As I was getting ready to head home, my evening was interrupted by an urgent call for help. The message was about a dog named Dolunay, teetering on the brink of death.
He had been abandoned near an apartment complex, showing clear signs of neglect: he was emaciated, filthy, and had an injured leg. Our only hope was to get him swiftly to Dr. Murat Hodja in Sarköy.
The clinic presented a heartbreaking scene. Dolunay lay in agony, his frail body bearing injuries far worse than we had anticipated. His swollen paw hinted at a possible hernia, and the bruises on his stomach spoke volumes about the violence he had endured. Yet, in spite of his suffering, Dolunay’s spirit remained unbroken, a testament to his resilience.

Every second was a battle for Dolunay. His fragile body was infested with maggots, sapping his strength. We stood by him during long nights, providing treatment and comfort. His determination to live was evident, a flickering flame in the darkness.

Despite our relentless efforts, Dolunay’s condition worsened. The relentless onslaught of the maggots was too much for his delicate frame. In his final moments, he looked at us with gratitude, and his last smile was a poignant farewell.

With Dolunay’s passing, we mourned not just the loss of a life but also the injustice of his suffering. Yet, amid the sadness, his story touched countless hearts. Though his journey ended, his legacy endures, serving as a reminder of the resilience of the spirit and the enduring power of compassion.
