Rescuers Save Abandoned Dogs in Freezing Missouri Cold

Stray Rescue of St. Louis responded to a call about a dog chained outside in 9°F weather, finding two dogs in need of immediate help.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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On a frigid Friday night, the Stray Rescue of St. Louis received a call about a dog chained to an abandoned house in 9°F weather. Rescuers tracked paw prints in the snow and found the male dog dragging a chain, along with a female companion in need of medical attention due to a vaginal prolapse. The two dogs, named Fannar and Eira, were quickly secured and brought to the shelter, where they were exhausted but grateful to be warm.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers that abandoned and stray animals can face in extreme winter weather conditions, and the importance of community members being vigilant and reporting any animals in distress. The Stray Rescue of St. Louis plays a vital role in protecting vulnerable animals in the area.

The details

Rescuers Donna and Officer Ottengheime were able to secure both dogs in under 10 minutes and get them into the warm vehicle. The female dog, Eira, had a vaginal prolapse and required immediate medical attention. The male dog, Fannar, was dragging a chain leash. Once at the shelter, the dogs were described as "exhausted and so happy to be warm" with their skin "so pink from being cold for so long."

  • On a freezing Friday night after everyone had gone home for the day, the Stray Rescue of St. Louis received the call about the dogs.
  • The rescue operation took place on February 10, 2026.

The players

Stray Rescue of St. Louis

A Missouri-based animal shelter that responded to the call about the abandoned dogs and carried out the rescue operation.

Donna

A rescuer from Stray Rescue of St. Louis who was unable to feel her fingers after just a few moments in the cold while securing the dogs.

Officer Ottengheime

A police officer who met Donna on site and assisted in securing the two dogs.

Fannar

The male dog rescued, who was dragging a chain leash.

Eira

The female dog rescued, who had a vaginal prolapse and required immediate medical attention.

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What they’re saying

“They were exhausted and so happy to be warm. Their skin was so pink from being cold for so long!”

— Natalie Thomson, Chief Communications Officer, Stray Rescue of St. Louis (Newsweek)

What’s next

Fannar has already found a foster home, while Eira is still at the shelter waiting for a foster or forever home. The shelter is hopeful that Eira will also be placed in a loving home soon.

The takeaway

This rescue operation highlights the vital role that animal shelters like Stray Rescue of St. Louis play in protecting vulnerable animals, especially in extreme weather conditions. It serves as a reminder for community members to be vigilant and report any animals in distress to ensure their safety.