A young dog, affectionately named Rieger after the distillery where he was rescued, is now seeking a permanent home after a dramatic rescue in Kansas City, Missouri. The story of Rieger began on a stormy night when he was discovered bewildered and distressed atop an outdoor tent at the J. Rieger & Co. distillery by its staff.
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On March 7, employees arrived for their day at the distillery, only to find the one-year-old shepherd mix trapped on the roof of the bar’s outdoor area. The situation quickly escalated as staff members reviewed surveillance footage from the previous night and saw a distressing sight. The video revealed Rieger falling onto the tent late on March 6 and subsequently roaming the roof throughout the night, bravely enduring the inclement weather.
Many in the distillery team speculated that Rieger may have been thrown from a nearby bridge, leading to his unfortunate predicament. Susan Stone Li, the distillery’s hospitality manager, expressed her shock upon discovering the dog in such distressing circumstances: “I think I responded the way that most people with a solid conscience do, which is with shock.”
To aid in his rescue, the staff gathered a ladder and some chicken to lure Rieger down from his high perch. With the support of Kansas City’s animal services, Rieger was safely retrieved after an anxious night alone. Footprints left by the scared dog were visible on the roof, documenting his anxious pacing while he awaited rescue.
The distillery is known for being dog-friendly, housing other rescue animals, including a puppy named Pepper who belongs to the founders. Stone Li expressed the team’s affection for dogs, stating, “We love dogs here. We’re very supportive of the idea of dogs being a part of the larger family. And so, in a way, he landed literally and figuratively in the best possible spot.”
Following his harrowing experience, Rieger was taken to the KC Pet Project, an animal welfare shelter dedicated to rescuing and caring for homeless pets. Staff at the shelter determined that Rieger is around one year old and with a nod to his unusual rescue location, they officially renamed him Rieger.
After a five-day stray hold, KC Pet Project shared on social media, “We gave this dog a name that honours the place that helped save him.” Despite the trauma he has endured, the shelter’s caregivers remain optimistic about Rieger’s future, noting that he is a little shy but is healing well after his ordeal.
Rieger is currently available for adoption at KC Pet Project’s location in Swope Park. Weighing in at 59 pounds, he has been vaccinated, microchipped, and neutered, making him ready for a new family to welcome him into their home.
As Rieger awaits the next chapter in his life, it serves as a heartwarming reminder of the resilience of animals and the importance of community in providing support to those in need. Potential adopters are encouraged to visit the shelter to meet Rieger and consider giving this brave boy the forever home he so richly deserves.