Abandoned Dog Left Tied to Fence With Shoelace Finds Foster Home

An abandoned dog in Missouri has been fostered after being found shaking with nerves while tied to a fence with a shoestring near a dumpster.

Stray Rescue of St. Louis on Tuesday shared the story of the dog, aptly named Shoestring, on their Facebook page.

The rescue center received a call from a concerned citizen who was taking her trash out and stayed with the terrified pup until the team arrived.

"We seek out and take in those who no other organization will help or would simply euthanize because they are too expensive to heal," Natalie Thomson from Stray Rescue of St. Louis told Newsweek. "We rescue the abandoned, beaten, bred, fought, injured, terrified, defeated and betrayed."

The abandoned dog was found shaking with nerves and very frightened before being taken to the shelter.

"He is a healthy boy," said Thomson. "Just a few months old. We don't know what happened, but we have seen so many babies discarded—tied up at parks, to dumpsters, left in crates."

According to data from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), nearly 3.1 million dogs are abandoned each year in the U.S.

As Stray Rescue of St. Louis continues its work, the shelter reported they are currently dealing with the most animals they have ever seen.

"We currently have 538 animals, most of them being adult dogs," Thomson said. "Sadly, this summer we saw more abuse cases than we ever have before. Our phone rings off the hook with people who find dogs, need to rehome their own dogs, or good Samaritans in rural areas that don't know what to do when they find an injured dog or cat. People are treating man's best friend like they are disposable."

After sharing Shoestring's heartbreaking story on their Facebook page, the rescue received thousands of reactions and hundreds of comments from people sharing good wishes for the dog.

"Poor baby," said one comment. "Thanks for all you do for these guys."

Another Facebook user wrote: "People are so cruel. How could anyone abandon this precious angel? Thank you to the wonderful person who saved this little love."

Happily, things are looking up for Shoestring after finding a foster home.

"A wonderful family saw our plea and came to foster him," Thomson said. "But we have so many more who need a foster home."

With such a full shelter, Thomson explained they are always looking for volunteers to care for animals in need.

"All we ask is that you have an open heart and patience to let the little soul you take home blossom into who they are meant to be," she said. "We provide everything you need so it doesn't cost a dime. We'll provide everything from a crate, bed, treats, food, and all medical care."

The best way to help the shelter is to visit. The team will help willing volunteers find the right animal to support.

"Our doors are open 7 days a week," Thomson said. "Our matchmakers will help you find a great fit for your home, whether you have other pets, kids, live in an apartment, etc."

Stray Rescue of St. Louis is located at 2320 Pine Street, 63103. Interested parties can also visit Strayrescue.org/foster for more information.