When Save A Greek Stray stumbled upon Petra, they couldn’t believe their eyes. She was emaciated, writhing in pain, and barely had the energy to move. It was evident that she had been fighting numerous battles for a prolonged period. Petra had made the streets of Oropos, a rural Athens neighborhood her home for years. However, the harsh environment had caught up with her, and her body was racked with infections and diseases. The rescue team knew they had to act fast to save this precious pooch.
Petra was given the name that means “stone” in Greek due to her tough and scaly skin caused by mange. Her pictures were posted on social media, where a skilled dog rehabilitator named Valia Orfanidou came across them. Despite not meeting Petra in person, Valia was moved by her story and described her as stunning even with her emaciated body and mange-ridden face. Valia’s admiration for Petra led her to contact the rescue team and organize a visit.
Back in the day, I wasn’t a volunteer at the shelter. However, I eagerly awaited weekly updates on her progress. Valia expressed her joy in finally getting to meet the dog a few months after her complete recovery from various illnesses such as mange, leishmaniasis, and ehrichia.
Valia has a history of saving dogs that were considered to be “hopeless” cases. However, she encountered a new challenge when she rescued Petra. Despite receiving love and care for several months, Petra had trust issues that surpassed her health problems. She was too fearful to leave her cage and would growl at other dogs, despite Valia’s efforts to make her feel comfortable.
Valia teamed up with the subject and noticed a significant improvement in her behavior. Initially, it took an hour to cover a short distance from her enclosure during their first walk. However, with each passing week, she became more open to taking walks and accepting love and companionship from other dogs. With Valia’s support, the subject persevered and never regressed, eventually reaching the point where she is now.
Petra gradually unlocked her heart through a considerable amount of patience and time.
Valia reports that the dog whose appearance was akin to stone and who had a cold heart has undergone a remarkable change and is now a content, outgoing, loving and well-behaved canine. The only thing missing from Petra’s life is a permanent home. Those who are interested in giving her a forever home can find her in Greece through Save A Greek Stray. Do not hesitate to share Petra’s incredible transformation with your loved ones!
