When a dog is left motionless in the middle of a bustling market, many might pass by without a second glance. But for Elika Mansouri, founder of I Care Kuwait, the sight of a dog lying still and alone at the Friday Market in Kuwait was a call to action she couldn’t ignore. Despite already juggling multiple rescue efforts, Mansouri responded to the plea for help. What unfolded next was a remarkable story of resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of a second chance.
The dog, later named Ella, had been abandoned after a failed attempt to sell her. According to Mansouri, local shopkeepers explained that when no one bought her, she was simply discarded on the ground. She remained in the same spot, unmoving, as hours passed. When Mansouri arrived and approached her, she feared the worst. But then she noticed the faintest sign of life—Ella was still breathing.
That moment of realization brought an overwhelming sense of relief. As Mansouri described, it was a feeling she would never forget. Despite her fragile state, Ella managed to stand when she saw her rescuer. It was a quiet but powerful gesture, a signal that she was not ready to give up. With great care, Mansouri slipped a leash around Ella’s neck and led her gently to the car, beginning the first step in what would become a long journey to recovery.
The next morning, Ella was taken to a veterinary hospital, where she tested positive for Parvovirus, a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease. Recovery from Parvo is never guaranteed, especially for dogs already weakened by neglect. But Ella had already shown that she was a fighter. With medical care and support, she pulled through, surviving yet another challenge in her young life.
Her recovery, however, was only part of the battle. Even after being rescued from the streets, Ella struggled to adjust to life in a kennel. She attempted to escape multiple times, a sign of her anxiety and discomfort. Finding permanent homes for dogs in Kuwait can be incredibly difficult. Recognizing this, Mansouri arranged for Ella to be transferred to Canada through one of I Care Kuwait’s rescue partners, giving her a better shot at adoption and a stable life.
Once in Canada, Ella faced a new set of challenges. Adjusting to a different environment was not easy for her, and she remained anxious in her new surroundings. But her caretakers remained patient and committed, doing everything they could to help her feel safe and loved. Then, in a moment that seemed almost serendipitous, Ella was playing in the yard when a woman jogging by locked eyes with her. That single moment sparked a connection that would change both of their lives.
The woman fell in love with Ella instantly and chose to adopt her. From that point forward, Ella’s life took a joyful turn. She transitioned from being a discarded street dog to a beloved family member, living in a safe, nurturing home in Montreal, Canada. According to Mansouri, Ella is now “spoiled, adored and finally getting everything she always deserved.”
I found this detail striking: Ella’s ability to stand and walk toward her rescuer despite being on the brink of death. It’s a powerful testament to the resilience animals can show, even in their darkest moments. Her story also highlights the critical importance of rescue efforts in regions where animal welfare resources are limited.
Today, Ella is thriving. Several years have passed since her rescue, and her transformation is nothing short of extraordinary. She is healthy, happy, and deeply loved by her adoptive family. Mansouri reflects on her journey with pride and gratitude, noting that Ella has become “one of the luckiest girls.”
Ella’s story is a poignant reminder of the life-changing impact that compassion and persistence can have. From lying barely alive on a crowded street to running freely in a Canadian yard, her journey is an inspiring example of what rescue work can achieve. For those interested in supporting similar stories of hope and recovery, donations to organizations like I Care Kuwait can help provide more animals with the second chances they deserve.
