Meet Taka The Shiba Inu Who Survived A House Fire And Inspires Others

After a fire raged through his home in October 2018, Taka, an 8-year-old Shiba Inu was rushed to the Care More Animal Hospital. In fact, he suffered burns on his back and belly and around his eyes, mouth, and ears. Taka must have been in agony when he was taken to Care More by his family. However, while they had made the heartbreaking decision to surrender him, it turns out nothing could hold this brave dog back.

Taka the Shiba Inu survives serious burns

Taka was taken to the Care More Animal Hospital in Martinez, Georgia, where Crystal Lesley, a vet tech, fought back tears. Due to his severe burns, his family made the heartbreaking decision to surrender the Shiba Inu.

However, while the staff cared for his severe burns, Taka never complained and didn’t even whimper. The staff was awestruck as the determined Shiba Inu pushed past the excruciating pain to move around and eat. He clearly wasn’t giving up after his ordeal, so Crystal decided they couldn’t give up on him either.

Brave burned pup gets a new home

Taka kept fighting over the next few months until he was well enough to find a new home. Many people followed his story on the animal hospital’s website and offers to adopt him came streaming in. However, in the end, Crystal found she couldn’t let Taka go as she had developed a strong bond with the pup. She decided that he was coming home with her.

With Crystal’s love, Taka continued to thrive and all the way through, he was the same playful and happy dog he had been before the fire. Crystal even set up a Facebook page for the Shiba Inu, titled Taka’s Journey, where he quickly touched many people’s hearts.

Taka the Shiba Inu becomes a therapy dog

Once people saw the Facebook page, those whose own pets had been in accidents quickly DM’d Crystal. They told her Taka had given them hope. But it wasn’t just about dogs, and people facing various challenges also gained hope from the brave pup.

Due to the magic Taka worked with people, Crystal had the Shiba Inu certified as a therapy dog. In July 2019, she started taking him to a nearby burn center, along with other hospitals in the area. Wherever the loving dog went, he drew love and smiles from the patients, while giving them nuzzles and kisses.

Woman’s World quoted the story of one young woman, also burned in a house fire, who traveled 700 miles from Missouri to meet Taka. Reportedly, as she hugged him, she quickly told the pup “I love you.”

Nowadays, Taka also attends burn survivor camps, including the burn center where he was treated. There, a special Taka coloring book had been created for younger patients, featuring the pup in a superhero cape. All along the way, the pup brings smiles everywhere. This also includes the animal hospital where he goes to work with Crystal every day.

According to Crystal, he truly is a symbol of hope. As people see him, they think if he could survive all he has been through with a wagging tail, they can get through this too.