GREAT NEWS….. Maki (now named Xabi Alonso after the famous Real Madrid soccer player) is HOME!!! Maki was rescued from the streets of Istanbul, Turkey. He was inflicted with Distemper which left him with a lame rear leg and some twitches from neurological damage. He is lucky to have survived.
He joined his new mom Amy James of Chicago IL this weekend and his new wonderful life has begun. He took to Amy immediately and the two are already inseparable- he had a fun filled weekend which even included a trip to the dog park where he had a blast! His destiny has been fulfilled and from here on out he will live as a cherished spoiled family member. The dream of every dog.
Thank you to Seda Cinar for working so hard to give Maki this opportunity – one he deserves so much!!
Most of all thanks to Amy for making Maki’s dreams come true!
You too can save a life.
A loving family, lots of toys, a full belly, and a soft bed…at last, my sweetest dream may become reality!
My name is Maki, and I’m an adorable, 4 year old boy from Turkey, and quite possibly, a darker-haired distant cousin of Benji, with similar scruffy charm. I’m arriving in Chicago on March 28, and I’m hoping that the City of Big Shoulders has a kind heart and gentle hands.
When I was a young dog in the city of Silivri, west of Istanbul, I contracted distemper, a disease that kills 4 out of 5 dogs without treatment. I was one of the fortunate 1 in 5 that survive, but I didn’t feel lucky. As a result of the disease, my right hind leg was paralyzed, and I developed the body twitches common among distemper survivors. On the street I scrounged for food, and did my best to hide and stay out of harm’s way. One day I wasn’t quick enough, and got caught and taken to an overcrowded, scary shelter. I didn’t think I would make it out alive, most don’t. But then the sun shone my way! A wonderful animal advocate named Merve saw me and decided I deserved a chance and got me out.
Merve tried very hard to find me a home in Turkey, but no one wanted a mixed-breed dog with only 3 working legs, no matter how cute and charming. Last fall, I was moved to a boarding facility where I met more kind people and doggy friends. Here, I’ve been enjoying life. Even though I still get shaky, I get around fine and like to play outside and go on a daily walk. Because the tendon has shortened, my bad leg stays up and out of my way. Although I’m not as fast and agile as other dogs, I have plenty of confidence and have played well with all I’ve met. As long as he or she isn’t too bossy or overly rough and tumble, I’d like to have a dog sibling. I’d like a patient family too; sometimes I need a little extra time to adjust. I’m crate-trained and potty-trained but may make a few mistakes until I get my new routine down. Chasing cats is a guilty pleasure, though I’d never hurt one.
One of the pluses of adopting adults like me, is that I’ve outgrown puppy destructiveness and know how to settle down. I’m quiet inside the house, and usually only bark when I’m having fun with other dogs. I adore getting petted and brushed, and love to cuddle. Seda, one of my best human friends, says I’m a real sweetheart. I hope you’ll see for yourself and find out!
If you are interested in adopting MAKI, please contact Dawn Trimmel at info@istreetdog.com. You can also find our adoption application here.