Animal lover in Turkish capital takes disabled dogs on joyful rides

By Ismet Karakas

An animal lover in Ankara embarked on a heart-warming initiative to bring joy to disabled dogs that have attracted a lot of love in social media.

Using a unique "train" crafted from plastic barrels hitched to the back of her vehicle, Buket Ozgunlu, chairman of the Association of Paws Holding to Life, is taking the special canines on delightful outings.

The Stray Animal Rescue Association, located in the Oyaca neighborhood of Golbasi district, cares for 560 dogs, with more than 300 who have disabilities.

Ozgunlu said the Association, which has been operating for nearly four years, has garnered support across Türkiye, enabling it to rescue and care for countless animals in need.

She said her inspiration stems from seeing similar efforts by someone abroad on social media.

"If they can do it, why can't we?" she said, highlighting the inclusive nature of the project.

"I noticed that such outings are very beneficial for them. That's why I take them out six by six every week," she said, emphasizing the positive effect the excursions have on the well-being of the dogs.

The heartening initiative has garnered widespread attention on social media, surprising Ozgunlu with that much support. "I didn't think it would be loved so much," she admitted, reflecting on the unexpected viral response to her posts.

“I shared it for no reason, I was out for a test drive. I shared the video on a spur of the moment. It's not the finished version of our train, we have other projects. We are here with our unfinished version right now," she said.

* Writing by Seda Sevencan