“Everywhere she goes, the red fish follows…”
Introducing Miley Marker, an endearing foster dog rescued from a bustling Missouri highway. When discovered that day, Miley was trembling with fear, just off the side of the busy freeway. That’s when Donna Lochmann, the Chief Life Saving Officer at Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL), came to her aid.
In no time at all, Miley, a sick and timid dog, became at ease in the arms of her rescuer. Given her background as a stray, Lochmann expected Miley to be defensive and wary of strangers. However, it didn’t take long to realize that this sweet girl was brimming with love and appreciation.
Upon their initial meeting, Miley showered Lochmann with as many affectionate licks as she could manage before they headed to the shelter. It was at the shelter that Miley commenced her healing journey.
In the days following her rescue, Miley continued to share her affection with her caretakers. Regardless of the task at hand, she never missed an opportunity to plant a wet kiss on the faces of her new best friends.
SRSL’s volunteers observed that Miley was gradually coming out of her shell as she felt more secure and loved in the shelter. However, they had yet to uncover an endearing personality trait that would take them by surprise.
Not only was Miley a cuddle bug, but she also possessed a concealed playful side. She merely required a safe and comfortable home to unleash her playful energy.
Shortly after her rescue, Miley found herself in foster care. Her new mom, Rachel, welcomed her home with a brand-new toy. The sweet girl, who had never experienced play before, instantly lit up.
“I gave her a new red fish toy when we walked in the door, and she immediately started carrying it around everywhere,” Rachel wrote in a letter to SRSL, which they shared on Facebook. “Everywhere she goes, the red fish goes, too…”
From outdoor potty trips to bedtime, Miley refused to be separated from her beloved toy.
“On her very first night, she fell soundly asleep with the red fish clutched in her mouth and slept like that for a couple of hours,” Rachel wrote.
Now, in a cozy home filled with love, Miley can be her playful self. She learned to be stoic and defensive for survival on the streets, but today, she lets her guard down completely.
As much as she adores her toy, Miley is equally obsessed with every member of her foster family. She never turns down an opportunity to play, but sharing affection through kisses is her specialty.
“[Miley] will suddenly wake up, jump into my lap at full speed, and start licking my face incessantly,” Rachel wrote. “It’s as if she suddenly remembers how she was saved and wants to express how thankful she is.”
As of now, Miley is still in search of her forever home, but she’s in no hurry. She’s savoring every moment of her new life, one toy-filled day at a time.