Written by Kiana Mannani
This post discusses multiple forms of trauma including graphic descriptions of medical trauma and animal abuse. If activated, TILA recommends incorporating healing practices such as moving, walking, running, pushing against a wall, connecting with people who are supportive and empathetic, and taking a break at any time.
While in college, I volunteered to go on a school trip with my friend to provide veterinary care in rural villages in Peru for two weeks. I was pre-med then but loved animals and couldn’t say no to this unique opportunity! Did I have any knowledge about animal care? Nope. But I was willing to learn and offered to help however I could.
Unfortunately, I did not pack well with warm clothes for the winter and did not bring any snacks from home. I depended entirely on the food source of the country and our host family.
One week in, I woke up with extremely sharp pains in my stomach, similar to knives, and I dragged myself over to the bathroom. I tried to see if I needed to “release” anything from my body, but I ended up fainting in there instead. Quickly, I got back up and slowly traced my way back to my room to alert my friend. Sadly, I fainted again on my bed and, this time, didn’t wake up until my friend shook me awake.
Unsure if my night was a crazy nightmare, I told my friend I was okay and wanted to skip breakfast today. She mentioned I may be feeling this way due to the high altitude of Cusco and that it’s just altitude sickness. I nodded and continued to decline to eat as I was feeling very nauseous.
Then, the house was headed to the clinic, and I could barely sit up straight once I got there. I was leaning against the wall and feeling very dizzy. The team leaders offered me herbal coca tea to ease my stomach and help with the altitude sickness I thought I had. However, this is when things took a turn for the worse.
The tea sat unsettled in my stomach and I had a strong urge to “bring up” everything in there. I ran to the bathroom and “released” all over the sink. Immediately, I had a moment of euphoria and wellness! I felt great. I thought it was perfect, and now that it’s out of me, I’m all better! I returned to the clinic, ready to start my day, but my friend was still very worried about me. She urged me to go to the hospital and get checked out, but I was stubborn.
Eventually, I gave in and went with her to the American-approved hospital in Cusco. Here, my greatest fears were coming true. After finishing all the tests, I was moved into a room in the hospital, and I began to worry further. The doctor came back in a few hours and spoke to me about my diagnosis. She told me that I had parasites in my intestines and salmonella in my blood and that I’d need to stay here for at least a few days to a week. I was crushed and in disbelief. I ate what everyone else ate, so how did this even happen?
I made a decision that I would not stay here more than a day out of fear of falling ill or something else, so she prescribed me seven different medications to take for the week. I gladly purchased the medications and was on my way.
Weak from this illness, I didn’t help the veterinary group we traveled with here. They didn’t know I was that sick, as I kept it confidential, but they assumed I had altitude sickness like many others.
One of the days in our pop-up clinic in a village, I met this beautiful little puppy. There were so many strays in the street; they would trot in with the other pets and animals and just come to play and mingle. This baby comes in all excited, and boom! A lady kicks her. I rush over, grab this little puppy, and ask this woman if it is her pet. She angrily said no and that the dog was black and evil and should be killed. I stood there in disbelief, shock, and anger. How could someone injure an innocent little puppy and be so naive?
I went to the veterinarian who was working with us, and she explained how they are highly superstitious of black animals in rural villages in general. I understand here in America, sadly, people sacrifice black cats on Halloween, but this was just heartbreaking for me to hear. She later explained that this puppy most likely would be killed given the circumstances of the culture.
From that moment, this puppy would not leave my side. I was in pain from my illnesses, and she was suffering from the brutality of her circumstances. After spending the day with her, I knew I had to bring her home.
After calling all the airlines and hearing no definite answers about her travel needs, I decided to try my best, and if it was meant to be, this little puppy would return to our home. I took her to the same veterinarian who gave her all her shots as she was still a baby, around three months old. I got all her records and papers and began our long journey home.
Thankfully, on all three flights back to LA, we encountered no problems, and she was an angel for all flights, not making a peep. I finally brought my baby home, and she’s been with my family for five years.
Although I rescued her, she’s rescued me. After the sudden loss of my father, she never left my side and posed a constant comfort for me and my family. She is a protector of the house and guards for us, although she’s only 25 pounds. My mother soon broke her leg and, after surgery, was bound for a while. My pup would not leave her side and would rest her head on her knee as support. She would get up and follow my mom as she started walking and constantly kept an eye on her through her recovery process.
The unconditional love from my rescue baby has rescued me. She is the little addition to my family, bringing so much joy and happiness into our lives that I couldn’t imagine living without her. And when I still have those tough days, where my anxiety or sadness or grief is consuming me, she’s always there to offer her comfort. My baby is ready to love no matter the day or the night. Thank you for coming to my rescue.