Meet Makis.
He is not your normal dog… in fact, he should not even be alive.
An animal search and rescue team found him just a week ago, severely burned and struggling to survive after raging wildfires devastated coastal areas both east and west of Athens.
The disaster left 91 dead, hundreds injured, dozens missing, and also killed hundreds of animals — both pets and strays.
Needless to say, doctors at the Attica Animal Hospital thought that Makis would become one of them.
The hospital initially shared a photo update via Facebook showing the canine lying on a medical table as a nurse treated his wounds.
“Makis came yesterday from Neo Voutsa,” the post read, referring to a fire-stricken Athens suburb. “We are trying to heal the burns all over his body and we are examining possible damage to his eyes.”
As it turns out, Makis did not just survive, but merely days after being treated was physically active, according to his caretakers.
“Makis is better today… we even went for a walk!” the animal hospital said on Facebook.
One of the hospital’s veterinarians also shared her own social media update which went viral, receiving thousands of likes, comments and shares from concerned people hoping for Makis’ well-being.
Veterinary surgeon Effie Rozi posted a photo of herself and Makis along with a caption describing not only the hardships that her canine patient has endured — but also his triumph.
“This is our Makis! He came to us from Neo Voutsa, without senses, almost dead, with burns all over his body and eyes,” Rozi wrote.
She added: “After continuous 24-hour monitoring [of his health] and the tremendous power of his little soul, today he got up and walked again! All these days, despite the horror he has lived, he does not forget to teach us what real love means — licking at every opportunity — the faces of his doctors! Get well soon, Maki! Everything will be fine!”
*****
Since you’re here… I have a small favor to ask.
More and more people than ever before are reading The Pappas Post and despite increasing costs to maintain the site and provide you with the quality content that you deserve, I will never “force” you to pay for our website or add a paywall. I believe in the democracy of the internet and want to keep this site and its enriching content free for everyone. But at the same time I’m asking those who frequent the site to chip in and help keep it both high quality— and free. We’ve implemented a “free-will” annual subscription for those who want to support our efforts. I guess it’s fair to call it a philotimo subscription… because you don’t have to do it but it’s really the right thing to do if you love the site and the content we publish. So if you like The Pappas Post and want to help, please consider becoming a “philotimo subscriber”. Click here to subscribe. If you’d rather make a one time donation, we will gladly accept any amount, with appreciation. Click here to donate any amount.