A Shocking Discovery Outside the Shelter
For the dedicated team at Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL), long days filled with rescues are nothing new. The group often drives across the city, braving busy streets, alleys, and neglected neighborhoods to find animals in desperate need. But earlier this month, one of their most heartbreaking discoveries came much closer to home — right outside the rescue’s own doors.
Along the sidewalk near SRSL’s memorial benches, a lonely pit bull mix was spotted tethered to a tree. The sight shocked the staff. Typically, families strolled through that area with their beloved pets, stopping to pay respects at the memorial bricks. This time, however, there was only a single frightened dog, waiting silently for someone to notice him.
“This pup was tied up outside,” SRSL later shared on Facebook.
The Dog Who Couldn’t Hide His Relief
As soon as staff members approached, the pup’s demeanor changed instantly. Instead of growling or shrinking back in fear, he greeted them with uncontainable joy. His tail wagged so hard that his whole body seemed to wiggle, as if he had been waiting for this moment all along.
“As we approached him, he seemed to say, ‘Oh, thank goodness, yes, come help me! I’m all by myself! I’m just a baby boy!’” SRSL wrote.
The team quickly freed him from the tree, showering him with gentle pats and soothing words. The grateful pup responded with endless kisses and excited hops, clearly overjoyed that his ordeal was finally over. His rescuers decided to give him a dignified name that matched his cheerful personality: Professor Plum.
From Abandonment to a Loving Foster Home
Once safely inside the shelter, Professor Plum received a full medical evaluation. Thankfully, aside from being shaken by his abandonment, he was in good health. Staff knew this sweet-natured boy didn’t deserve to spend another night without comfort and companionship, so they immediately searched for a foster home.
“He’s so sweet that he actually left for a foster home the same day!” said Natalie Thomson, SRSL’s chief communications officer. “I didn’t even get to meet him!”
That very evening, Professor Plum was welcomed into a temporary home filled with warmth, love, and familiar faces — in fact, it was a reunion neither he nor his foster family expected.
A Heartwarming Reunion With His Former Foster Mom
Professor Plum’s foster mom, Barb Kumar, immediately recognized him when he arrived. Years earlier, she had fostered both him and his sister when they were just 10 weeks old. At that time, both puppies were adopted, and Kumar never imagined she would see one of them again.
“I fostered him and his sister at 10 weeks old, and both got adopted,” Kumar explained. “Now, at 16 months old, he is with me.”
The moment he saw her, Professor Plum’s excitement overflowed. He covered Kumar’s face in sloppy kisses, as if he remembered the woman who had cared for him as a puppy. He settled into her home with ease, quickly befriending her other dogs and becoming part of the pack once again.
A Bright Future for Professor Plum
Weeks have passed since that emotional reunion, and Professor Plum has thrived in his foster home. He enjoys walks with his new siblings, playtime in the yard, and plenty of cuddles on the couch. Despite the rough circumstances that led him back to SRSL, his joyful spirit hasn’t dimmed one bit.
Soon, Professor Plum will move into a permanent forever home with another loving family. Though saying goodbye will be bittersweet, Kumar feels certain that his best days are still ahead.
“Professor Plum is quite amazing!” she said proudly.
From being abandoned and tied to a tree to rediscovering love in the arms of a familiar friend, Professor Plum’s story is a testament to resilience and hope. His wagging tail is proof that even in the darkest moments, a little kindness can change everything.
