When a father’s job was relocated to Ankara, Turkey, his wife, Marry, and their three daughters Abby, Anna, and Alaina were suddenly faced with a new life in an unfamiliar place. They needed something meaningful to do, something that would help them feel connected again. What they found was a local dog shelter housing over 4000 animals in need. It was overcrowded and under-resourced, filled with dogs fighting not just for space but for survival.
One of the most heartbreaking problems the shelter faced was canine distemper. This deadly disease causes severe neurological issues, often leading to seizures and complete loss of coordination. In many cases, nothing could be done. The shelter simply did not have the capacity to care for the terminally ill.
That’s when the family made a remarkable decision. They began volunteering as a hospice for dying dogs, bringing them home in their final days so they could experience peace and love before passing. Instead of letting them fade away in cold, crowded cages, Marry and her daughters offered warmth, kindness, and dignity.
One day, they brought home a litter of pups who were all very sick. Most of them were close to the end, including one tiny little girl who seemed especially fragile. She was the smallest of the group, barely moving, often curled up alone in a quiet corner. They named her Faith.
Everyone expected Faith to go quietly, just like the others had. But Faith had something else in mind. While her siblings passed on surrounded by love, Faith surprised everyone. Instead of growing weaker, she grew stronger. Slowly but surely, her appetite returned. Her eyes brightened. Her legs, once shaky, began to carry her forward. She began to play, to cuddle, to live.
It was nothing short of a miracle. Day after day, Faith continued to heal. With her family’s help, she transformed from a dying puppy into a vibrant, joyful dog. The girl who was supposed to fade away became the heart of their home.
Now that the family is preparing to return to America, there is no doubt—Faith is coming too. She is no longer just a dog they saved. She is a member of the family, a living reminder of love’s power to heal and the strength found in the smallest of souls.
