Glimpse Of Hope
She drove around aimlessly for hours. She couldn't hold back her tears any longer. What is she going to do?
She needed to find the little guy unharmed and soon. She won't be able to sleep if she doesn't. She finally began to hope when her neighbor pointed to her attic. But when she looked inside, she was horrified by what she saw.
Adorable Dogs
Linda Scormak loved pugs. She wanted one for as long as she could remember.
Despite the wrinkles, waddles, and buggy eyes, she was beyond in love with them. Upon finding an opportunity, she took money from her savings and got ready to locate her perfect furry companion. One rule, however, caused problems from the start.
Dead Ends
A purebred dog already has a stigma attached, so Linda’s first concern was finding a reputable breeder.
She found herself in an animal shelter after another failed inspection of a kennel. Whether by disappointment or curiosity, she decided to take a chance, hoping fate would change the course of events.
Unwanted Pups
The moment she entered the animal shelter, she was greeted with a bunch of barks and wagging tails.
As she walked around the shelter, some dogs were jumping up and down, begging for her attention while others tried their best to hide from her. Seeing all these unwanted pups broke her heart. After a few rows, she noticed something surprising.
Different One
The puppy resembled a rat more than a dog!
It had beadlike eyes, a crooked mouth, a flappy tongue, and it was also hairless, except for a few sticking out from its wrinkled head. When she envisioned her dream dog, it looked nothing like this one. But for some reason she just connected with the dog. It was practically begging her to take it back home with her.
Smudge
Not even an hour later the two were on the way to Linda's house.
While holding the jittering fur baby named Smudge, her eyes continued to widen. What had she done? By the time she made it back home, she had Smudge registered and microchipped. Little did she know that he would not be staying with her for very long.
Nervous Pup
Linda had seen that Smudge was prone to anxiety. She wasn't sure if Smudge was born this way or if a terrible life had shaped him in this way. Her heart broke for the poor little guy.
Linda wanted to make Smudge feel safe in his new home. She gave him water food and ensured that the house is quiet. She didn't even make an attempt to pet him as she did not want to startle him. The fact that he loved to hide was the one thing that concerned her.
Disappearance
On more than one occasion, Linda had to search high and low for Smudge just to find him hiding beneath the bed or behind a bunch of blankets. He definitely stressed her out.
However, she was unable to locate him one day. She went into full panic mode after a few minutes of stress and began tearing the place up. Days stretched into weeks, and weeks turned into months. Crying would become a daily occurrence for her. She had failed him. She would finally get an answer six months later.
Missing Him Still
No matter how many distractions Linda surrounded herself with, she still missed Smudge everyday.
A snake slithered away from her as she stuck her trowel into the ground. A gasp escaped her as she hurled the shovel at it. There have been so many snakes this year. Her nosy neighbor suddenly poked her head over the fence.
Good News
“Hey, darlin’,” she said with a heavy southern accent. “You might want to check your attic. Saw something going in there.” Linda looked concerned.
The upper window, which she had left open for ventilation, caught Linda's attention. In her heart, she wanted to believe Smudge was there all along and had been hiding. She quickly ran into the house with excitement. The moment she opened the door and shoved the boxes aside, she shouted at the top of her lungs.
Scary Sight
There, in the middle of the dusty floor, was a huge ball of slithering, writhing snakes.
The biggest ones curled around the smaller ones – probably parents protecting their young. How long had this nightmare been looming right over her very head?! Then, the realization clicked in, and it shredded her heart into a million pieces.
Doomsday Thinking
Was this why she couldn’t find her dog?
Had the little guy scampered away to find a safe refuge only to stumble upon a nest of snakes? As animal control hurried over and cleared out the terrifying mass, she sat in her bedroom and cried. The final answer as to Smudge’s fate wouldn’t come for a couple of weeks.
A Surprising Phone Call
Every morning, Linda woke and had her coffee – staring at the empty food bowl. Her first time as an owner and she had failed miserably to protect such an innocent soul.
The phone rang and she slowly picked it up, not caring about whatever or whoever was on the other end. However, just four little words made her sprint for the car and race through every yellow light until she got to her destination.
Found Again!
Shivering in the corner of a small cage was Smudge!
He hadn’t fallen prey to the snakes, he had just runoff. But more good news came pouring in. As soon as the little guy laid eyes on her, he sparked with joy and frantically scratched to get to her. He remembered her!
Together Forever
Linda held her little guy in her arms, letting out every tear she had been holding back for those six months. It was so amazing – he was so amazing. She wrapped him in a blanket and took him home. There was no doubt they were meant to find each other. And this time, she would make sure nothing bad would ever happen to him again.
It’s such an amazing thing to adopt a dog. Especially ones that are experienced and been through a lot. These dogs will have habits from previous owners or houses.One man noticed a recurring habit his dog had that was from a previous owner. He found it strange and unnerving and would struggle to sleep at night just thinking about it.
