There is no scenario that makes a story like this one easy to read. However, we must be realistic about the stray dog epidemic around the globe. In poorer countries, rescue groups are working against impossible odds.
Pet owners either can’t afford to spay or neuter their dogs or they don’t care to. Homeless animals wander around everywhere and the statistics are truly startling.
Thankfully, there are volunteers who do care and try to help, even if they know they’re only making a small difference with the resources they have.
Source: Takis Shelter/Youtube
Takis, in Greece, knows this situation all too well. Local law enforcement calls him frequently where there are stray dogs in dire conditions. He never turns them down.
In this case, he was called in to help a mother dog living with her puppies in an abandoned house. The house was in shambles.
Source: Takis Shelter/Youtube
When Takis and his crew arrived, they saw that two out of the five puppies could not be saved. They had passed away from Parvo, a common disease that can be treated but it has to be addressed in a timely manner. (NO PHOTOS OF THE DECEASED PUPPIES ARE SHOWN IN THE ARTICLE!)
We understand that it’s very upsetting that the two puppies didn’t make it, but we have to focus on the three that did! Despite having Parvo, and living in deplorable conditions, their mama did all she could to keep them alive. She’s amazing.
As the rescuers inspect the house, they come across the three surviving puppies but Mom is nowhere to be found.
The puppies are understandably scared and catching them isn’t easy. The first one cries out as Takis grabs the pup by his nape. Takis isn’t hurting the puppy. He’s just frightened!
Source: Takis Shelter/Youtube
His cries are loud and that’s when Mama comes back to the house. She must have been out looking for food. Mom must eat any scraps she can find so she can nurse her pups. She peeks into the window and then runs around to the back of the house.
Source: Takis Shelter/Youtube
Finally, Takis has all three puppies safe and sound in a box. His mission is to now catch Mama. He knows that they need to be together as a family– and that making sure Mama is safe and in his care is just as important as the babies.
Source: Takis Shelter/Youtube
As Takis makes his way through the house, he finds Mama sitting on a couch staring at one of her babies that had passed away. Her expression says it all. She’s trying to understand what had happened to this baby and if the rescuers could help him too.
Source: Takis Shelter/Youtube
It’s incredible how much she actually understands. Mom realizes that Takis is there to help and is expecting him to somehow rouse her baby and help him too.
It is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Her love is so deep. And she already trusts the rescuers with all her babies. Even the ones that are beyond saving.
Takis walks towards Mama and puts his hand out. He wants to comfort her and tell her it’ll be okay. Not knowing if she had ever been touched by a human before, and seeing how she receives him, says it all. She does understand why he’s there! This is when Takis names the Mama dog, “Anna.”
Source: Takis Shelter/Youtube
Soon, Anna and her babies are back at Takis shelter. They are safe and they are loved. They had been through so much. It is time for stability, daily meals, and proper shelter.
The dogs’ Parvo is addressed and they all make a full recovery. Takis will forever provide whatever they need, whether they are adopted out to loving families or remain with him indefinitely.
Source: Takis Shelter/Youtube
We understand that watching the video below is both upsetting and uplifting. Taking the time to watch is up to you.
We do promise that it ends as happily as it can and that this story is a reality much of the world is dealing with. Takis shelter does adopt out internationally.
Sharing this story and video helps with donations and homes. We applaud Takis and all the volunteers. They are true heroes!
Source: Takis Shelter/Youtube
When watching the video, discretion is advised. We promise it ends happily and that the story is incredibly uplifting.
