Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL) is used to traveling all over the city to save animals in distress. But earlier this month, one of their rescues happened right on their doorstep — and it left the entire team stunned.
Just steps from the shelter, along a walkway lined with memorial bricks and visitor benches, staff stumbled upon a heartbreaking sight: a young pit bull mix tied to a tree, completely alone.
“This pup was tied up outside,” SRSL shared on Facebook.
The team rushed over immediately. Most dogs that pass by are with loving families, but this one had clearly been left behind. Despite the situation, the dog’s reaction to seeing them was pure joy.
“As we approached him, he seemed to say, ‘Oh, thank goodness, yes, come help me! I’m all by myself! I’m just a baby boy!’” the rescue wrote.
He wagged his tail wildly and covered his rescuers in kisses — the happiest little pup to finally be noticed.
You can watch that moment here:
The team gently untied him, and he trotted beside them to safety. They named him Professor Plum, and after a quick check-up at the shelter, it was clear: this sweet boy was ready for a foster home.
“He’s so sweet that he actually left for a foster home the same day!” said Natalie Thomson, SRSL’s chief communications officer.
Professor Plum’s foster placement turned out to be a reunion in disguise. His new foster mom, Barb Kumar, had fostered him and his sister when they were just 10 weeks old.
Now, at 16 months old, he was back in her arms — and neither of them missed a beat.
“He covered me in kisses,” Kumar said.
With new dog siblings to play with and a warm home to curl up in, Professor Plum has been thriving. He’s back to long walks, cozy naps, and belly rubs — all the things every dog deserves.
Soon, Professor Plum will be heading to a forever home with a loving new family. But no matter where he ends up, it’s clear his heart is full — and his best days are still ahead.
“Professor Plum is quite amazing,” Kumar said.
To support dogs like him, consider donating to Stray Rescue of St. Louis.
