14 Years After Surviving Gas Chamber, St. Louis Dog Dies
ST. LOUIS (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — A dog who gained attention 14 years ago when he emerged alive from a St. Louis gas chamber for strays has died.
Quentin's death was announced Sunday by his owner, Randy Grim, founder of Stray Rescue of St. Louis. The mixed-breed dog had suffered a stroke.
Quentin was among eight dogs that were to be euthanized at the city pound's gas chamber in 2003.
Quentin's owners surrendered him because they were moving to an apartment that didn't allow pets.
The dogs were placed in an airtight box, and carbon monoxide was pumped in. Seven died, as expected. But somehow Quentin survived with no ill effects.
When that news spread, 700 applicants sought to adopt Quentin, but Grim kept him.
Grim says Quentin's story helped spearhead the no-kill movement for stray pets.
On his website, Stray Rescue founder Grim wrote:
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.
(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)