Stray Rescue Founder Shares Emotional Note After Quentin the ‘Miracle Dog’ Passes Away
A shelter dog who survived the gas chamber and went on to change animal welfare in St. Louis and across the United States has passed away.
Quentin was 1-year-old when he survived the gas chamber at a city pound in St. Louis in 2003. The Pit bull Basenji mix became the face of Stray Rescue of St. Louis after being rescued by its founder, Randy Grim.
Quentin’s story helped to close numerous animal gas chambers across the country and helped spearhead the no-kill movement and inspired Grim’s book, “Miracle Dog: How Quentin Survived the Gas Chamber to Speak for Animals on Death Row.”
Stray Rescue posted the following note from Randy on Sunday night, shortly before saying goodbye:
“Bye Quentin
“Quentin, the Miracle Dog
“I sit here with Quentin next to me knowing that later today I’ll be saying goodbye to a legend, a hero, a best friend, and my dear “kid.” I am crying and heartbroken over this, so I will keep this brief for now and expand on his incredible life. My heart will have to wait for later.
“Quentin has done more for animal welfare than any human ever could. Surviving the gas chamber in 2003, he picked me to be his partner to close down numerous animal death chambers across the country, but his miracles didn’t stop there.
“My miracle buddy also helped to spearhead the no-kill movement, an animal abuse task force, a shelter to protect the abused and forgotten, all the while keeping his dad, me, feeling loved and sane. He changed the landscape of an entire city, and I pray his legacy continues to be a driving force for a humane nation for all animals.”
“He lives with me at my rescue ranch, Randy’s Rescue Ranch, spending his golden days on this amazing property– his final miracle. The ranch has a farmhouse, Katy Favre Hospice House, solely dedicated to once abused dogs with chronic impairments, hospice needs, and old age. They are another forgotten group in America’s animal shelter system. Quentin has spent the past year at the hospice house with other senior dogs and at my side. I pray that more cities nationwide adopt a plan like this, and for that to become one more miracle accomplished by the love of my life, Quentin.
“Daddy loves you forever and ever.”
Quentin had suffered a stroke and was humanely put to sleep later that day, surrounded by his loved ones.
Quentin was buried on Randy’s ranch, his “last view” being of the beautiful scene.
“Stray Rescue set up a memorial fund for my boy. The money will go the ranch hospice house. I buried him on the ranch , it was cathartic but the tears keep coming. Thank you all for showing so much love to this special pup,” Randy tweeted.
To support Stray Rescue of St. Louis and support Quentin’s legacy, visit their website.
Randy’s book telling Quentin’s story, Miracle Dog: How Quentin Survived the Gas Chamber to Speak for Animals on Death Row is available on Amazon.
