Faithful Dog Stays By Her Best Friend’s Side Until His Final Goodbye
Dogs deserve homes filled with love and security, but sadly, many are abandoned and left to survive on their own.
For best friends Heart and Soul, this harsh reality became their world after they were deserted near a highway, finding comfort in each other as they struggled to stay alive.
Barking For Help
Heart and Soul’s bond was unbreakable until tragedy struck.
One day, Soul was hit by a car on a highway in St. Louis. Heart immediately became frantic, barking at passersby to get help.
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
As the crowd formed, it was clear she was trying to protect her injured friend.
Donna Lochmann, a rescuer from Stray Rescue of St. Louis, happened to be nearby and quickly rushed to the scene. She knew these dogs needed her, especially with Heart barking protectively over Soul.
“She was barking at people and being protective,” Lochmann shared with The Dodo. “She wasn’t being aggressive but was letting people know that her friend was hurt and she was looking after him.“
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
With care, Lochmann leashed Heart and carried Soul into her car, the loyal dog constantly checking on her injured companion during the ride.
Farewell To Soul
Once they arrived at the shelter, Heart refused to leave Soul’s side.
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
“She watched and would kind of keep an eye on the vet,” Lochmann explained, as if she knew the gravity of the situation.
Unfortunately, Soul’s injuries were too severe for him to recover. Shelter staff were devastated, but they allowed Heart to say goodbye before he crossed the rainbow bridge.
“She laid with her head on him, like she was hugging him goodbye,” Lochmann said. “As he went peacefully, she was right there.“
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
Heart’s devotion and final moments with Soul left everyone in the shelter deeply moved and determined to comfort her through her grief.
Soulmates Forever And Ever
In a touching tribute to their bond, the shelter attached a pendant with Soul’s ashes to Heart’s collar, along with a golden wing symbolizing his protection.
Even in his absence, Soul would remain her guardian angel.
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
Heart didn’t stay long at the shelter. Soon, she was placed in foster care, where her family showered her with love and affection, helping her heal from the heartbreaking loss of her best friend.
A Fresh Start For Heart
Heart found her forever family on January 31, 2023.
Her new parents had recently lost their dog, Cheyenne, and immediately felt a connection with Heart. They knew she was meant to be part of their family.
Bo, their other dog, welcomed Heart into their home, understanding her pain as he too had lost a friend.
Source: Stray Rescue of St. Louis
Together, they healed each other’s emotional scars, forming a strong bond.
Heart now leads a joyful life with her new family, filled with snuggles, zoomies, and love. Although she carries Soul’s ashes in a pendant, her heart is open to new beginnings with her forever family.
