When Meri first saw Zhile in Macedonia over three years ago, she knew that she needed to help him.

For months and months, he lived in the mountains close to a popular ski resort, and it’s thought that he managed to survive multiple altercations with wolves in the area.

After that, on February 23, 2013, a monster shot at Zhile and many other dogs, and the horrific act of abuse led to his paralysis.

Unable to use his back legs, he dragged himself to one of the resort’s cottages. Tourists then brought him to a vet for help.

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Veterinarian Marin Velickovski took the bullet out of his back. It was then that Zhile began the journey to health and happiness, but sadly, it became clear that he’d never walk without a rear-leg wheelchair again.

The people who cared for him weren’t sure how this disability would affect his quality of life. Uncertain about what to do, they turned to the internet. Thankfully, helpful, inspiring responses poured in, convincing them that Zhile would be okay with the right care. That’s around the same time he got his first wheelchair!