Cesur The Dog
Ali decided that he would adopt a dog instead of buying one. There was value in it and he was giving him a new home. The little mixed breed seemed like a good fit for him.
The newly adopted dog was affectionate and well-mannered. But it took a while for Cesur to show Ali his true nature.
A Good Fit
Cesur seemed right at home with his new owner. It seemed that every prior experience he had been through was over. He was a loyal companion.
But it seemed that Cesur had a habit he had kept hidden from Ali that was about to rear its head. It would be something that Ali would be terrified of.
An Escape Artist
Every morning like clockwork, Cesur would wait at the front door while Ali got ready for work. But when Ali finally opened the door to leave, Cesur would sprint out.
Ali couldn’t catch him and couldn’t be late for work. So he had no choice but to get in his car and leave, hoping that Cesur would be alright.
Worried Sick
While at work, Ali would feel a pit in his stomach, worried sick over his newly adopted dog. Even if Cesur would patiently wait at the front door when he got back, he didn’t want him on the street all day.
Ali was curious where Cesur would go every morning. He was adamant enough to escape from his new owner, so it must be important to him. The real reason would have Ali in tears.
Blaming Himself
Before this habit developed, the two had played so nicely together. Ali felt that he had found a new companion. So it was justified when he felt a little betrayed when Cesur would want to go somewhere else every morning,
Ali’s father never mentioned this problem about Cesur. Maybe he needed more exercise? Turns out, his disappearing act wouldn’t be because of walks.
Being A Better Owner
Ali put himself together and was adamant that he would improve himself as a dog owner. He pampered Cesur, buying him expensive food and taking him out to play at the park.
Maybe Cesur just didn’t trust him yet? Maybe if he gave it time, he wouldn’t need to escape every morning. But Ali was oblivious to what the poor dog was actually doing.
Every Morning
After weeks, it seemed that this habit wouldn’t change. Ali first thought he was just getting used to the new house. But after weeks, he knew it was going to be a long-term problem.
Ali needed to figure out where his furry companion was going every day. He decided he would be a detective for a day.
Bursa
Ali lived in Bursa, a city in Turkey. Ali knew everyone in the town and everyone knew him.
The community was there to support Ali and had his back. But it seemed a few people would have other things in mind.
Accusations
These few people reported Ali for neglect. They claimed he let his dog roam around couldn’t care less where he went. This was a danger for the dog and the traffic on the roads.
Ali understood and agreed to find out what was going on. But animal control told him something that would rock him to the core.
Explanation Needed
Animal control cautioned him that dogs usually run away due to frustration and fear. They were suspecting him of mistreating poor Cesur. But he absolutely wasn't and he never would!
He knew that there was another explanation for this. Frustrated, he hung up and called work to let them know he wouldn't be working tomorrow. Instead, he was going to find out exactly what Cesur got up to.
Following Him
Ali woke up determined and managed to get some extra time in the morning. He followed Cesur as the dog ran down a path that he was clearly very familiar with.
It took a while for Ali to realize where Cesur was going, but when he did it broke his heart.
Sad Realization
Ali followed him, making sure to keep his distance and avoid being seen. He didn't want to distract Cesur from his mysterious daily venture.
He followed him past five blocks, turning left, then right, then left again until he understood exactly where Cesur was heading towards. His lip quivered at the solemn realization.
A Cemetery
Cesur had led Ali to a cemetery. And then he purposefully stopped at one particular grave.
You see, the little dog had been a faithful companion to his previous owner, 79-year-old Mehmet Ilhan. Mehmet had adopted him from a shelter, and the pair had formed a bond so extraordinary that it left Ali floored.
Heartbroken
Mehmet and Cesur were together for two years, but then tragedy struck.
Mehmet was hospitalized, and Cesur was overcome with grief. “Because of my father’s paralysis, they had a different kind of connection,” Ali told The Dodo. "When my father was in the hospital during his last days, Cesur stopped eating."
Wouldn't Leave His Side
Mehmet sadly passed away a few weeks later. And when his coffin was brought home to prepare for the funeral, Cesur wouldn't leave his owner's side.
When a procession formed to carry the coffin to a local mosque, the dog refused to move away. Cesur insisted on leading the procession, and the other guests followed. But they were yet to learn the extent of his grief.
Mourning
During the funeral, Cesur sat at the foot of the coffin. He had his head hanging sadly as if he was mourning.
This is how Cesur remained the entire time. "Nobody could touch him until my father was taken to the grave and was buried,” said Ali. Cesur watched his owner being laid to rest. But sadly, it gave him no closure and his behavior continued to change.
Dog Grief
Although dogs don't cry as humans do, they do show real grief. When dogs are sad, instead of shedding tears, they'll show their sadness by whining, folding their ears back, crouching, or refusing to make eye contact.
They'll also look like they lack confidence. And if a dog is whining, he's telling you that he feels unsafe and is looking to you for assurance. Cesur was displaying most of the above behaviors. It was obvious he was in mourning.
