Saving Stella
Stella, a beautiful and graceful sighthound, navigated the challenges of life with an injured leg. Her days were spent picking her way through the garbage at the dump, trying to find something to eat.
Despite her struggles, hope appeared in the form of a compassionate community carer. This kind soul frequently visited the dump, bringing food for the stray dogs.
Community carers often face financial hardships themselves, sometimes bearing significant debt due to the food and medical care they provide to these animals.
Stella's carer was no exception, yet she continued to offer bread to the dogs, even when it was all she could afford. For this, Stella was profoundly grateful, finding solace and sustenance through the kindness extended to her.
We first encountered Stella a couple of years before this incident.
She had been struck by a car whose driver callously sped away, leaving her injured and in shock with a broken leg. Thankfully, her community carer was there to swiftly get her to a temporary place of safety as seen here before taking her to a vet.
In an effort to support Stella's recovery, we organized a fundraising auction to help cover her medical expenses. The community's generosity was heart warming and crucial in providing Stella with the necessary treatment.
We were reminded that Stella had actually taken part in one of our Trek To Turkey sponsored Spayathons a year before meaning that this was the third time our paths had crossed!
At this point in time Stella was not under our protection & returned to the streets by her community carer who was responsible for decision making at that time.
Stella's current injury has been quite troubling. She stopped eating and appeared to be in a lot of pain.
Thankfully, a kind lady offered the use of her barn as a temporary refuge for Stella. This was crucial until a car could be arranged to take her to our vet in Ankara.
Since Stella had never been inside a building before, she found the concept of walls and ceilings unfamiliar and was understandably anxious. Nevertheless, this temporary shelter provided much-needed safety and comfort for her during this difficult period
As we embarked on the journey to Ankara, Stella's resilience shone through.
Despite her previous encounters with cars, she embraced this new experience with grace.
The gentle hum of the engine and the rhythmic motion of the vehicle seemed to soothe her initial jitters. Though there was a moment of anxiety marked by her lip licking, it wasn't long before she settled comfortably.
Her eyelids grew heavy, and soon enough, she was peacefully asleep, lulled by the car's gentle vibrations.
It was heart warming to see how well she adapted, making the journey a pleasant one for everyone involved.
Our vet conducted a comprehensive examination of Stella and, unfortunately, discovered a severe knee injury.
It was heart breaking to learn that nothing could be done to save her leg, and she required an amputation.
Stella's surgery was a success, and she handled it with remarkable resilience.
As she began to heal, it became evident that she was significantly more at ease.
The absence of pain from her knee injury and the relief of no longer having to manage her impaired leg brought her newfound comfort.
After Stella's successful discharge, she found herself under the care of one of Turkey's top caregivers.
Initially, there was some apprehension about how she would adjust to a new environment, living indoors in a home bustling with other dogs.
However, any concerns quickly dissipated as Stella adapted effortlessly. She charmed everyone around her—humans, dogs, and even cats.
It wasn't long before she earned the affectionate nickname "Stella the Queen of the Sofa," reigning supreme.
As is often the case with stray dogs Stella threw us a curve ball.
Her caregiver and I noticed that Stella's body condition was concerning.
Despite being a naturally slender sighthound, her ribs were visible, and her hip bones were starting to protrude.
To address our worries, we decided to take her to Dr. Bahri for blood tests. We hoped these tests would reveal any underlying issues and guide us in helping Stella regain her health and strength.
Our priority was to ensure that Stella received the necessary care and attention to improve her well-being.
Dr. Bahri conducted a comprehensive series of tests and discovered that Stella was suffering from anaplasmosis, a severe tick-borne disease that can have serious consequences if left untreated.
Fortunately, Stella was not exhibiting any signs of organ dysfunction, allowing for the timely initiation of treatment. After three weeks of care, Stella was free from the disease.
Bringing Stella's weight up to a normal range was a challenge.
Dr. Bahri eventually prescribed a tailored diet for her, and thankfully, the pounds started to come back. With careful monitoring and adjustments, she began to thrive, showing positive signs of regaining her health and energy.
This journey highlighted the importance of personalized care and the impact it can have on overall well-being.
We are incredibly proud of Stella and everything she has accomplished.
She truly embodies the spirit of resilience and transformation, making her an ideal ambassador for stray dogs everywhere.
It's remarkable to think that a puppy who began life in a rubbish dump could so gracefully overcome her physical challenges and adjust to life in a loving home.
Soon, Stella will be ready to find her forever family, and we sincerely hope that she finds the perfect match to share her joy and love.