Crystal Carson’s heart sank when she first saw Kratos, a Caucasian Shepherd living in a landfill in Corum, Turkey. The dog was emaciated, with ribs and spine visible through his fur, and suffering from severe mange. Carson, co-founder of Rescuers Without Borders (RWB), was deeply moved. Despite the odds, she couldn’t shake the image of Kratos from her mind.

Kratos was just one of many dogs surviving in the landfill, relying on scraps and sheltering among trash. RWB, formed in 2017, strives to provide these dogs with food, medical care, and sometimes new homes. However, resources are limited, making the task heartbreaking as they can’t help every dog.

Kratos, around 8 years old, caught Carson’s attention, especially with winter approaching. Local rescuer Gökçe Erdogan urged Carson to take action, fearing Kratos wouldn’t survive alone. With urgency, Carson and RWB rushed to rescue Kratos, finding him barely able to move due to dehydration and exhaustion.

Despite his dire condition, Kratos surprised everyone with his resilience. After treatment for scabies and dehydration, he began to recover. Carson arranged for him to stay at a rescue center in Bursa, Turkey, run by Emre Demir, where he could receive proper care.

Carson dreams of bringing Kratos to the United States, but faces challenges due to Turkish regulations. For now, her priority is Kratos’ happiness and health. His transformation has been remarkable, with his fur starting to grow back.

Kratos, once on death’s door, now embodies hope and resilience—a testament to the compassion and dedication of those like Carson and the RWB team.