When Stray Rescue of St. Louis got a call about a dog resting on a residential street in the middle of a heat wave, they politely asked the caller to email them images of the pup so they could decide how best to help.

Stray Rescue of St. Louis’ Donna Lochmann, chief lifesaving officer, told The Dodo that “the picture this person supplied us showed the dog lying down.” It was difficult to tell, but it appeared as though his hip bones were visible. Thus, I felt certain that it was worthwhile to investigate.

Despite arriving swiftly, Lochmann was unable to locate the puppy. At the last second, she made the decision to turn into an alley, and that’s when she saw him.

Lochmann reported, “I saw him there, lying in the roadway.” It was probably to stay cool because it was so hot that he was lying in water that was rising from a gutter.

Lochmann approached and saw how severely the dog needed assistance.

He must have heard me when I approached the end of the lane, Lochmann remarked. I observed him raise his head, take a quick glance around, and then flop his head back down on the curb as if he had given up altogether.

Lochmann’s heart ached at the thought of the dog lying by himself on the street, lifeless and without hope.

It simply killed me, Lochmann remarked. There’s no way I’m leaving this puppy here, I told myself.

Here is a video of Lochmann spotting the puppy for the first time:

Fortunately for Lochmann, the mistreated dog had no reservations about being saved. Even without a leash, he walked himself to her jeep.

Come on, buddy, we’re going to help you, I replied as I began to speak to him.

The pup made himself at home as soon as he entered the automobile.

He immediately laid down because Lochmann had blankets in the rear of the jeep. He appeared to be really appreciative of air conditioning and a cozy environment.

The affectionate canine, subsequently given the name Curby, relished his “freedom trip” to safety, as the shelter put it.

He promptly went to a foster family, according to Lochmann. “After seeing his video, a couple commented to the husband, ‘That puppy shouldn’t stay in a shelter.’” They arrived and snatched him up.

Curby is enjoying his new foster home, where he has two parents who are incredibly caring and a dog sibling who he enjoys cuddling with. In his new home, he has finally begun to gain weight and his personality has really begun to take off.

He has the most devoted foster parents, according to Lochmann. “He proved to be the sweetest boy ever,” she said.