Severe storms - including deadly tornadoes - are pummeling several states, including Missouri. 

An EF-3 tornado tore through the city of St. Louis last Friday destroying everything in its path. While people were urged to take shelter, one poor dog was left chained outside unable to escape. 

Thousands of homes and buildings were destroyed and countless lives lost. Search and rescue teams headed out to the hardest hit areas to search for survivors. 

Stray Rescue of St. Louis, a local animal shelter, has taken in lost, injured and displaced pets while trying to get supplies to families impacted. They were already over capacity before the tornado and are in desperate need of fosters and adopters. They continue to help animals in need. 

On Monday, they received a call about a dog trapped under fallen trees behind an abandoned home. They rushed to her rescue and posted, " behind an abandoned house, a dog was chained up with padlocks around her neck, and trapped beneath fallen trees. She’s crying for help. The fallen trees landed on old cars, and we believe that’s what saved her life. She’s been back there so scared and all alone since Friday! We named her LITA, standing for 'Love Is the Answer'."

She was brought back to the shelter where they immediately cut the chains off and gave her something to eat. She was examined and miraculously doesn't have any serious injuries. 

Lita is finally safe and getting the care she deserves.

The heroes at the shelter are doing all they can for the animals and people in their community. Learn more about them here. 

The severe weather impacted thousands more in Kentucky and other surrounding states. The devastation left by these tornadoes is heartbreaking. People and pets need our support. 

Greater Good Charities continues to work with partners in impacted areas to assess the need so that they can assist however necessary. Donate now to provide critical aid.