When the team at Stray Rescue of St. Louis received a photo of a dog lying motionless on a pile of wood, they knew it was serious. The message that came with it was short but impossible to ignore: “Dog shot, needs help.” That was all it took. Cassady, one of the rescuers, didn’t hesitate. “Bring me that baby,” she said in a Facebook post.
A kind stranger had already found the dog and stayed by her side, refusing to leave her alone while waiting for help to arrive. When the rescue team got there, they moved carefully. The dog, later named Propeller, was clearly in pain but allowed herself to be gently lifted and taken to safety.
No one knew exactly how bad her injuries were, but everyone hoped for the best. At Stray Rescue’s veterinary clinic, the staff worked quickly to assess her condition. As it turned out, the bullet had done damage, but in a strange twist of luck, it had missed every major organ. Shrapnel had lodged in her leg, but her spine, joints, and vital areas were unharmed.
Propeller went into surgery to remove the fragments, and the operation was a success. As soon as she was out of the woods, her recovery began. The team couldn’t believe how quickly her sweet personality started to shine through. “This gunshot victim is sooo lucky to not have lasting injuries,” SRSL posted on Facebook. They were calling it a miracle, and it really was.
She was only about two years old, but she already carried a quiet strength. Even after everything, Propeller chose to trust. She welcomed affection, leaned into the people caring for her, and soaked up all the love she was given. “She’s about 2 years old and a total love bug,” the rescue shared.
It didn’t take long before she was back on her feet. As the pain faded, her playful side returned. She started running around the yard with other dogs, wagging her tail and making new friends like she had never known fear.
Propeller is now in foster care, resting in a warm home while she waits for her forever family. She’s proven to be gentle, friendly, and easy to love. The team at Stray Rescue knows she’s ready for her next chapter. They imagine her lounging in the sun, snoozing on soft blankets, and curling up next to someone who will never let her down.
“THIS dog here is the epitome of love,” they wrote. “She is kind, she is gracious and so perfect [and] easy-going.”
Her story could have ended in silence and pain, but because of a few caring hearts, it’s heading toward joy instead. And until her forever home finds her, Propeller will keep doing what she does best—loving with her whole heart.