In the spring of 2023, Stray Rescue of St. Louis received a distressing call about an injured dog tied to a fence. The volunteers were worried, but the dire condition of the animal, once seen, was far beyond their expectations.
Upon arriving, the team encountered a dog whose face was alarmingly swollen to five times its size. Stray Rescue of St. Louis shared on Facebook, stating that the dog’s injuries had been neglected, leaving it to suffer in the sun.
The rescue team was shocked by the state of the dog, later named Marco, and wasted no time in providing the care he desperately needed. Despite his joy at finally being discovered, Marco was too weak from pain and infection to fully express it.
Stray Rescue of St. Louis commented on Facebook that Marco’s body was ravaged by infection, urging him to hold on and keep fighting. Carefully freeing him from the fence, the team rushed him to their animal hospital for intensive care.
The organization revealed on Facebook that Marco had become septic, requiring months of hospitalization where he received IV fluids, antibiotics, and other treatments to stabilize him.
Though Marco’s past before being abandoned remains uncertain, his injuries suggested a brutal history possibly linked to dog fighting.
Yet, Marco’s spirit was unbroken. He remained affectionate and trusting towards his rescuers, showing them his gratitude through love and loyalty.
Stray Rescue of St. Louis noted, “The most amazing part is he still loves and trusts humans. He still looks to them for love and gives love.”
With time and dedicated care, Marco made a remarkable recovery. The swelling subsided, revealing his true appearance, and he began to rediscover his vibrant, joyful self.
Once healthy, Marco joined a foster family. His foster mother, Katie, quickly fell in love with him, ultimately deciding to adopt him.
Marco is now thriving, surrounded by a loving family and other dogs from Stray Rescue of St. Louis. The distress of his past is firmly behind him.
Katie shared in a note to Stray Rescue of St. Louis, “Marco is spoiled rotten… like, really rotten. Overall, he has a huge personality and is the perfect combination of silly and sweet and smart and protective.”
His days are now filled with joy—whether it’s sneaking blankets before bed or keeping watch from his favorite window. Marco’s family cherishes every moment, just as he does with them.
Katie added on Stray Rescue of St. Louis’ Facebook, “He’s still just the cutest little man with his head tilts. We love our baby boy, Marco!”
