Although it is not easy to hide in the green undergrowth as a medium-sized black and white dog, the young dog Fergie tried to do just that when a walker crossed her path.
The good Samaritan could probably see that the dog was very frightened and instead of trying to do something himself, he picked up the phone and called the animal rescuers from Stray Rescue of St. Louis for help.
Donna and team take over
When Donna Lochmann and her team from Stray Rescue of St. Louis arrive at the forest path, Fergie had retreated even further into the undergrowth.
They almost overlooked the dog behind the foliage and snares, Donna tells the journalists. She realized that the frightened dog could not be lured out because she growled at Donna.
Donna decided to set up a trap and place chicken in it to lure the young dog. The rescue team had already noticed from Fergie’s movements that the dog had an injury. She was not moving her right front leg properly.
Rescue with obstacles
When Donna checked the trap the next day, she actually expected Fergie to be in it, but far from it.
Donna found the cage empty and the tasty chicken untouched near the undergrowth that Fergie had previously used as a hiding place. The dog had obviously left the area due to her distrust of humans.
Donna set off in search of the young dog and eventually found her at the edge of the woods by an abandoned house. Here Fergie was huddled in a corner of the porch, completely distraught and exhausted .
Donna got down on her knees and tried to make contact with the dog using a soft, calming voice. The young dog should slowly get used to Donna’s voice and presence so that she could eventually approach .
Safe at last
Donna spoke incessantly to the dog and also put out a lead. She explained to Fergie exactly what it was and crawled closer and closer to the frightened creature on her knees .
Eventually Donna managed to really get close to Fergie and put the lead on her. She had prepared a cozy spot in her van and went straight to the vet.
The vet had to diagnose a serious joint injury on her right front leg and possibly even plan an amputation. An infection with the parvo virus was also discovered.
A long road back to life
Fergie now has a long road ahead of her. She must be completely cleared of the virus and the healing of her joint must also be monitored.
It will be months before Donna and her team can decide that Fergie is ready to find a family for a new and happy life. But Donna already knows that they will miss the young dog!
