Sissi & Nilla

For Mariah, a lifelong dog lover with over three decades of experience, the decision to adopt a street dog in 2021 was born from a desire to give back after the loss of her fifteen-year-old companion. While she did not set out specifically to find a Turkish dog, a series of coincidences led her to two extraordinary souls: Sissi and Nilla.

Sissi's story began on the streets of Türkiye, where she lived with severely crooked legs and paws. Her physical disabilities made her vulnerable, but a local rescuer spent fifteen patient days earning her trust before finally bringing her to safety. Sissi eventually moved to a private rescue near Alanya run by a Swedish woman, where she waited six months for a chance at a new life.

When a planned adoption fell through at the last moment, her rescuers decided to fly her to Denmark anyway. Mariah happened to call that same day. Although the dog Mariah originally inquired about had just been adopted, the rescue asked if she could foster Sissi for three weeks.

The true extent of Sissi's past came to light just ten days later. A veterinary visit revealed that Sissi's body was riddled with lead pellets. She had been shot, resulting in a broken tail, a broken rib, and permanent eye damage. Despite the trauma and the resulting spondylosis in her back, Sissi's spirit remained untouched. While some suggested she be put to sleep, Mariah chose to fight for the girl everyone described as happy and sweet.

Sissi, the resilient, brave girl.