Adopted, in Ontario, Canada- December 2019
Alp was full of feelings and love. If someone touched his head he would give out a howling noise to show his gratitude and his craving for more attention. The question was who would want him with that defected skull? Gradually Alp realized that nobody wanted him. On Fridays, he would go for walks with the volunteers, but it was just a stroll. He was getting used to not being the center of attention. To have a family and home of his own was just a dream that would not come true. That’s why Alp became more reclusive.
Alp, a small breed dog, was found in a factory yard in an industrial town in the outskirts of the city of Karaj. On top of his head, there was a big hole infested with larvae. The injury probably resulted from a blow to the head. One of the staff felt pity and arranged for a vet to visit him. The initial care was administered, but a serious injury like that needed more attention. So Alp was brought to the shelter. With further investigation, it was diagnosed that the infection had progressed near the eyeball and the sinuses, and if not treated it could affect his eyesight. However, Alp’s treatment was successful and he overcame the colossal pain and suffering. He was named Alp, because in Turkish it means “The Champion”. He well deserved the name. The hole in his skull healed and hair grew on it, but the deformity on the skull would remain.
After being homeless in the streets Alp now had a place to feel safe. Here no one would harm him, people liked him, but he did not have someone just for himself.
His playmates one after the other got adopted either here or abroad, and Alp was the observer. Soon another one of his friends was ready to travel.
All the preparations were being done for sending one of his friends abroad, but a few days before the flight his friend got sick and had to wait for the duration of treatment. Who should go instead? why not Alp? While only three days left before the trip, the preparation went well. He traveled with no difficulty and went to a foster home right after his arrival. At the foster home after getting to know his behavior and temper he would be given up for adoption. The foster family’s uncle came to visit and became so attached to Alp. The accidental Uncle’s visit, the bond between the two, is the result of Alp’s happiness and the speed of changes in Alp’s life was unbelievable. Who could think? The dog with a dent in his skull would look at other dogs with languishing as they left. Now two weeks later on the other side of the world, he happily enjoys life with his loving human! There was no plan to send him abroad. He was not even introduced to our friends overseas let alone getting acceptance from someone! One life changed … A miracle can always happen.
Written by: Farah Azari
