It’s heartbreaking to think about any animal being mistreated, let alone, see the after-effects of it (if they even survive).
A rescuer named Takis came into contact with a dog that had suffered a great deal of mistreatment. After experiencing cruelty and neglect, the animal was aggressive and didn’t trust humans. However, because Takis refused to give up hope it led to an unbelievable transformation.
Theoklitos Proestakis (aka Takis) is the founder of Takis Shelter, an animal rescue organization in Ierapetra, Greece.
Since 2014, Takis has helped rescue stray dogs and cats in the area and house them in the group’s facility. According to the shelter’s website, they have 33,000 square meters of closed-in olive groves for the rescued animals. The shelter has cared for hundreds of cats and dogs over the years, relying on donations to do so.
One emotional case Takis shared with the world involved a dog named Phoenix.
The local police were called with complaints about the mistreatment of a canine. When they arrived, they discovered the owner had been violent with the dog and he’d lived his life on a chain. Because of all this, Phoenix was very aggressive.
Takis was contacted by the police asking if he could come help with the dog. But when they got back to the shelter, Phoenix refused to get out of the crate.
After experiencing so much he was fearful of human hands. When Takis would try and touch Phoenix he would become upset and react out of self-defense.
He was determined to help Phoenix realize that he wasn’t there to hurt him.
Takis continued to try and pet the dog so he knew what it felt like. But each time he did, Phoenix would try and bite his hand out of natural instinct.
Many hours later the most amazing thing happened.
Because Takis refused to give up and he kept trying to pet the canine – eventually, Phoenix allowed him to do so. Incredibly, the dog stayed calm while he showed him a loving touch.
The sight is heart-tugging as he tries to lay his head upon Takis’ hand.
There was even more progress.
In the video, Phoenix seems to be comfortable with Takis petting him. He even ends up “giving him his paw!” Takis then encourages him to do it again, telling Phoenix:
“You can do it again, come on! Don’t bite me. You want to be friends, eh?”
With Takis’ persistence, Phoenix “shakes” with him another time.
From where they were earlier that day it’s unbelievable to see the difference in his behavior.
There was still a long road ahead.
Phoenix became a resident of Takis Shelter, however, it still took some time for him to be comfortable and trusting of human touch. Takis shared that he ended up adjusting to life with the other animals at the facility and the two formed a closer bond together.
He said,
“Now he loves me, I hug him, we play together…”
The following statement appears at the closing of the video:
“Phoenix went through an amazing mental transformation and it shows us how much dogs can change if they are given love.”
It’s a heartbreaking story that has an ending that puts it right back together again. Thank goodness for rescuers like Takis who are truly angels on earth.
Watch the video below to see Phoenix’s incredible transformation for yourself!
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