Rosie, a staff member at Stray Rescue of St. Louis , was taking a shelter dog for a walk, unaware of the startling discovery that lay ahead.

As she walked, she noticed an abandoned crate covered with a black tarp, left on the sidewalk. Rosie froze, her heart sinking. She rushed toward it, fearing that someone had discarded pets inside, hoping she could help in time.

The crate sat directly under the scorching sun, with temperatures in St. Louis, Missouri, reaching 98 degrees that day.

Saved Just in Time

Worried about the dogs’ safety, Rosie immediately called for assistance.

“[They] radioed on their walkie-talkie. They felt a little panicked because it was so hot outside,” a representative from Stray Rescue of St. Louis shared with The Dodo .

Speaking softly, Rosie lifted the tar

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