There are countless puppies born on the unforgiving streets of Turkey every day. Many of them struggle to survive their first few days, and those who do continue to endure a harsh existence, constantly battling for survival.
Today, I want to share the story of Gracie Pollyanna, a puppy who defied the odds and survived, she was a fighter & fought from the very beginning, alone, unwanted and unloved.
Gracie Pollyanna's journey is one of resilience and hope, a testament to the strength and spirit of these vulnerable creatures.
Her story is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by countless street animals and the importance of compassion and intervention.
The shelter manager responded promptly to a distressing report about a puppy seen wandering in visible discomfort.
The concerned caller mentioned a bleeding protrusion from the puppy's bottom, prompting the manager to immediately dispatch the ambulance to provide the necessary assistance to the young animal.
The puppy was suffering from a digestive issue that led to her straining excessively when trying to go to the toilet.
This intense straining was so severe that it caused her colon to prolapse, a critical and life-threatening condition that demands urgent medical attention.
We decided to call the puppy Gracie Pollyanna.
She made remarkable progress after her surgery.
She settled comfortably into the patient unit at the clinic, where she began her path to recovery.
Being a tiny organization that is often overlooked and underfunded, we face significant financial challenges. Yet, we made a heartfelt decision to adopt Grace, determined to give her the best chance at life possible.
In Turkey, where adoptions are banned and restricted, this was no small feat. We needed to secure permission from the mayor, and thankfully, he granted us the approval we desperately needed. With his blessing, Grace's journey began, starting with the initiation of her passport tracking.
This is a long process but thankfully she was not alone. A puppy called Cedric was in clinic at that time, he was also being treated for a bowel prolapse. The pair kept each other company during those long weeks.
Grace's hospitalization coincided with a critical stage in her development, making Cedric's presence incredibly beneficial for her socialization.
When Cedric returned to the shelter, we were worried she might feel alone and miss her companion.
However, Patch soon arrived, and with permission granted for his adoption, Grace once again had a playmate to enjoy her days with.
Grace had to wait patiently at the clinic while the results of her rabies titre were processed.
Once the veterinarian confirmed the all-clear for quarantine, she was ready to move forward with her journey.
Patch, her companion, was also prepared and heading to the same destination. As the early evening set in, they both began their long trek across the country, for the adventures that lay ahead.
Settling into their new environment was a breeze for Grace and Patch.
Their initial curiosity quickly gave way to excitement as they began to play with the other dogs within just an hour.
The day ended with them joyfully tired, having spent it delightfully engaging with their newfound friends.