It was a beautiful summer’s day in St. Louis, Missouri, last July when an unsuspecting driver spotted something strange along a busy road. Just off the shoulder of the road was a large field with tall grass — and a black metal crate appeared to be resting in the middle of it.
The driver stopped to investigate the crate. That’s when she discovered a hairless black dog, barely living, lying next to a tragic scene.
“She wasn’t alone; sadly, her sweet pup friend did not survive, and she didn’t leave his side,” Julie Christofferson wrote on Facebook.
The Good Samaritan had no idea how long the pups had been alone in the field. While one dog unfortunately didn’t make it, there was hope for the one with patchy black hair.
“Her condition is absolutely horrific,” Christofferson wrote. “She has unbelievable hair loss from thousands of fleas.”
The dog, later named Cardi B, was visibly sick and could hardly move, but she was alive — and her unexpected rescuer was determined to keep it that way.
The Good Samaritan reached out to her community for support, and eventually, Christofferson’s friend offered to help.
“My sweet friend, Sarah Barney, couldn’t leave her there and took her to the vet, where she is currently staying until rescue can be secured,” Christofferson wrote. “To think of what she’s been through in her few short years is devastating to fathom.”
Barney shuttled Cardi B to Stray Rescue of St. Louis’ (SRSL) emergency medical clinic, where the loving staff welcomed her with open arms. They were heartbroken to learn Cardi B’s origin story.
“Thankfully, the finder made it her duty to help them,” SRSL wrote on Facebook. “She is a hero.”
After many extensive examinations, the SRSL veterinary team was relieved to learn that Cardi B had not been injured in the field like her beloved companion.
“She couldn’t get up or walk on her own and had lots of hair missing,” SRSL wrote on Facebook. “We thought she had a broken pelvis, but thankfully, nothing is broken. She is just old and weak … with a hard life behind her.”
As soon as Cardi B entered SRSL’s headquarters, she instantly received all the love and care she’d always deserved. The team made sure that, despite her limitations, Cardi B never missed out on the fun.
“[W]e are giving her dignity and getting her outside in the sun with a sling,” SRSL wrote. “She must not have walked in a while because she is really excited to move on her own and sniff everything!”
Thanks to their constant love, Cardi B’s condition improved dramatically within just a few days of her rescue.
“[A]fter just one week of love, nutrition, medical care and a set of WHEELS, this girl is on the move!” SRSL wrote on Facebook. “She’s 13 years old and READY to live her life the way it’s meant to be lived! With tons of love and care.”
Cardi B’s personality blossomed in her short time at SRSL. From running freely in her wheelchair to snuggling with her new best friends, Cardi B’s life completely changed.
“When she’s not cruising around town, she just wants to be on a big, cushy bed. Preferably riiiiiiiight next to you,” SRSL wrote. “Now that she knows what getting attention is like, she wants it all the time. She is such a babe!”
Cardi B soon landed the perfect foster home, where she’s been ever since. Once a hairless dog with limited mobility and a broken heart, Cardi B has transformed drastically. Her hair has grown back shinier than ever, and she’s adventuring more, with and without her new custom wheelchair.
“You can just tell how much better she feels,” SRSL wrote on Facebook. “Her foster says she’s been getting up on her own. When she sees a ball, she has to chase it, and she enjoys swimming. That is what it’s all about. It gives us chills!”
Cardi B is now living the life of her dreams thanks to the Good Samaritan who refused to drive past a random crate in a field. Despite her devastating origin story, the rescuers responsible for Cardi B’s new life are thrilled to see her thrive.
“Cardi B, we love you, baby!” SRSL wrote. “Thank you, thank you to everyone who supports rescue dogs. They deserve the help!”
