A TRUE HERO. Should be treated with the UTMOST COMPASSION and RESPECT!
He looks like a sweetheart! Thank u to the officers who saved him💙💙💙
Only hours after the New Year began, the team at Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL) received an urgent call that changed their night instantly. A gray-and-white pit bull had been found standing in the middle of a street, [b.le.edi.ng he.av.ily]. Police officers at the scene believed he had been [s.h.0.t] and immediately rushed him to SRSL’s animal hospital for emergency care. What followed became one of the shelter’s most emotional rescue stories.
The [fe.ars] were confirmed soon after arrival. The dog—later named Wallace. Yet incredibly, he was still standing when officers found him, showing an extraordinary will to survive. SRSL shared that this was not how they had hoped to begin the new year, but they were fully committed to saving his life.
Wallace was placed under anesthesia so veterinarians could properly examine his [in.ju.ri.es]. The situation was serious, but there was hope: none of the [bu.lle.ts] had [sh.atte.red] any bones. This meant surgery was possible. In addition to the [gu.nsh.ot w.o.un.ds], Wallace also had a badly damaged tooth that required removal. Within 48 hours, he underwent surgery, marking the beginning of his long road to recovery.
One of the shelter staff, Julia, stayed by Wallace’s side as he woke from [se.da.ti.on], making sure he wouldn’t regain consciousness alone or [fr.ighte.ned]. SRSL shared a heartfelt message alongside a photo: “We got you, strong boy.” The image and words quickly touched thousands of people online.
As his body healed, Wallace was gently bathed, washing away the blood and dirt from his traumatic past. But his spirit never seemed broken. Just four days after his rescue, he experienced a reunion that left everyone emotional. The two officers who had first found him—Officer Ottengheime and Officer Stevens—returned to visit.
Absolutely love him😘🙏❤️❤️
Wallace’s reaction was unforgettable. He rushed to them, covering them in affection. SRSL described it as “about a million grateful kisses,” a moment that moved everyone who witnessed it. It felt as if Wallace truly remembered the people who had saved his life.
Soon, Wallace’s story began to spread, and the community responded with overwhelming love. In less than ten days, a couple stepped forward, eager to adopt him. Although Wallace still needed time to recover at the shelter, they committed to visiting him regularly until he was healthy enough to go home. During one of their visits, Wallace curled up in their laps and showered them with kisses, just as he had done with his rescuers.
For the SRSL team, it was a deeply emotional moment. “This is what all of our hearts need,” they wrote.
Wallace’s journey—from a bleeding, [a.ban.do.ned] dog in the street to a beloved companion with a forever family—is a powerful example of resilience, compassion, and the life-changing impact of rescue work. His story also highlights the critical role shelters like Stray Rescue of St. Louis play for animals who have no one else to turn to.
While Wallace was lucky to find a home quickly, SRSL reminds the public that many other dogs are still waiting for their second chance. For those moved by Wallace’s story, the shelter encourages donations, support, and adoption to help continue their mission.
Wallace’s life is proof that even after unimaginable [c.ru.el.ty], healing is possible—and that love, kindness, and timely action can truly change a life.
Thank God 😊 🙏 the police found you and you’re safe. God bless you all. Thank you Officers 😊
