A Ride of Hope and Joy for Disabled Dogs
In the outskirts of Ankara, a heartwarming scene unfolds daily as disabled dogs are treated to an unusual yet delightful experience. Buket Ozgunlu, the chairwoman of the Association of Paws Holding onto Life, has ingeniously crafted a ‘dog train’ from plastic barrels to ferry the canines around for their daily dose of fresh air and scenery.
The inspiration behind this compassionate act stems from Ozgunlu’s personal life. Her father, who is paralysed, enjoys the simple pleasure of being taken outdoors. “This is how the idea for the train came up: my father is also paralysed and disabled. We felt the need to take him out (by car) and make him walk,” Ozgunlu explained. This empathy sparked a realization that the shelter’s dogs, especially those with disabilities, would benefit from a similar experience.
Ozgunlu’s shelter is a sanctuary for 560 dogs rescued from dire circumstances, with 300 of them having endured physical hardships. “I can say we took all of them from the arms of death,” she said, highlighting the shelter’s crucial role in providing a second chance at life for these animals.
The makeshift wagons, attached to an all-terrain vehicle, are not just a mode of transport but a symbol of care and attention. Each barrel has been painted in vibrant hues, and plans are underway to install tarpaulins, ensuring that the dogs ride in comfort and style. “Then, I said our kids (the dogs) do not see anything, they must want this too because the ones who are disabled are more traumatised, they feel a different intensity of emotions,” Ozgunlu remarked, emphasizing the emotional well-being of the animals in her care.
Through this creative initiative, Ozgunlu and her team at the shelter demonstrate that innovation and compassion can go hand-in-hand, providing these dogs not just with shelter and medical care but also with joy and a sense of normalcy despite their disabilities.
