When Crystal Carson first laid eyes on Kratos, a massive Caucasian Shepherd struggling to survive in a landfill in Corum, Turkey, her heart broke.
The once-majestic dog was skin and bones, his ribs and spine visible through his thinning fur, and he suffered from a severe case of mange.
Co-founder of Rescuers Without Borders (RWB), Carson couldn’t shake the haunting image of Kratos from her mind.
Kratos was just one of many abandoned dogs barely surviving in the landfill, relying on scraps and finding shelter among the trash.
Since its founding in 2017, RWB has worked tirelessly to feed, treat, and rehome dogs like Kratos. Still, limited resources make it impossible to save them all, forcing the team to make heartbreaking choices every day.
What made Kratos stand out was his age—around 8 years old—and his declining condition as the harsh winter approached.
Local rescuer Gökçe Erdogan pleaded with Carson, warning that Kratos wouldn’t survive the cold on his own. Acting quickly, Carson and RWB organized his rescue.
They found him barely able to lift his head, weakened by dehydration and exhaustion.
Despite his dire state, Kratos stunned everyone with his resilience. Once safe, he received immediate treatment for mange and rehydration therapy.
Slowly, Kratos began to recover. Carson arranged for him to stay at a rescue center in Bursa, Turkey, run by Emre Demir, where he would continue receiving the care he desperately needed.
Carson dreams of one day bringing Kratos to the United States, though current Turkish regulations make international relocation difficult.
For now, her priority is ensuring he remains safe, healthy, and loved. His recovery has been remarkable—his fur is growing back, and his spirit is returning.
Once on the brink of death, Kratos now stands as a symbol of hope and resilience.
His journey is a powerful reminder of how compassion and determination can change a life, proving that even the most desperate cases are never truly without hope.