Truck Driver Spots Puppy in Ditch, Sets Off Life-Changing Rescue

2 days ago 6

While driving his route through St. Louis, Missouri, a truck driver named Odell noticed something alarming on the side of the road—a tiny puppy shivering in a ditch. Though he couldn’t stop himself, he didn’t hesitate to act. Odell quickly contacted Stray Rescue of St. Louis to report the pup’s condition and exact location. His phone call would change the little dog’s life forever.

When rescuers arrived, they found the small brown and white puppy trembling in the ditch. She was frightened and hungry, but incredibly friendly. They named her Odella, in honor of the man who cared enough to make the call.

Donna Lochmann, Chief Life Saving Officer at Stray Rescue of St. Louis, was the first to meet Odella. As Donna approached, the injured pup rolled over onto her back for belly rubs, tail wagging wildly. Despite clearly being in pain, she showed nothing but love.

Veterinarians soon confirmed that Odella had been hit by a car. She had a broken foot, a dislocated hip, and a fractured femur. At only six months old, her road to recovery would be long—but thanks to Odell and the rescue team, she had a chance.

Doctors realigned her hip and placed her leg in a splint. Though recovery was slower than expected, Odella remained determined. With time, she learned to walk and eventually run again using all four legs.

Throughout it all, she was lovingly cared for by her foster mom—none other than Donna Lochmann. As the weeks passed, it became clear that Odella had already found her forever home.

“She just never left,” Donna said with a laugh. “She came in, unpacked her bags, and that was pretty much it!”

Odella now spends her days playing with toys, snuggling with her rescued siblings, and enjoying peanut butter treats in a home filled with love. Her story is a testament to how a simple phone call from a compassionate stranger can change everything.

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