Pining
Even though the little dog now lived at home with Ali, Mehemet's son, he was still pining for Mehmet.
Every day since the funeral, Cesur escaped and ran through town to the burial site to sit with his old friend. But it wasn’t until Ali followed him that he realized what the loyal little dog was doing every day.
Paying Respects
“The people who work in the cemetery say the first thing he does in the morning is visit the grave of my father,” said Ali.
On this day, Ali and Cesur sat side by side and paid their respects together. But Ali had no idea that he was just touching the surface of the grief Cesur felt. His heart broke once more when he saw what lay on the ground.
Together Forever
Ali even saw the pawprints that Cesur had left on the grave on previous occasions, which only confirmed the pup's loyalty.
Ali is not sure how long Cesur’s daily visits to the cemetery will continue, or if he will ever really recover from the loss of his beloved master. One thing is certain, however. Ali had to do something.
Repaying Him
Ali knew that Cesur was a noble, loyal dog, and had also been a loving companion for his father.
In return, Ali promised that the little dog won’t have to face the future on his own. “Cesur has always been a noble animal,” said Ali. “He will live with me from now on”. But how would Ali ease his pain?
Not Enough
Ali was fulfilling his promise of staying with Cesur and giving him all the attention and love that he needed but it still wasn't enough.
Cesur continued to display signs of sadness and visit the grave every day. When Ali noticed his appetite was fading, he got worried and rushed to the vet to seek help.
Professional Help
When Ali brought Cesur to the vet, word of his heartbreaking tale had already swept their local newspapers. The vets recognized them and rushed over to Ali and Cesur, giving them both their condolences.
Ali told the vet that he hadn't been eating well and was worried he might starve himself into oblivion. The vet assured him that although he's experiencing emotional trauma, dogs' survival instincts are far too strong to willingly starve themselves to death. But they did have a suggestion.
Unexpected Suggestion
They told Ali that Cesur might need more than a human friend to get him through this. They asked Ali to consider getting a companion for Cesur. The idea never popped into Ali's mind.
But now, it made sense. He wanted Cesur to be the playful pup he once was and how better to do that than to get another dog that he could play around with. But things didn't work out exactly as planned...
Strange Solution
Ali went back home with Cesur and was met by his friends already making themselves at home in his backyard. He had arranged a BBQ the week before and told them he'd be running late.
He told his friends that he needed to get Cesur a companion but that he realized his house didn't have enough space for two dogs. That's when one of his friends offered him a strange solution.
The Start Of Something New
His friend had rescued a stray cat a couple of weeks ago and was planning to hand it into the shelter. He suddenly wondered if Ali should just take her instead.
She was a grey and black striped beautiful cat who was calm and lively at the same time. He had grown fond of the cat and wanted to give it to someone who he knew would take good care of it.
Unlikely Match
Ali didn't need much convincing. A cat was the perfect addition to his little fury family. The cat, Tobi, was slowly introduced to Cesur, who took an immediate shining to her!
Tobi on the other hand was a bit more cautious. However, it didn't take long before she began to feel more comfortable and her playful side took over.
Coming Back To Life
She'd pounce on Cesur and had an obsession with catching his tail and nibbling at his ear. An action that would always leave Cesur swinging his head, trying to playfully get her to stop.
Slowly but surely, Cesur began to light up again. He stopped crouching and whining and slowly began to get his appetite back. Meanwhile, something much, much bigger was happening.
Going Viral
Cesur's heartbreaking tale of loss and hardship was going viral across the world! Cesur became widely known as the latest heartbroken dog, who also reminded the world of Greyfriars Bobby.
Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye Terrier from Scotland who was well known for guarding the grave of his owner for an insane 14 years. They even created a statue after him...
A Lasting Tale
The statue of the 19th-century pup who passed away in 1872 is located in Edinburgh in Scotland.
He is still adored by the locals today and his story continues to be well known by the community. His story of heartbreak and loyalty has even inspired a number of films and books. And it looks like Cesur is set to follow his lead.
Stopped By People
Whenever Ali and Cesur are out together, they get stopped by people all the time, asking after Cesur and wondering how he's doing now.
At first, Ali found the situation bizarre, as he was also suffering the same loss but as time continue, he loved the care and attention Cesur got and felt his father was still somehow living through him.
Neighborhood Cheer
When Ali and Cesur appeared on a number of talk shows to tell their story, people couldn't help but pay attention. Often, people would bring their dogs over to play with Cesur and lighten his mood, but they all had one burning question to ask Ali.
They asked him if he still visited the grave. Ali would reply, "Although he's visibly much more cheerful, after all this time, he's never forgot one thing".
Feeling The Support!
"He never forgot his old master, Mehmet". Cesur continued to walk down to the graveyard and sit with his old friend. Only now, he is often accompanied by Ali and Tobi, the cat, in tow.
Looking back, Cesur's grievance also helped Ali get through his own feelings of loss and sadness. Thanks to Cesur, Ali didn't feel alone in his grief either and they got through it together. One day at a time!