If there is one animal whose resilience and nature to survive is an inspiration, it is Maggi, the Wonder Dog. Maggi, a real sweetheart, endured a nightmare in Lebanon; she was shot 17 times, had one ear cut off and left to die, but she just did not give up. Maggi’s story made headline news in 2019, especially when she was rescued and taken to Brighton. Today, Maggi, an experienced therapy dog, has come a long way in life and is now living her twilight years in comfort. Check out this tribute to Maggi’s life in pictures with a video or two.
The Heartbreaking Beginning in Lebanon
Maggie, a pregnant dog, was found on the streets of Lebanon in a horrifying condition. She had been shot 17 times, her eyes were damaged, and her ear was cut off. She was just five years old at the time.
The Resilient Survivor with a Desire to Live
Despite the attacks, Maggie showed incredible resilience. Her will to survive and her gentle nature caught the attention of rescuers. When vets inspected Maggi, they were shocked at how she survived. She had been shot 17 times, her ear cut off, and even her jaw was broken. Though her eyes were open, they were injured, rendering her blind. Indeed, she was a miracle dog.
Fortunately, Maggie’s luck was about to Change
Maggie’s plight was brought to light by Wild at Heart Foundation, a UK-based animal rescue organization. Wild at Heart began an online campaign to try and get Maggie out of Lebanon. Adding to her luck was how quickly the NGO found someone to adopt Maggi.
A Dream of a New Forever Home
It was Kasey Carlin from Brighton who heard about Maggie and decided to adopt her to give her a better life. When Carlin first learned about Maggi, she knew she had to foster her. Wild at Heart then began the process of rescue and medical care.
Surgery Before Travel
As heartbreaking as it is to write such a story, I feel one must be told what Maggi went through, mainly owing to the fact of how she wanted to survive. Maggi’s resilience and will to make it enhances the fur baby as an inspiration. If she could give a TED talk, wouldn’t that be a success? Maggi underwent a few rounds of surgery to make her fit to travel. She even had her damaged eyes sewn together to prevent further infection.
On The Way to Brighton and A New Life
It took six months for Wild at Heart to initiate the process of getting Maggi to the UK. When Carlin met Maggi at Brighton Airport, she burst into tears. To get Maggi the best treatment, she contacted several blind rescue dog charities to figure out a way to manage her.
A Medical Miracle
In Brighton, the long-drawn process of Maggi’s rehab began. She underwent more surgery to remove the bullets that were still lodged in her body. Although, her eyes were treated, Maggi eventually went completely blind.
The Road to Recovery
Maggie’s recovery was nothing short of miraculous. Despite her blindness and the trauma, she she began to heal physically and emotionally, displaying an unwavering spirit. She always seemed to be smiling.
Finding a Forever Home and Fans
Maggie’s story touched the hearts of many, including Carlin, who adopted her permanently. Carlin provided Maggie with a loving home and the stability she needed to continue her recovery. Maggi’s story soon exploded on the internet, and she chalked up 30K fans on her Instagram, which goes by the Handle ‘Maggi, The Wonder Dog.” Today, Maggi has a whopping 559K followers.
Becoming a Therapy Dog
Maggie’s gentle and loving nature made her an ideal candidate for therapy work. She underwent training and soon became a certified therapy dog, ready to spread joy and comfort to others. She started by visiting the University of Sussex campus twice a week. She soon graduated to visit hospitals and care homes to cheer up the elderly.
Spreading Joy and Comfort
As a therapy dog, Maggie visits hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. Her presence even now brings comfort to patients, students, and elderly residents, showcasing the healing power of animals.
Advocating for Animal Rights
Maggie’s story has become a powerful tool for advocating animal rights and promoting the importance of rescuing and adopting animals in need. Very recently, Maggi teamed up with Milli, another dog with a similar story. Mili, called the Snot Monster was also rescued by Wild Heart and Carlin after she was found shot and injured in Russia. Life-saving surgery resulted in a floppy tongue appearing under her crushed snout. Maggi, Mili and Mishka, Carlin’s third dog have all bonded well and live with Carlin in Brighton.
Promoting Worthy Causes
Maggi and Mili were roped in to promote the cause of Air Ambulance KSS. The dogs will embark on a promotional 100-mile run to raise awareness of KSS. This organization provides emergency air medical services covering the four English counties of Kent, Surrey, East Sussex, and West Sussex.
The Power of Love and Compassion
Maggie’s transformation from a severely injured stray to a beloved therapy dog underscores the power of love and compassion in healing and rehabilitation. Maggie’s story has united a community of animal lovers who support her and other animals in need through donations, fostering, and sharing her story.
Maggi’s Health is Deteriorating, But She is Strong
Maggi’s Instagram post shared an update on her declining health in May 2024. Maggi is growing old; after all, she isn’t immortal. She suffers from chronic bronchitis and Spondylosis of the Spine. Her recurring tests for various conditions are usually good, owing to her strength and cheerful nature. Maggi’s doctors are now looking to stem cell therapy to ease her condition.
Maggi Is Now in Her Twilight Years.
According to her Instagram, Maggi’s condition might get progressively worse. Even though she is in her Twilight years, Maggi is still going to be around and is surprisingly fit for her age. Luckily, medical care has intervened early, and with donors chipping in, Maggi is getting the best possible medical attention, not forgetting the constant love for her emotional welfare.
Community Support and Love
Maggie’s story has united a community of animal lovers who support her and other animals in need through donations, fostering, and sharing her story.
Maggie: A Beacon of Resilience
Maggie’s journey is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of care and compassion. From a war-torn street in Lebanon to becoming a beacon of hope, she continues to inspire many around the world. She is a powerful reminder of the impact one can have by choosing to be compassionate, not just to animals but to all beings in need. To keep updated on Maggi, visit her Instagram at @maggithewunderdog
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