A Hard Life On The Street Turned This Dog To Stone. But Wait 'Til You See What She Looks Like NOW!

A Transformation From Stone

Credit: Valia Orfanidou

The life of a stray is hard. But for Petra, a stray dog living on the streets of Athens, Greece, life was so hard it eventually made her face appear as though it was made of stone.

The poor pup had been homeless and sick for so long she refused to let any human near her. Even the well-meaning ones. So, one woman took a photo of Petra (which is Greek for "stone") and shared it on Facebook along with a plea for someone to help the dog.

Credit: Valia Orfanidou

It worked. Some Good Samaritans set out to rescue the ailing pooch and to get her the help she so desperately needed.

It wasn't easy. In fact, it was incredibly difficult since Petra refused to let anyone get near her. But her rescuers were determined to help her, and their persistence paid off.

Credit: Valia Orfanidou

Petra was taken to the Save a Greek Stray shelter, where she met Valia Orfanidou -- a kindhearted animal lover determined to help rehabilitate her.

"I think she's always been a stray because she looked like she had never been around people," she recalls. "Even dogs in that condition, if they've been around people are more friendly. Petra looked like she had never been touched."

Credit: Valia Orfanidou

Petra was in pitiful shape. Her stone-like appearance was caused by an extreme case of mange. She also had a nasty infection caused by bugs which can prove fatal if left untreated, and several other health issues. And even though they were trying to help, Petra remained fearful of her rescuers.

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"The problem is she still didn't trust anybody," Valia said. "She never wanted to leave her cage; she would hide every time she was approached and growl at the other dogs at the shelter."

Credit: Valia Orfanidou

But Valia and the staff at the shelter refused to give up on her. They kept trying to get Petra to venture out of her cage.

"...It took us one whole hour to walk just a few meters from her cage," Valia said. "She would make three or four steps, and then stop. I'd pull her slightly and then a few more steps."

Credit: Save A Greek Stray

Patience and persistence paid off, and overtime, Petra became more and more trustful of her human companions. And that's when her incredible transformation really started to take shape.

"She started wagging her tail and looked willing to play with us, her toys and the other dogs," says Valia.

Credit: Valia Orfanidou

With continued love and care, not only did Petra's heart soften, but so did her entire appearance. And seeing her now, you'd never guess she was the same stone-faced dog, found roaming the streets!

Credit: Valia Orfanidou

And now that her rehabilitation is complete, Valia and the shelter have started searching for a loving forever home for sweet Petra! What a beautiful example she is of the transforming power of love!