Karma, the dog, the touching story which he also presented Kythera.News, she is still searching for a permanent home. A wonderful creature who never gave up, despite the terrible accident that deprived her of the use of her two front legs and who, thanks to the sensitivity of our trainer and fellow citizen, Theodora Katraki, he got a second chance at life. Life, which so generously offers itself to those who are lucky enough to be surrounded by it.
Karma's story is now touching people all over Greece, as the website debater.gr hosts an extensive feature and interview with Ms. Katraki about Karma's life story so far and the circumstances surrounding it, as shaped by the extraordinary situation she is experiencing.
With the hope that Karma, our four-legged friend (yes, in our hearts, sweet Karma will always be whole), will finally find the permanent home she deserves, we are republishing this report and would like to thank Theodora Katraki once again for her initiative and efforts to ensure that so many of God's creatures have the decent living conditions they deserve.
Here is the article:
The touching story of Karma – The dog who keeps fighting and searching for a new home (pics&vid)
A four-legged animal with incredible strength of spirit
Particularly touching is the story of Karma, a loving four-legged friend who lost two legs in a terrible accident, but did not give up and continued to try to live a normal life.
Speaking to DEBATER, Theodora Katraki referred to the touching video she posted on Instagram to find a family to adopt Karma, as well as to the story of the four-legged friend and the value of dog adoption.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CeacjmFK3b2/
Theodora began by telling DEBATER how she met Karma, but also about the “battle” she fought after a terrible accident that resulted in her losing two of her four legs.
«I met Karma about two months ago. It was a few months after I had moved to Kythira. I had been working in Athens for almost 10 years training dogs, so the first family that wanted to adopt Karma called me to start her pre-training,» Theodora said initially.
«After discussing and understanding the needs and requirements of a dog, and even more so a puppy, the family decided that they would not be able to meet them (I would like to point out that both the decision to call me to train the puppy and the decision not to keep it, given the specific circumstances in the countryside, were very important and responsible steps. Most people do not bother, and dogs usually end up tied up or abandoned). Karma was then taken in by another family, who also considered keeping her, but again could not as the conditions were not suitable. Then, a third family became interested in her, and Karma was finally adopted. Her training continued normally until her accident. Then the lady who had adopted her called me asking for my help,» he added.
In fact, it is shocking to read the details of the mental strength he showed after his accident.
«At first, we didn't know exactly what her condition was. We knew that the chances of saving her leg, which had a crushing fracture, were slim, and we said that in the worst case scenario, she might end up with three legs. However, after 3-4 days, we saw that her second leg was also neurologically unresponsive, so we concluded that she would remain bipedal. The possibility of euthanasia was raised, but seeing Karma fighting with all her soul to get up, it was immediately ruled out. Her family couldn't take care of a two-legged dog for personal reasons, so I asked to take her in and find her a home. They agreed right away and said they'd help with whatever I needed, which is what happened.
«So, a “struggle” began to enable Karma to live. We had to find a doctor in Athens who would take her on, someone to host her for a while, and money for whatever she needed. Fortunately, I am very lucky, as I am surrounded by empathetic and sensitive people who wanted to help without hesitation.».
The Instagram video and the idea behind it
Theodora also spoke about a touching video she made in order to find someone to adopt Karma.
«The reason was Karma's search for adoption. The aim is to inform people about disabled dogs and encourage them to treat them better. Many years ago, I saw a video of a two-legged dog named ’Faith,“ who was born with deformed front legs and had learned to walk on her hind legs. I was thrilled, I admired her, and she stuck in my memory,” says Theodora, adding:
«Two days after Karma's accident, I went to see her at the vet. Despite the pain and shock she had suffered, as soon as she saw me, she tried to get up and come towards me, and after two or three steps, she managed it. That's when I remembered “Faith.” I said that Karma would make it even on two legs and that euthanasia was out of the question. Just as I was inspired by Faith and other dogs abroad when I saw videos of them, I hope that this video of Karma's life will influence other similar cases so that hasty euthanasia can be avoided.
As for the reasons behind choosing the name Karma, Theodora Katraki explains that «etymologically, “kar” means action and “ma” means result. When Karma stood up on her own two feet at the vet's after her accident, it was she who took action and brought about the result that allowed her to continue her life. We were there to make it happen.».
How much hope do disabled animals have of living a normal life in Greece?
«They have more than they did a few years ago, and they will have even more if people become aware of them. There are already two or three people in Greece who manufacture wheelchairs for animals. This improves the quality of life for the animals themselves, but it also makes it easier for them to live with their human companions. From personal experience, I can say that if we hadn't gotten the wheelchair, things would be way different and way harder,» he says about the chances of a dog living a normal life after an accident.
«Karma is a very active dog with lots of energy and vitality. The wheelchair has enabled her to run, let off steam, and live almost the same life she had before. This is very important, as dogs with so much energy, if they don't release it properly, may develop behavioral problems. The only thing that is certain is that she would not be as happy as she is now, and for that I am very grateful to Vasilis Tzigouras from Plus2feet, who has been and continues to be there for us whenever we need him. Also, since 2019, there has been a company called BIO3DVET that manufactures rehabilitation products for pets. It has already fitted prosthetic legs to a cat and a dog that had one of its legs amputated with an artificial leg with a graft,» he added.
«When we discussed Karma's case with them, they were moved and said they could make a brace for her leg, which has a neurological problem, so that she could at least stand better. So, with these benefits, if people start to become informed and familiar with disabled animals, then their hope of having a good life becomes a reality,» he concluded.
The message conveyed by Karma's story
As for the message she wants to convey through Karma, Theodora says: «There are many messages. But the most important one for me is that of mutual aid and changing our mindset towards animals.Before making a decision, we need to know all the options we have and exhaust them, especially when it comes to a life. For example, in Karma's case, many believed that a two-legged dog cannot live or, if it does, it will not have a good life.
“I happened to be there at that particular moment with the knowledge I have and was able to convince them that this particular dog, with its characteristics, has the potential to live well. However, none of this could have happened if a group of people had not worked together to help her. Asking for help, especially when it comes to something so important, is not shameful. For me, it is hope. When you see so many different people mobilizing for a good cause, you feel love and kindness everywhere. So the message is that together we can achieve anything.
Finally, when asked why she wants to find a family to adopt the dog rather than keep it herself, Theodora replies: «Believe me, I'm torn in two. My heart wants to keep her so badly. The reason I uploaded this video now and not a month ago is because both me and the other girl we're hosting her with really wanted to adopt her. However, we put our heads together and decided that it would be better to find someone who would love her as much as we do and at the same time be able to offer her everything she needs and will need. Personally, I have four pets (two dogs and two cats) and I am still trying to settle down in Kythira.
«Getting a pet requires responsibility. If you act solely on emotion, you may later realize that things are not as you expected. Deciding to adopt an animal based solely on whether it was cute or in need may lead to a less than ideal coexistence. Before acquiring an animal, we must consult with an expert about the needs and requirements of each animal, as each one is different, and consider whether we can meet those needs. I am very strict on this issue, both for myself and for others, as I have seen many animals living in the wrong conditions precisely because their owners were unaware of these needs.
REPORT: LAZOS MANTIKOS
