Hide and seek is definitely a fun game. Sometimes it’s not a game at all.
The scared and abandoned puppy decided that the forest would be the best shelter to protect him from the world. Until a kind soul shows him that the world is still full of good people.
Finding Fergie
dog in the bush
St. Louis, MO (SRSL) Stray Rescue was contacted after someone found Fergie, a 2-year-old black and white dog, hiding in the woods. Rescuers immediately stepped forward to help this poor pup. But they had no luck finding him.
“At first, I didn’t really see her anywhere. But I went back the next day and sure enough there she was, still in the weeds,” said Donna Lochmann, SRSL’s chief lifesaving officer.
Fergie was extremely cautious of her rescuer. Considering how long she had been out in the cold woods all alone, she didn’t really trust anybody who approached her.
Naturally, she started growling at Donna, warning her to stay back. However, Donna, being a trained professional, realized that something was going on.
I realized that she wasn’t using her front right leg. She was clearly injured.
Rescue Mission
Besides being injured, this poor pup was also isolated by intertwining vines and thick leaves. Donna quickly realized that catching Fergie by placing a slip lead around her neck wouldn’t be the smartest decision.
Luckily, she had a clever trick up her sleeve.
I thought it’d be easier to set a trap and see if she went in. So I got a bunch of fresh fried chicken and put it in one of my traps.
Donna decided it was best if she left Fergie alone, thinking she would make her way into the trap if nobody was looking.
Coming back later to check on her, Donna was left quite shocked. Not only was the chicken left untouched and the trap empty, but Fergie wasn’t hiding in the woods anymore.
She had left the woods and made her way to an abandoned house that was located nearby.
Settling herself alongside the foundation of the house, Fergie kept on staring at Donna, showing her that she still hadn’t gained her trust.
But, Donna wasn’t ready to give up just yet.
Second Try
Donna realized that this dog couldn’t be caught, but rather lured in, so she took a new approach. Getting down on her knees, she started talking to Fergie in a gentle voice, wanting her to know that there was nothing to be scared of.
She didn’t get up and try to run away from me this time.
She slowly approached Fergie, and when she got close enough, she gently threw one end of the leash in her direction, showing that it wasn’t something that would hurt her.
Fergie didn’t really have a reaction to the leash, so Donna carefully slipped it onto her head, and to her surprise, Fergie didn’t really oppose it.
She pretty much just shut down. She must’ve been so exhausted from being alone for so long.
Donna was really happy that she finally gained Fergie’s trust, and without wasting any time, she carefully brought her to the car and took her to the vet.
After a very thorough checkup, the vet stated that because of her shoulder injury, she will have to have her leg amputated. In addition to that, she had also tested positive for parvo.
Road To Recovery
Even though she has a long way to go until she can regain her full strength and health, Fergie is right where she needs to be.
Being surrounded by love, affection, and the medical treatments at Missouri St. Louis Stray Rescue, I am sure that this brave pup will be her good dog self in no time, looking for a forever home that will finally give her the life she deserves.
