, in the form of ashes in a charm and his pawprint, guaranteeing that the two friends will always be together in spirit.
