“She doesn’t need eyes because she’s learned to see with her heart.” Those are the words of Kasey Carlin, who recently adopted a dog known to many as Maggie the Wunderdog. Maggie has no eyes after enduring unimaginable abuse, but her story of recovery is definitely wonderful. Now she helps heal everyone around her as a therapy dog.
Maggie was pregnant and living in Lebanon when someone shot her 17 times. She's also missing an ear. Most of us would assume life would be over at that point, but Maggie is a furry miracle.
This Wunderdog got a second chance at life when rescuers at Wild at Heart Foundation worked tirelessly for months to get her to safety. The organization funds and supports international animal welfare projects.
According to the website, the situation for dogs is particularly grim in Lebanon: "The street dogs of Lebanon need our help. Decades of intrinsic beliefs in the utter inferiority of dogs has led to a culture of cruelty, neglect and often deeply-shocking violence. The levels of abuse in Lebanon are some of the worst we've ever witnessed: dogs tied up and used as target practice; puppies thrown from rooftops and balconies; life-threatening wounds inflicted for 'sport' or malicious curiosity."
Fortunately, Maggie survived and flew to England with her rescuers. From there, she found a loving home with Kasey Carlin. Rather than suffering from long-term debilitating behavioral issues one might expect, Maggie rebounded completely. She learned to love and trust people so much that she's now a therapy dog, teaching kids valuable lessons about about bullying, acceptance, and disabilities.Besides, Maggie helped heal Kasey Carlin and transform her life.
SHE IS THE PIECE I NEVER KNEW WAS MISSING," CARLIN SAID. "Before Maggie, I was depressed and struggling with daily life. Maggie has introduced me to so many new people. I can't walk down the street without Maggie making a new friend. Her joy is infectious, and she has made it her personal mission to befriend every person she meets."
Carlin says that Maggie exudes calming energy and seems to know somehow exactly what those around her need. When asked to describe the most amazing thing about Maggie, Carlin said: "I can't say just one. Her confidence, love, ability to forgive? The way she 'looks' straight into the face of whoever she meets. The way she gives her entire heart to strangers. Her calming aura? The way she instantly knows how to act with different people depending on their needs and abilities," Carlin said.
Imagine being able to trust people again when someone was so cruel to her."The way she has forgiven people when the last thing she saw in this world was a human. Then complete darkness and unimaginable pain as she was shot in the eyes four times plus being shot throughout her little body," Carlin added. "I think that has to be the most amazing thing about her."
"I STILL CAN'T EXPLAIN HOW SHE HAS MANAGED TO FORGIVE LIKE THAT. SHE DOESN'T NEED EYES BECAUSE SHE'S LEARNED TO SEE WITH HER HEART." Maggie's life is touching the lives of countless others, as she shares a loving home with her furry siblings, Mishka, and foster sister Bella. She lives a life of luxury, where she will be loved and protected forever.