Mariya and Aleksandr Dmitriev, a couple residing in a modest one-bedroom apartment, share an extraordinary bond with their 90lb pet puma named Messi.
Their unique story began when they encountered Messi at a zoo in Penza, Russia, where he was one of three cubs with health issues.
Moved by compassion, the Dmitrievs embarked on a mission to rescue Messi from the confines of the zoo.
Despite initial hesitations about the morality and practicality of owning such an exotic animal, their determination prevailed, and they successfully negotiated with the zoo owners to purchase Messi.
Taking care of Messi posed challenges, requiring extra medical attention and specialized care due to his weakened state.
Despite his recovery, Messi remained more minor than the average puma, needing regular exercise, prompting the Dmitrievs to outfit him with a coat and harness for outdoor walks.
Training Messi proved to be an endeavor, with the couple facing difficulty finding a suitable handler for the wild animal.
Eventually, they enrolled him in a dog training school, where he learned to respond to various commands, further cementing his place as a beloved member of their family.
Documenting their extraordinary life with Messi on social media garnered widespread attention, with people fascinated by the domesticated puma’s antics.
Despite living in a compact apartment, the Dmitrievs accommodated Messi, converting their hallway into a comfortable den suited to his needs.
While Messi thrives in his unconventional environment, the Dmitrievs acknowledge the challenges and risks of caring for such a large exotic cat.
However, they remain convinced that Messi’s unique circumstances and health issues make releasing him into the wild an unfeasible option.
Through their remarkable journey with Messi, Mariya and Aleksandr Dmitriev exemplify the extraordinary bond between humans and animals, demonstrating compassion, dedication, and the capacity for love across species boundaries.
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