Certain tales leave our hearts shattered into countless fragments, and Halia’s is undoubtedly among them.
This unfortunate canine spent several days alone, hoping for someone to stop by and offer her a kind hand.
When she was finally acknowledged by a big-hearted bystander, Halia was at her lowest ebb. She was lying amidst water and refuse, struggling to move. During these challenging times, all she desired was some encouraging words, a bit of kindness, and a companion.
And, within just a few hours, she received an abundance of it!
Halia’s Heart-Wrenching Tale
Donna Lochmann, a long-time rescuer and Chief Life-Saving Officer at Stray Rescue of St. Louis, received a call regarding Halia, prompting her to promptly spring into action.
Over her career, Donna has encountered numerous trying circumstances, but when she and her team first laid eyes on Halia amidst the refuse, they were utterly astounded. Her heart shattered at that moment, overwhelmed by sorrow for this unfortunate girl.
Halia’s hind legs were entirely immobilized, and she could only move her head.
The team suspected she had been struck by a vehicle, causing her to drag herself as far as possible from the road. She ended up in nearby bushes, where she went hungry until her rescuers arrived.
Donna and her team cautiously approached Halia. It was clear she was traumatized and fearful of humans, thus the team prioritized winning her trust.
Eventually, Donna gently lifted her in a warm blanket and placed her in a vehicle.
“You Are So Beautiful, We Love You”
Upon arriving at the facility, the team quickly dried her, draped her with warm blankets, as she was shivering from the cold.
Next, they offered her a small quantity of food, being cautious to prevent refeeding syndrome.
It was at this shelter where the lovely girl acquired her name – Halia. She reminded everyone of their departed canine, Harris, and thus was given a name that symbolized the memory of a cherished companion.
The Stray Rescue of St. Louis crew subjected Halia to a comprehensive veterinary assessment.
The veterinarian performed an X-ray to determine the reason for her hind leg paralysis, but they could not determine a clear cause. Apart from her back injuries, there was no apparent indication as to why she lacked sensation in her rear legs.
The following morning, Halia had enough energy to raise her head and sport a faint smile. For the first time since her rescue, she instilled a sense of hope in everyone at the shelter, as she seemed to be improving.
The crew even took her outside to bask in the sunlight and enjoyed a delightful ride in a cart, which she relished immensely.
Sadly, on the third day, she completely deteriorated. She was unable to lift her head or eat. Her strength had vanished, and on that same day, Halia succumbed to her battle for life.
Her rescuers were devastated, yet they treasured the final moments they could share with her.
They ensured she was comforted during her last moments, uttering the gentlest words possible: “We are so sorry. You are so beautiful. We love you,” as stated by the SRSL team.
Halia peacefully crossed the rainbow bridge, her last memory engulfed by the love of many friends. Rest in peace, sweet girl. Your legacy will forever live on in our hearts!