Taka, a resilient nine-year-old Shiba Inu, endured a devastating house fire in 2018 that left him with severe burns and blindness. Despite the trauma, Taka’s story took a heartwarming turn when he became a therapy dog, bringing hope and comfort to burn victims.
After the fire broke out in his family’s home, Taka was left behind as his family evacuated. Miraculously, he managed to escape on his own, but not without sustaining life-threatening injuries. Taka’s burns were so severe that his family,
unsure of their ability to care for him, made the heartbreaking decision to leave him at the Kerr Moore Animal Hospital, where he received the urgent medical attention he needed.
During his recovery, Taka formed a special bond with Crystal Leslie, a veterinary technician at the hospital. Leslie, deeply moved by Taka’s spirit and resilience, decided to adopt him, providing him with the loving home he deserved.
What started as a temporary foster arrangement quickly became permanent as Leslie realized she couldn’t part with the sweet and brave dog.
Taka’s journey to recovery wasn’t easy, as he initially struggled to get along with Leslie’s other dogs. To help him adjust, Leslie enrolled him in a dog training program, where Taka thrived. Recognizing his calming and compassionate nature,
Leslie decided to train Taka as a therapy dog, knowing he would be especially suited to work with burn victims due to his own experiences.
Now a certified therapy dog, Taka brings comfort to those who have suffered similar traumas, using his story of survival and resilience to inspire others.
His journey from the fire to becoming a therapy dog is a testament to the power of love, healing, and second chances.
