KUWAIT CITY — In a story that underscores the profound power of hope and the instinct for survival, a dog found abandoned and barely clinging to life in the middle of Kuwait’s bustling Friday Market managed to summon a miraculous burst of strength when she realized help had arrived.
Elika Mansouri, the dedicated founder of I Care Kuwait, received an urgent call about a motionless dog lying amidst the chaos of the market. Despite having an overwhelming workload, Mansouri knew she could not turn away. “I already had so much going on, but I couldn’t ignore her,” Mansouri told The Dodo.
Upon reaching the location, Mansouri found the dog, whom she would later name Ella, in the exact position described. Her complete stillness initially led to fears that she had already passed away. “When I got closer, I realized she was still breathing,” Mansouri said, recalling the overwhelming relief. “The relief I felt in that moment is something I’ll never forget.”
Through fractured communication with local shopkeepers, Mansouri learned the harrowing truth: Ella had been brought to the market to be sold, and when no one would buy her, she was callously discarded right there on the ground.
A Sign of Hope and a Battle for Survival
The moment Ella saw Mansouri approaching, and understood that this person was there for her, the unthinkable happened. She gathered every ounce of her remaining strength and slowly managed to stand up—a small, yet monumental, step into her new life. Mansouri gently placed a leash around her neck and guided her carefully to the car.
The very next morning, Mansouri rushed Ella to the veterinary hospital. The diagnosis was grim: Ella tested positive for the highly contagious and dangerous Parvovirus. Yet, having already battled abandonment and near-death on the street, Ella was a natural fighter. She fought through the debilitating illness and successfully emerged on the other side.
The Long Road to a Forever Home
Even after surviving Parvo, Ella’s future remained uncertain. It is notoriously difficult to find permanent homes for rescue dogs within Kuwait, and Ella struggled immensely with the confinement of a kennel, repeatedly attempting to escape. Mansouri recognized that Ella’s best chance for a truly fulfilling life was to travel, arranging her transfer to Canada through one of I Care Kuwait’s trusted rescue partners.
In Canada, Ella initially faced anxiety as she adjusted to the new environment, but her committed rescuers worked tirelessly to ensure her comfort. Her life-changing moment arrived after spending a month at the facility. Ella was playing in the yard one morning when a woman on her daily run happened to pass by.
“Their eyes met, and that was it — she fell in love instantly,” Mansouri recounted. The connection was undeniable, and the rest is history.
Living the Dream in Montreal
Several years later, Ella is flourishing. She has transformed from an unwanted, discarded creature into a beloved member of an incredible family in Montreal, Canada. Mansouri’s joy for Ella’s perfect ending is palpable.
“Ella ended up being one of the luckiest girls,” Mansouri affirmed. “Her new family welcomed her with open arms, and today she’s living a beautiful, happy, safe life in Montreal, Canada — spoiled, adored and finally getting everything she always deserved.”
