A three-legged dog from North Macedonia was taken to Malta on a 10-hour trip involving two flights for the chance to walk on four legs again after five years in a kennel.
Here's what to know
Carrie is being fostered by animal activist Althea Galea, who is raising €1,400 for a prosthetic limb, according to the Times of Malta. Another animal activist, Vasilka, had found her injured on the streets of North Macedonia after she was struck by a car, and the damage led to the amputation of a front leg.
The relocation was funded through volunteer fundraising, including help from a woman named Graziella, which paid for paperwork, kennel charges, vet visits, and transport.
"Like so many disabled or less perfect dogs, she was overlooked," Galea said, per the Times of Malta.
Invent 3D in Malta has already evaluated Carrie, and the consultation suggested that a custom prosthetic may be possible to give her a new lease on life.
More background
After years in a kennel, Carrie is only beginning to adjust to life in a home. She has been described as a "very frightened and cautious" dog who is still learning that her new surroundings are safe, per the Times of Malta.
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Veterinarian Andrew Agius told the Times of Malta that years of compensating for a missing limb can leave dogs with spinal issues and arthrosis because of the extra strain placed on their remaining legs and joints. He said research suggests prosthetics can work for some dogs, especially larger breeds that may face stronger long-term effects after an amputation.
Galea said, "After so many years, you could almost feel that she had stopped expecting anything to change."
For dogs that are older, disabled, or otherwise harder to place, the wait can stretch on for years.
What's being done?
If a different solution — such as a wheel attachment — turns out to be the better fit, the final amount needed could increase. Galea is continuing to raise funds while helping Carrie settle into foster care and adjust to home life.
Throughout those five years in North Macedonia, Carrie remained in Vasilka's care. She said that Carrie "deserved someone to finally look at her and say: 'you are worth the effort'," the Times of Malta reported.
Where can I learn more?
Carrie's story echoes other cases in which rescue dogs got a second chance after injury or years of waiting.
• In Queens, a rescued pit bull stunned owners with its first jump after prosthetic fitting.
• At the shore, a three-legged rescue dog chased waves with joy and earned the name Birdie.
• In Scotland, a dog spent 1,055 days in care before his foster family adopted him.
• At a shelter, a senior dog returned 12 years later, and rescuers refused to quit on her.
• In South Africa, former caregivers recognized a missing dog six years later after spotting scars.
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