Tara - The Dog That Ripped My Heart Out
In June 2024, I met Tara for the first time.
She was a stray dog, specifically a Kangal, who had suffered a hit-and-run accident and was left with a broken leg.
Unfortunately, in my line of work, we see many patients with similar injuries. However, I could not have predicted the profound impact Tara would have on my life.
Tara was an impressive sight. Her size was unmatched by any other dog I had encountered before.
As we prepared to transport her to the clinic, we realized just how much space she occupied. The ambulance seemed barely large enough to accommodate her but we managed.
Despite the urgency of the situation, Tara remained calm, her eyes reflecting trust and hope. It was in that moment that we felt something different about this dog although we couldn’t put our finger on what it was.
The ambulance sped along swiftly, ensuring a smooth ride to minimize her discomfort as much as possible.
Upon arrival, she was carefully transferred onto a stretcher, where the trauma team awaited her with readiness.
They moved with precision and urgency, each member flawlessly executing their role to assess her condition. The atmosphere was tense yet reassuring, as the team focused on stabilizing her with expert care and attention.
Tara suffered from a compound fracture, where the bone was protruding through her leg after piercing the skin.
This type of fracture poses a higher risk since infections can easily penetrate the skin and start causing harm. It was crucial for her to undergo urgent surgery as soon as possible.
Tara's size posed significant challenges for the veterinarians because she was too large for any of the standard tables available in the clinic.
Initially, she received treatment for shock and internal bleeding at the location, but now it was crucial to assess her overall health to ensure she was fit enough to undergo surgery. Our vet administered pain relief and began conducting the necessary tests to evaluate her condition.
It was a relief that Tara was healthy enough for the surgery to proceed as planned.
Dr. S, our remarkable orthopedic surgeon, skillfully placed a plate in Tara's leg to aid in the healing of her bones. There was a moment of intense urgency among the vets as they searched for a plate large enough for the procedure.
Once the surgery was successfully completed, Tara was moved to the patient room to begin her recovery. As is typical for dogs after this type of surgery, Tara was encouraged to move around to boost blood flow and promote healing. Before long, she was taking small steps for brief periods and even managing to bear weight on her leg.
Tara was the most beautiful dog we had ever known. As big as a pony but as graceful as a swan. And when she moved, she moved with regality. She truly was the Queen of all kangals.
Her presence was simply majestic, drawing admiration from everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her.
After she was sufficiently recovered from her surgery, Tara began a course of physiotherapy. We wanted to give her leg every opportunity to heal and regain mobility.
Tara was the most gentle dog we have ever known. Her calm demeanour and obedient nature made her a joy to be around. Always biddable and incredibly gentle, her presence was soothing, and her gentle spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her. Including our director Dale. Who was completely in love with her.
Our mayor decided to open an adoption centre in the town around this time, and Tara was to be the first dog to move into the facility. We bought her a bandana with "Adopt Me" written on it in Turkish and waited for the day she was discharged from the clinic.
Unusually, Dale called me and shared some surprising news: he had fallen in love with Tara and was wondering if we could adopt her and bring her into our home.
I responded that in order to do so, we'd need to move to a larger house with a bigger garden to accommodate her, which I was open to doing. We had time as Tara would need to go through passport prep which would take 4 months.
Someone of good standing from a gated community came forward & asked the shelter manager if they could adopt Tara. The gated community seemed like an ideal place for Tara to thrive. She would have the comfort of living inside but also the freedom to be outside which she was used to being a street born dog. Her range would be limited & she would be safe as the community is surrounded by fencing & a gate.
The residents were welcoming and compassionate, ensuring that she would have all the love and attention she needed. With ample space to explore and the safety of a fenced area, Tara could enjoy her newfound freedom while still being protected. This arrangement promised a harmonious blend of security and liberty, offering Tara a new chapter filled with warmth and care.
Dale was disappointed but knew in his heart that this was the best option for Tara.
Tara was truly happy in her new situation. She had everything she needed. Comfort & security, the opportunity to be outside, love & care & even a new friend who she loved dearly.
Just when Tara found her happy ever after, tragedy struck. The shelter manager received a devastating call: Tara had been shot.
It was unimaginable.
She was rushed to the vet during the night but succumbed to her injuries.
Tara had actually been stabbed multiple times.
In Turkey, the animosity towards dogs is alarmingly high right now, and our sweet girl tragically became a victim.
We never discovered who was responsible, her loss is something we will never recover from. Even if we could bring the monster who took her to justice it be a small comfort.
I am sobbing as I write this for our beautiful sweet gentle girl