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As winter chilled the streets of St. Louis, Missouri last December, most people sought shelter from the cold. But one gentle stray dog had no such refuge. With nowhere to go, the elderly pup settled onto a stranger’s porch, curling tightly into a ball to shield himself from the icy wind.
“He was curled up in a tight ball on someone’s porch, hiding from the wind,” Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL) shared on Facebook.
Fortunately, a kind neighbor spotted the dog and quickly contacted SRSL. Rescue staff arrived right away and found the dog huddled on the doormat, seeking comfort in any way he could.
A Gentle Soul With a Heart Full of Love
Rescuers easily slipped a leash over the dog’s head, and he calmly followed them off the porch. They named him Gasper, and it didn’t take long for his affectionate nature to shine.
“When we got him back to Stray Rescue, we discovered this very nice old man craves affection,” the team wrote.
At the shelter, Gasper received a full medical check-up. The veterinary team estimated he was around eight years old. Though he was clearly exhausted from his time on the streets, Gasper responded to his new surroundings with gratitude and warmth.
“Anytime we go spend time with this sweet guy, he does a big stretch and gets off his bed,” SRSL wrote. “As we begin petting him, he slowly sinks to the floor. Then, he closes his eyes and just melts into the massage.”
A Senior Dog With Puppy-Like Joy
After a few days of rest, Gasper started to come out of his shell. His playful spirit began to surface, revealing a love for giant tennis balls and silly, affectionate moments.
“He really enjoys when you make kissy noises, and giant tennis balls are … the coolest thing he’s ever seen!” SRSL said. “He’s a leaner, too. He loves to lean into you when you give him pets.”
Though his past was difficult, Gasper’s heart remained open. But his journey isn’t over yet—he’s still waiting for a family to bring him home.
Searching for a Home to Call His Own
Sadly, Gasper has several skin tumors, so SRSL is looking for a special person willing to welcome him into a hospice foster or adoptive home. But the team emphasizes that Gasper still has a lot of life left to enjoy.
“He is considered a hospice foster, but he’s not on a time clock,” SRSL wrote. “He could have years left. He’s doing really well now that he’s safe and healthy, and we imagine he’ll continue to improve in a loving, easygoing home.”
Gasper may not have found his forever family just yet, but his friends at the shelter are confident that someone special will come along. Until then, they continue to give him all the love and care he so deeply deserves.
“He’s absolutely adorable!” SRSL added.
Gasper is still looking for a home. If you are interested in fostering this sweet senior pup, click here for more info. Please SHARE Gasper’s story so he has the best chance of finding his forever family.
