A tragic photo of a dog in severe need devastated hearts less than a week ago, and Stray Rescue of St. Louis received a call for rescue. It was a Good Samaritan who placed the phone to the non-profit organisation, seeking for assistance.

Nobody knew how long the dog, dubbed Jessie by her rescuers, had been living on the streets, scavenging for food and barely surviving. Jessie was in such horrible shape that she had to be taken into the veterinary hospital. The infection could be smelled in the car by staff and volunteers, and her wounds were not new. Her eye was infected, she had a deep wound on her head, and her tongue was hanging out of her mouth.

And as she began to feel better, there were already hints; Jesse had won the hearts of the whole hospital staff:

THIS IS THE MOST ADORABLE LITTLE GIRL. SHE’S ONLY A YEAR OLD AND WEIGHS JUST OVER 20 POUNDS. HER SWELLING HAS DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY, AND WE’LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE OFFER HER A STUFFED BABY TO CUDDLE WITH.

And, just to bring readers up to date on Jessie’s whereabouts, we have a fantastic update from Stray Rescue of St. Louis:

TODAY, WE BRINGED JESSIE HOME. WE WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO THANK HER DOCTORS AND NURSES ENOUGH FOR CAREING FOR HER AND GETTING HER TO THIS POINT WITH AROUND-THE-CLOCK CARE. TODAY, ALL SHE HAS TO DO IS BECOME FAMILIAR WITH US AND REST. ‘OH SHE’S SOOO LITTLE!’ SAYS EVERYONE WHO MEETS HER.

Think about how lovely it must have felt for Jessie to spend some time in the sun rolling around on her back. Imagine how she feels when she only receives compliments and sweet hugs.

Thank you to everyone who has assisted her with her needs. Because of your help, she was able to stay in the hospital and receive the emergency care she required.

Her procedures will be scheduled shortly, but for the time being, she will be able to rest at her specifically selected foster family. There will be more updates soon.

What could be more beautiful than a tragic beginning that transforms into a magnificent story of love and healing?