Taka, an 8-year-old Shiba Inu dog, was trapped inside his family’s screened-in porch when their home caught fire. Sadly, his family couldn’t save him in time, and they had to flee the house without him.
However, Taka managed to escape on his own and ran down the street, where a kind neighbor found him and rushed him to Care More Animal Hospital in Martinez, Georgia.
Martin held Taka in her lap shortly after his arrival. Source: Care More Animal Hospital
At the hospital, Taka received treatment for burns around his eyes, mouth, ears, and belly. The vet team was worried about inhalation burns, and unfortunately, Taka’s eyes were badly injured, which led to him becoming blind.
When he started having difficulty breathing, the team transferred him to the clinic at the University of Georgia, where he was hooked up to an oxygen machine. After a couple of days, Taka was strong enough to return to Care More Animal Hospital, where the team did everything possible to help him get better.
Source: Care More Animal Hospital
One particular vet, Emily Martin, formed a soft spot for Taka. When he came to the hospital, he was screaming in pain, but he calmed down as soon as someone sat with him and sang to him.
Martin spoke to Taka’s family, and they decided to surrender him to her care for his health. Since then, Martin has become more than Taka’s vet; she’s become his mom.
Source: Care More Animal Hospital
Due to the hospital’s limited working hours, Martin brought Taka home with her one night to keep him company.
The next day, Martin crawled inside Taka’s kennel at the vet hospital, and they took a nap together. One of Martin’s coworkers captured the heartwarming moment in a photo.
Source: Care More Animal Hospital
Martin was amazed by how gentle Taka was, despite everything he was going through. Most animals in pain would start biting, but Taka hasn’t once tried to bite. He’s comforted by people instead.
Martin and the other vets are optimistic about Taka’s recovery, especially since he’s eating and going to the bathroom on his own, even though he’s still in a lot of pain.
Source: Care More Animal Hospital
Taka’s personality is even starting to come out. He likes belly rubs, loves food, and enjoys cuddling. Martin is considering adopting Taka herself, but her home may not be the best place for him since she already has five other dogs and a 7-month-old baby.
Regardless, Martin is determined to find Taka the best possible home, with people who recognize how special he is.
Source: Care More Animal Hospital
“He went through something so traumatic and so painful, and yet he doesn’t give up,” Martin said. “He’s so resilient.”
Taka’s story is a testament to the resilience of animals and the kindness of people who go the extra mile to care for them.
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