When Crystal Carson first met Kratos, a Caucasian Shepherd living in a landfill in Corum, Turkey, she was heartbroken.
The stray dog was in dire condition, extremely thin with his ribs and spine pronounced under his coat, and was suffering from severe mange.
Carson, who co-founded the organization Rescuers Without Borders (RWB), couldn’t stop thinking about Kratos despite the daunting challenges ahead.
Kratos was one of many dogs struggling to survive in the harsh conditions of the landfill, scavenging for food among the garbage.
Established in 2017, RWB aims to support these vulnerable animals by providing them with food and medical treatment, and occasionally finding them homes.
However, limited resources mean they cannot assist every dog in need, making their mission often heartbreaking.
At approximately 8 years old, Kratos particularly caught Carson’s attention, especially with the onset of winter.
Concerned for his survival, local rescuer Gökçe Erdogan encouraged Carson to intervene, fearing Kratos wouldn’t make it through the winter alone.
Moved by his plight, Carson and her team sprang into action, locating Kratos in a severely dehydrated and exhausted state.
Against the odds, Kratos showed incredible resilience. With treatment for both his scabies and dehydration, his condition began to improve.
Carson arranged for him to be cared for at a rescue center in Bursa, Turkey, managed by Emre Demir, where he could continue to recover under proper supervision.
Although Carson hopes to eventually bring Kratos to the United States, she is aware of the challenges posed by Turkish regulations.
For the time being, her main focus is on ensuring Kratos remains healthy and content. His transformation has been remarkable, with his fur beginning to grow back, further symbolizing his recovery.
Once on the brink of death, Kratos now stands as a symbol of hope and recovery, highlighting the compassion and commitment of Carson, her team, and everyone involved with RWB.
