Saving Volky
A call came in to the ambulance; a puppy had been run over by a car that drove away, leaving the pup screaming in pain.
Thankfully, a kind member of the public phoned for help.
The pup was in a terrible way. One leg was crushed, and he had lost a lot of blood. He was treated for shock right away and whisked off to the clinic at top speed.
As the day wore on, the dedicated veterinary team worked tirelessly to stabilize the puppy's condition.
They monitored his vital signs closely and administered antibiotics to combat the infection.
We were told to expect the worst, his injuries & general condition were not favourable but the puppy showed a strong will to survive, responding positively to the emergency care.
Puppy lost the leg.
We watched with heavy hearts as they wheeled him into the ICU critical care unit.
The decision to amputate his leg had been necessary, as it was beyond any hope of saving. The trauma was too severe, and infection had set in aggressively.
Now, all we could do was wait, our minds filled with worry and hope mingling together.
We found ourselves offering silent prayers for his recovery, hoping that each passing moment would bring a sign of improvement.
He lay there, his eyes reflecting the weight of his recent experiences.
The ordeal clearly lingered heavily in his mind.
Despite the significant improvement in his health after the blood transfusion, the emotional and physical toll of what he had endured was apparent.
But, this pup was a fighter, that much was clear as he gave us subtle signs that he was not going to give up.
Just a day after surgery, our brave puppy was already showing signs of recovery.
It was heartening to see him eager for food, and shortly afterward, he was ready to take his first steps.
Witnessing amputee patients attempt their initial walks can be heart-wrenching, as it stirs up a deep sadness within us.
However, seeing his determination, we felt reassured that he would ultimately be alright. His spirit and willingness to move forward were truly inspiring.
As the days progressed, the puppy's strength and confidence in his mobility grew noticeably.
He was introduced to Honey, the clinic dog who helps out at reception, and they enjoyed playing together.
At one point, our little guy stumbled when he lost his balance, but he quickly regained his footing and continued playing.
Watching those moments was challenging, but it's crucial not to intervene. We trusted that he would find his way.
The clinic staff were truly exceptional, transforming each day into a playful adventure that seamlessly integrated with the puppy's physio regimen.
Our consultant vet emphasized the importance of building strong muscles, maintaining a healthy weight, and ensuring the puppy remained as active as possible.
Beyond the scheduled physiotherapy sessions, the staff members took time during their breaks to engage in play with the puppy, demonstrating their dedication and genuine care.
We felt incredibly fortunate to have such attentive and compassionate support for our puppy's well-being.
We contemplated the pups future.
At the time, the standard procedure was to return all dogs to the shelter after discharge, with the hope that they would find a loving home.
However, with adoption rates as low as 5%, the likelihood of a three-legged dog being adopted was minimal.
Fortunately, our directors stepped in, recognizing the adoption challenges the puppy would face.
They committed to providing him with the necessary long-term support.
In a gesture of appreciation and respect for our consultant vet, they decided to name the puppy Volky.
Volky's journey has been nothing short of inspiring.
Watching him adapt so seamlessly to life on three legs is a testament to his resilience and spirit.
His ability to dash around, full of life and joy, challenges the common misconceptions about tripods.
Many assume that dogs in his situation require prosthetic limbs or even wheelchairs to lead fulfilling lives.
However, Volky proves that tripods can thrive without such aids.
His story serves as a reminder that these incredible animals don't need our pity; they simply need a chance to be a dog.
Volky has embraced his role as an ambassador for disability, actively sharing the empowering message that being different is perfectly okay.
He relocated to Ankara to join our group of dogs, as he had previously only had the company of Honey at the clinic.
Interestingly, Volky doesn't reside with the other dogs with disabilities; instead, he lives among those who are able-bodied.
He keeps pace with them effortlessly, engaging in play, jumping, and climbing, thoroughly enjoying his life without any awareness of being different.
His zest for life and seamless integration with his canine companions serve as a powerful reminder that differences do not define one's ability to experience joy and fulfilment.
We hope you have enjoyed reading about Volky and that, if you are not already, you will consider being an ambassador for dogs with disabilities!
Spread the word and be part of a community that champions inclusivity and compassion for all dogs, regardless of their abilities.