At the Stray Rescue of St. Louis, where the staff and volunteers pledge their best efforts saving the strays, the injured, the unwanted and those who are left to survive in the most egregious conditions, miracles are often made. Dogs receive the best medical treatment available; their tender souls are slowly brought back and so many go on to live enchanted lives.
If only all the rescued dogs could meet that happy fate.
Less than two weeks ago, photographs of an abandoned husky chained up in the woods with severe injuries near Ironton, Missouri, went viral on social media. He was rescued and brought to the organization’s partner veterinarian where he was examined, bathed and made to feel as comfortable as possible. Tumors in his mouth made eating painful; his rescuers named him Songaa.
Biopsies were performed, and his tests revealed an aggressive fibrosarcoma, a very extreme case at that, and no treatment plan was going to work for him, not even chemotherapy or radiation. It had already progressed and wreaked so much havoc that not even a partial jaw removal would do any good.
So, we’re going to give him the happiest days we can possibly give him. Tons of belly rubs, tiny bites of cheeseburger, and lots and lots of loving.
Stray Rescue of St. Louis
Everyone fell in love with Songaa, and for the last days of his life, he was showered with love, treats, roasted chicken, belly rubs, a birthday party and sent loving thoughts by people across the world.
On Friday, Songaa’s condition quickly deteriorated. He had trouble breathing and was struggling.
It is a choice no one ever wants to make, but despite our heartbreak, we all knew it was time to say goodbye. He was enveloped in love and peace, surrounded by all his people. Songaa passed away peacefully with dignity and grace.
Stray Rescue of St. Louis
And the story of “if only we could make miracles” continued. And on the same afternoon that Songaa’s condition deteriorated, Kanga joined the Stray Rescue of St. Louis’ family. Kanga had one of the most severe cases of mange the seasoned staff had seen in more than 25 years.
“… his open wounds, his painful sores, his skinny hungry body. His skin had just been flaking off. His hips ached through his protruding hip bones and his hairless tail…
And finally, those eyes. Those sad, sad eyes. We can feel his broken heart through his eyes. He is completely defeated. We are so sorry this has happened to you.
Stray Rescue of St. Louis
All that could be done for Kanga was done, but he had been septic for so long and his weakened body could not fight back. His heart just couldn’t take the stress and infections anymore; poor Kanga died over the weekend too.
No doubt this has been the worst summer for animal abuse the rescue organization has ever witnessed. Please keep the volunteers and staff in your thoughts as their hearts have taken some heavy hits.
Rest in peace and run free Songaa and Kanga. Your lives mattered.
Read more of Songaa’s story here.
Read more of Kanga’s story here.
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