“He was the frowniest little guy …”
Days before Halloween last year, the team at Stray Rescue of St. Louis (SRSL) encountered a haunting sight in a quiet neighborhood—a dark figure hunched like a little gargoyle, staring at them with a strange posture.
At first glance, the curious creature might have been mistaken for a Halloween decoration. But the rescuers quickly realized he was a real pup in desperate need of help.
“He was the frowniest little guy,” SRSL wrote on Facebook. “He was very scared and clearly in pain.”
Despite his fear, Guillermo de la Cruz—named by his rescuers—was too weak to run away. He stayed still as SRSL’s chief life-saving officer, Donna Lochmann, carefully approached and slipped a leash around his neck.
Nervous but relieved, Guillermo de la Cruz allowed himself to be led to the car. Once inside, he let out a deep sigh, finally understanding he was safe.
“As soon as he realized he was safe in the car, he relaxed,” SRSL shared. “You are safe, you big, sweet angel.”
At SRSL’s headquarters, Guillermo de la Cruz received constant care for his injuries and low weight. With steady medication and endless love from the staff, he blossomed into the happy, chunky pup he was always meant to be.
“Guillermo de la Cruz is a show-stopper wherever he goes!” SRSL wrote. “This choco chonk of a baby doll boy has permanent puppy eyes and a record-breaking-sized noggin!”
Within two months of rescue, Guillermo’s physical transformation was remarkable. But the change wasn’t just on the outside—his once fearful spirit began to heal, too.
“His heart is made of butter and melts for any doggo or person he meets,” the rescue team said.
Soon, Guillermo de la Cruz was ready for adoption. After some time in a loving foster home, he found his perfect forever family, complete with two fur brothers, Jax and Flex, a fur sister named Lucy, and parents who adore him.
“He now has two fur brothers (Jax and Flex), a fur sister (Lucy), and a mom and dad who are totally nuts about him,” SRSL celebrated in a Facebook update.
More than half a year after his rescue, Guillermo de la Cruz has transformed from a frightened street dog into a joyful house pet—and his rescuers couldn’t be happier.
“We are so happy he found his place!” SRSL wrote.