Abandoned Dog Waits For 2 Weeks in Empty House, Hoping His Family Would Return

This story will break your heart. Freon, a young boxer mix, waited alone for nearly two weeks in an empty house, hoping the family that had left him behind would come back for him. Inside the house, it was sweltering hot and dead silent, but still, Freon waited—loyal and patient.

Sadly, his family had moved away without him. They had locked him inside the staircase and never bothered to let anyone know. Freon was trapped and alone, surviving only on the little food and water left behind. His world had become the narrow, confined space of that stairwell.

A Devastating Discovery

Abandoned dog living in empty house for 2 weeks rescued. Image by @StrayRescue via Facebook.

The days passed, but no one came. It wasn’t until a landlord, checking the house after the tenants had left, discovered Freon that help finally arrived. Afraid of dogs, the landlord didn’t go inside but immediately called Stray Rescue of St. Louis.

Donna Lochmann, the chief lifesaving officer at the shelter, quickly jumped into action after hearing about the abandoned dog. She drove straight to the house, not knowing what to expect but knowing that time was running out.

Rescuers Arrive

Rescued dog enjoys the fresh air after 2 weeks alone in a hot house alone. Image by @StrayRescue via Facebook.

When Donna arrived, she was confronted with a heartbreaking sight. She found Freon huddled in the corner of the stairwell, too scared to move. The poor dog had been through so much already. Donna, who could see the fear and confusion in his eyes, gently coaxed him towards her.

It didn’t take long—maybe it was the scent of the Vienna sausages she had brought, or maybe Freon just knew that help had finally come. He slowly walked up the stairs and into the world beyond the lonely stairwell that had been his prison.

The Freedom Ride and a New Name

Rescued dog gets a second chance at life. Image by @StrayRescue via Facebook.

Once Freon stepped outside, his life began to change. As Donna drove him to the shelter, Freon did something that brought a smile to her face. He pressed his face right up against the car’s air conditioning vents. The cool air brought him relief after days in the overwhelming heat, and from that moment on, he was named Freon.

When they reached the shelter, Freon’s gentle spirit quickly captured the hearts of the staff. He kissed everyone, even when they gave him his vaccinations—a gesture that stunned the staff since it was something they had never seen before.

Freon didn’t stay at the shelter for long. His sweet nature and lovable personality made him irresistible. He was soon back to full health and ready for adoption. His time of waiting was finally over.

Freon’s Forever Home

Rescued dog that was abandoned is adopted and finds new forever family. Image by @StrayRescue via Facebook.

It didn’t take long for Freon’s story to spread, and soon, a loving family came to adopt him. Now, Freon—who has been renamed Hank—is living his best life. He has a new family, a new home, and even a dog sibling to share his adventures with. His new family adores him, and Freon has quickly become a “mama’s boy,” always sticking close to his favorite person.

He’s also had the chance to experience things he had never known before, like trips to the beach and playing with toys in a big yard. Though he wasn’t sure about the ocean, he’s already mastered chasing tennis balls and cuddling with his new family. Freon has finally found the love and care he so deeply deserves.

A Bright Future

Rescued dog lives his best life with new forever family. Image by @StrayRescue via Facebook.

Freon’s journey from an abandoned dog, left behind in a hot, empty house, to a beloved family member is a story of resilience and patience. His story reminds us that dogs are not disposable—they are living beings with feelings, loyalty, and a heart full of love.

Now that Freon has found his forever home, he can leave his painful past behind. His story of hope and love will always be remembered by the staff at Stray Rescue of St. Louis, who were there for him in his darkest moment. And for Freon, there’s no more waiting—only a future full of love, adventure, and a place where he belongs.

“We love you, Freon. No looking back.”