This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog!

As an animal control officer in 2009, I was patrolling a local park when I came across a cardboard box left on a picnic table. As I approached the box, I could hear small shallow whimpering. I opened the box and to my horror found eight frail little bodies inside. The puppies were cold, scared, malnourished and confused – and wet and shivering. I immediately grabbed the box and rushed them to the vet. I knew they would be surely put down if I brought them to County (as I should have done per protocol).

Photo: Cheryl (Granny) Erickson

The vet didn’t think the puppies could be any older than 5 weeks – nor did he believe any of them would survive the night. As we dried them off and tried to make them comfortable, one little soul melted my heart as he looked at me. I could feel his little soul begging me to save him. I knew then that he was the one that I had to have. I felt his little heartbeat as I held him in my hands, knowing his little soul was counting on me to save him, to love him and to cherish him.
I brought him home that night and as he lay sleeping, I thought I lost him. He let out a sigh, and it seemed as if he quit breathing. My heart stopped! I gently picked him up and cradled him, praying. He then opened his sleepy little sleepy eyes, then closed them and nodded back off to sleep.

Photo: Facebook/LokiTheGentleMischievousPittie

That was 4 years ago, and now Loki is the sweetest Lug Nut. Now Loki and Granny are trying to help other baby puppies by selling T-shirts to raise money for the rescue that helped saved his litter and spreading the word about rescued pets needing and deserving a loving fur-ever home.

Story submitted by Cheryl (Granny) Erickson, from Caseyville, IL.

Loki's story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Share your very own rescue story here!”