Dog Found Outside ‘Cold to the Touch’ Survives Thanks to Heroic Rescue Team

Stray Rescue of St. Louis sprang into action to save a freezing dog’s life after receiving a call and a photograph of the dog clearly struggling to survive. A Good Samaritan had found the dog still breathing but dangerously cold.

“A woman just sent us this photo and said she found this puppy, he’s still breathing. She’s on her way here with him now, we’re ready for him. Say a prayer for this little one,” Stray Rescue of St. Louis wrote after receiving the photo of the dog, who they’ve named Renlo.

Renlo arrived at their shelter in a box on Thursday. He had likely been left outside in the cold weather for some time. When rescuers attempted to read his temperature, they were alarmed to get no result—he was “cold to the touch.”

“He’s so cold we weren’t able to get his temperature to read,” Stray Rescue revealed. “We warmed him with as many heat sources as we could — warm water beneath him, warm towels, a heating pad, warm fluids, and a bear hugger, but it’s going to take some time.”

Staff whispered words of encouragement to Renlo and used human touch to help warm him up. They decided to take him to an emergency vet team in an effort to stabilize him. Donna, Stray Rescue’s Chief Lifesaving Officer, drove him there, and during the ride he managed to lift his head slightly — such an encouraging sign.

“We decided to take him to an overnight care facility – and their amazing team all jumped into action so fast. They let us film a little bit so you can see he’s in the very best hands. If he has a chance, it’s here. Say a prayer that he makes it through the night.”

In a video shared by the rescue, Renlo receives emergency care during this critical time.

Trouble viewing the video above? Try the version below.

The next morning, Stray Rescue of St. Louis provided the news that everyone had been praying for: Renlo survived the night. They revealed that despite his puppy-like appearance, he’s actually about 3 years old!

The group wrote on Facebook, “Renlo is officially stable and ready to come home to us! Our staff member Chloe just went and picked him up, she sent this pic of him in the car. They’re on their way back now. We can’t wait to give this amazing boy so much love.”

They expressed their gratitude to supporters for donating toward his care and promised to focus on “making him as snuggly as possible.”

And just two days later we have this lovely pupdate to share. Renlo is on his feet! Stray Rescue posted an update on the little brave pup: “Renlo, and his beautiful eyes, say hello! He gets exhausted really fast, so we just go on slow walks and sit in the sun before we head back in for a long, healing nap. He’s taking it day by day and he’s doing so good. What a brave, strong angel boy. You got this, buddy! Each day will be a little better than the one before it.”

Renlo still has more battles ahead on his journey to full health, but with this rescue team looking out for him, he’s got a fighting chance.

Pupdate: Renlo is in foster care. “THIS is what good, solid, relaxing rest looks like! He’s going to heal so much faster – both physically and emotionally – in someone’s arms than he would in our chaotic and noisy shelter,” Stray Rescue shared, along with a photo of Renlo nestled in the arms of his foster dad.

Pupdate: January 2026

After being in foster care for a few months, Stray Rescue shared some wonderful news for the new year. They wrote, “We know you’ve been eager for an update on Renlo, the little boy who came to us cold to the touch, and who stole everyone’s heart on his miracle of a healing journey.

“Since our last update, he has met the family of his dreams, and he is now adopted! His foster family is so proud of him, and we can’t thank them enough for being his safe place.”

“His forever family sent us some updates – WOW look at his backyard! He went from dying in a cardboard box on a cold day, to having a wardrobe and a water view!

“While chatting with his parents about how he’s doing, we found out they own The Mud House on Cherokee Street! It’s a SUPER cute coffee & kitchen if you haven’t been there before. They said Renlo loves to go to work with them and “entertain” and mingle with guests on the patio.”

To help support dogs like Renlo, visit the Stray Rescue of St. Louis’ website.

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