From Russia to Denmark!

Through the organisation “Fra snude til snude”, three-legged Rada has moved to Denmark!

“Snude til snude i a charity project, read more here!

We have raised money for a shelter in Russia. Through the shelter we have adopted a three-legged dog Rada to Denmark!

Monday January 15th 9 pm!

How does it feel to sleep on a soft blanket in a warm room for the first time, after having slept on the hard floor of a shed for years? 

What do you think when your food is served nicely diced in a bowl, when you used to eat old meat directly from the pot? 

What feelings flow through your body when loving strokes in endless amounts replace the fight for attention in the pack?

 Whether three-legged Rada has those kinds of thoughts, we have no idea.

 

Arrival in Denmark!

Hopefully she feels the care and love she was met with when she arrived in Denmark from the cold shelter in Russia late last night. Chelina came in, rolling Rada in her pet carrie. Chelina’s lovely family, Thomas and I stood there in exited anticipation.

 

The trip from Russia to Denmark is undeniably a stressful journey for a dog.

That is why it is so important that the first period in this new country is as calm as possible. The impressions as seen from the snout are overwhelming as it is.

To begin with she was stressed.

In the car home from the airport, Rada sat at the backseat – i.e. she sat in the lap of Lise as she would rather sit with her muzzle resting on a shoulder.

She had been barking from the moment she landed and that continued throughout the ride.

At the arrival at Artemis, she was let out at the parking lot. She lifted her head, and then she wanted to go for a little walk.

On three legs!

Rada I challenged by her lack of one foreleg, which complicates her sniffing. In that way she is different from most dogs. Her leg was wounded in an accident and got amputated below her shoulder.

In the beginning we therefore decided to spare her from dealing with stairs.

It was the plan that she should have a thorough check-up by the veterinarian, when she arrived in Denmark. We need to know her psyche and overall state of health to provide her with the optimal settings for her to have a good life.

Rada stayed at Artemis for the night. She should not be moved more than necessary.

After a short walk we returned to the clinic where a bed was made for Rada.

She was shown the soft blankets, and when Thomas Rathsack sat down with her, she finally relaxed. She slept right there all through the night. She had to do without Thomas as I took over the watch.

 

That’s how Rada and I spend the night in the consulting room. Snout to snout.

She definitely slept more than me. More than once I stroked her to make sure she didn’t feel lonely or sad!

 

What’s next?

Today we have run a series of tests on her. She takes some short walks and relaxes in between.

Rada’s stress and alertness needs to be removed. Up till now it has worked well.

The right home for Rada is one with an endless, loving warmth. And there are the challenges with her motor skills to take into consideration.

A dog can live a fulfilling life on three legs, but it needs the family to pay attention to its special needs.

To adopt dogs from abroad is not just a simple matter.

Rada is one of many dogs from the Russian shelter, Rada has had  the chance of a new life.

It makes a difference to help one dog – also even though you cannot save them all!

Our donation has created a local awareness.

Chelina has been on local TV, which has put focus on the shelter, and now more people have adopted dogs and cats.

Respect for life!

Rada is – apart form being a lovely dog – also a symbol for the fact that it makes a difference when we help. The respect for life, no matter the circumstances and challenges, is important. The respect also entails choosing the alternative, when that is the best for the animal.

Seen from the outside some people may think “Three legs? Is that a life worth living?”

YES, it is. If you pay attention and provide the proper care, life on three legs isn’t bad at all.

To put it bluntly – for the perspective: A lot of dogs suffer from severe osteoarthritis – sometimes in only one leg. It can end up being so debilitating that the dog puts all weight on the other leg to ease the pain.

Just as when you only have one leg, your body needs to compensate for the balance that is no longer working. These dogs live good lives, provided with proper care – until the day life no longer is a good life for the dog.

Rada’s handicap is obvious. A lot of dogs suffer from conditions not apparently visible for us.

No matter what happens, what is best for Rada is what sets the course.

We don’t yet know exactly what the coordinates are, but we are on our way to find them.

Tonight Thomas watches over Rada. Or is it the other way round? In any way she could not be in better hands.

When Tuesday arrives we will see what the day brings. Until then we just need Rada to feel good and get used to her new life.

Everyone surrounding Rada is again reminded that a dog is not “just a dog”, but just about the most trusting and life affirming presence, you will meet.