Caged Dog Abandoned in Blizzard Finds Safety and Love at KC Pet Project

In a harrowing story of resilience, a young dog left caged on a sidewalk during one of Kansas City’s worst blizzards is now safe and recovering, thanks to the dedication of the KC Pet Project animal shelter. On January 5, during a storm that dumped nearly a foot of snow, an urgent call reached the shelter’s Animal Services Division.

An elderly man, awakened by the trapped dog’s barking, alerted the shelter. Unable to bring the pup inside himself, he relied on KC Pet Project’s field supervisor, Angelina Bryant, to respond. Battling freezing conditions and frozen gates, Bryant climbed into her vehicle to rescue the dog.

"When I got there, I could see her shivering, but when she saw me, her tail wagged so hard it shook the crate," Bryant shared. "You don’t know what someone’s circumstances are, but I don’t understand how anyone could leave a dog in that condition."

Safe and Warm

Once rescued, the one-year-old pup—still unnamed—was brought to the shelter, where she received warmth and care. Remarkably, she had no injuries or frostbite despite the bitter cold. Bryant shared that the dog has been "living her best life" in her office, enjoying warmth and comfort while waiting for a permanent home.

"We are essential workers," Bryant said. "It doesn’t matter how tired or cold we are — we have to show up."

A Call for Responsibility

The KC Pet Project sees an increase in welfare calls during harsh weather conditions. "We’ve been really busy with welfare checks," Bryant explained. The shelter advises pet owners to provide adequate shelter with straw or other insulating materials if their pets must remain outside during winter months.

A Happy Ending in Sight

Now safe at a no-kill shelter, the resilient dog awaits her forever home. Her story is a reminder of the essential work shelters do and the importance of community vigilance in protecting animals