Resilient Kratos: From Turkish Landfill Stray to Symbol of Hope and Healing

When Crystal Carson first encountered Kratos, a Caucasian Shepherd living amidst the waste at a landfill in Corum, Turkey, her heart broke.

The stray was in desperate shape — painfully thin, with his ribs and spine sharply visible beneath his coat, and suffering from severe mange.

Carson, co-founder of Rescuers Without Borders (RWB), couldn’t stop thinking about Kratos despite the overwhelming obstacles that lay ahead.

Kratos was one among many dogs struggling to survive in the harsh, unforgiving environment of the landfill, scavenging scraps from piles of garbage.

Founded in 2017, RWB works to aid these vulnerable animals by providing food, medical care, and sometimes helping them find permanent homes.

Yet, with limited resources, the organization cannot reach every dog in need, making their work often filled with heartache.

At around eight years old, Kratos especially captured Carson’s concern as winter approached.

Fearing he wouldn’t survive the cold, local rescuer Gökçe Erdogan urged Carson to step in.

Motivated by his dire situation, Carson and her team acted swiftly, finding Kratos severely dehydrated and exhausted.

Against all odds, Kratos displayed remarkable strength. After receiving treatment for scabies and dehydration, his condition started to improve.

Carson arranged for him to be cared for at a rescue center in Bursa, Turkey, overseen by Emre Demir, where he could continue healing with proper care.

Though Carson hopes one day to bring Kratos to the United States, she is mindful of the challenges posed by Turkish regulations.

For now, her priority is ensuring Kratos stays healthy and comfortable. His recovery has been extraordinary, marked by new fur growth symbolizing his return to health.

From the brink of death, Kratos has become a beacon of hope — a testament to the dedication and compassion of Carson, her team, and all those involved with RWB.