When animal control officers arrived at an abandoned school in St. Louis, they discovered a sight that stopped them in their tracks. A small, frail dog was tied to a fence, her body dangerously thin and her movements weak. It was clear she had been there for some time, fighting to survive without food or shelter.
A passerby had spotted her just in time and called for help. “It’s a miracle someone even saw her,” Stray Rescue of St. Louis later wrote in a post. Within minutes of arriving, the officers contacted the organization’s on-site clinic, knowing she needed immediate medical care.
At the shelter, the team gently untied the dog and carried her inside. Despite her condition, she showed no aggression. Instead, she leaned into the touch of her rescuers, as if she knew she was finally safe. “Even though she was in horrible shape, she was so sweet,” said Natalie Thomson, chief communications officer at Stray Rescue of St. Louis. “She was weak and all bones, but she trusted us and wanted to cuddle with our vet techs.”
The staff named her Levey. Though eager to feed her, they knew they had to move carefully. Severely malnourished animals are at risk of developing refeeding syndrome if they eat too much too quickly. So, the team introduced small amounts of food over time, monitoring her closely.
Days passed, and Levey’s strength slowly returned. She began to stand on her own, her tail wagging a little more each day. The change in her eyes was unmistakable—what was once fear had turned into trust.
“Levey’s personality is amazing,” Thomson said. “She is so grateful for love, affection, and loves other dogs. All she wants to do is play.”
Her favorite companion at the shelter is Alaric, another survivor who had been rescued from starvation. The two bonded instantly, sharing a love of playtime and a zest for life that only those who have endured hardship seem to understand. “They have similar play styles and just wanted to wrestle now that they both are feeling more energetic than they have in a long, long time,” Thomson said.
As Levey continues to gain weight, her rescuers are preparing her for the next chapter of her recovery. Once she is strong enough, she will move into a foster home where she can rest, grow, and experience what a loving home feels like for the first time.
Stray Rescue of St. Louis shared their excitement in a recent update: “[She’s] ready for the fun part … to be fattened up!”
Today, Levey is safe, warm, and surrounded by people who care deeply about her future. Her journey from despair to hope is far from over, but one thing is certain—she’ll never be forgotten or left behind again.
