Animal rescuer in the US & Turkey🐾 Helping every stray find comfort & a forever home. Support the mission below!💚

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Make a Recurring Donation

Construction has begun on the land where these dogs lived safely for 7 years, and three dogs urgently need dog hotel placement while I search for homes. Boarding costs 12,000 TL per dog per month (~$400 USD) — 36,000 TL/month (~$1,200 USD) total. I’ve been covering this largely alone, and two dogs (Yabba & Liz) are already being reported to the city. I urgently need monthly sponsors to keep them safe❤️

URGENT CALL FOR MONTHLY DONATIONS

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What Your Support Makes Possible

I provide quality dry and soft food, clean water, medical care, parasite treatments, vaccinations, emergency vet visits and surgeries, safe bedding and housing, and clean areas every day. I foster puppies, kittens, adult cats, and dogs of all sizes in my home and find them safe, permanent homes. Any injured, abandoned, or motherless animal is taken into my care or placed with a qualified foster, and I provide everything both the foster parent and foster animal needs until adopted suitable adopter is found.

Daily Care and Rescue Work

All donation funds are added on top of what I already budget from myself each month. Donations never replace my own independent funding, they simply allow me to help more animals and provide higher quality care. Every contribution goes directly to food, medical treatment, supplies, boarding, and emergencies. If extra funds remain, they may support other trusted rescuers in urgent, life saving situations.

How Donations Are Used

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Dogs Supported/Available for Homes

Learn More About Liz

Liz is a 7–10 year old female German Shepherd with a heart full of love and loyalty. She adores people and children, does well with other dogs—especially males—and has the classic German Shepherd instinct to protect those she loves. After surviving a major spinal injury from being hit by a car, Liz is fully healed but remains highly reactive to cars and motorcycles, which now trigger anxiety and barking. Sadly, this puts her at high risk of being taken by the Turkish government. She is not good with cats and must go to a cat-free home. Liz needs an urgent placement in a calm, low-traffic environment where she can feel safe and cared for. She’s sweet, resilient, and ready to give her heart to someone who can give her the peaceful life she deserves.

Liz  🐶💛

Learn More About Yabba

Yabba is a 7-month-old male pup full of love and playful energy. Recently neutered, he’s sweet, social, and adores people and all dogs. He’s already learning how to sit, shake, and lay down! Yabba was rescued as an injured puppy from the woods and spent 3 months in foster care, but with no adopter, he was sadly dropped to the street. He loves his dog friends and never says no to a good meal. Yabba is best in a home without cats for now, but with patience and training, he may adjust. He’s a happy, eager boy who’s ready for a second chance at a loving forever home.

Yabba  🐶🖤

Nazlı is a 5–8 year old female who’s been through a lot but still has so much love to give. She showed up in the neighborhood as a puppy, and no one knows where she came from. After her foot was run over by a car and a large abscess formed on her head, she had emergency surgery—including a toe amputation—and recovered in a foster home. During that time, she was quiet, clean, and never barked or had accidents. She’s not crate trained but did great inside. Now she’s back on the street with her dog friends, happy to be with them but still hoping for a home. She loves people and treats, plays well with other dogs, but is fearful of unfamiliar men—likely from past trauma. She’s not good with cats and should go to a cat-free home. Nazlı is sweet, playful, and ready for someone to give her the love she’s always deserved.

Nazlı  🐶🤎

Karabaş is a 10-year-old male Kangal mix with a calm, gentle soul. He’s been on the street the longest but still has bursts of playful energy, especially when he’s with his dog friends—he gets along with everyone but does best with females. Karabaş is incredibly sweet with people and children, always happy for belly rubs and brushing sessions. He loves to relax, nap in the sun, and soak in peaceful moments. While he’s mellow and easygoing, a home without cats would be best. After years on the street, Karabaş deserves a quiet, loving place to spend his golden years.

Karabaş  🐶🩶

Dost is a 5–7 year old male lab mix with a big heart and even bigger emotions. He’s deeply bonded to his best friend Yıldız and would thrive in a home where they can stay together. Dost is affectionate and loves attention, especially belly rubs, and he’s always up for playtime. He gets along well with people and other dogs—but he is food aggressive, so mealtimes need to be managed carefully. His expressive eyes and face say it all—Dost is sensitive, intuitive, and in tune with the emotions of those around him. He’s looking for a loving home where he can be safe, understood, and stay close to his best friend.

Dost  🐶🧡

Yıldız is a 6–9 year old female flea tick hound mix with beautiful markings and a quiet, gentle spirit. She’s deeply bonded to her best friend Dost and only feels truly safe when he’s by her side. Yıldız is shy around people—likely due to past trauma—but slowly warms up to those she gets used to, especially if Dost is nearby. She does best with male dogs and is not good with cats. Yıldız loves sunbathing, relaxing in peaceful corners, and having her alone time. She constantly nibbles and grooms Dost, showing her affection in sweet, subtle ways. A calm home where she can stay with Dost would be her perfect haven.

Yıldız  🐶🤍

Cats Supported/Available for Homes

Learn More About Zeytin

Zeytin is a resilient 3–6 year old female cat with a heart full of love. After losing all of her kittens during an emergency c-section, she lovingly took in an abandoned kitten as her own. Despite enduring another surgery due to complications, she fully recovered and is now back on the street—healthy and sweet. Zeytin adores people and children; the entire building has embraced her, leaving food and water outside their doors. She’s a little hunter, proudly delivering birds and lizards, and she gets along well with other neighborhood cats. Afraid of dogs but never of affection, Zeytin has bright orange eyes and lets out the softest meow when you say her name. She’s ready for a forever home full of love.

Zeytin  🐈🖤

Fıstık is a 3–6 year old female cat with a playful spirit and a heart full of love. She’s known as the unofficial mascot of her building—loved by everyone who lives there. Fıstık does great with other cats, loves to play and hunt, and is always happy to get attention from people. She’s easygoing, affectionate, and full of personality. Her only fear? Dogs. But with her humans and feline friends, she’s as sweet and social as can be. Fıstık is now looking for a safe, loving home to call her own.

Fıstık  🐈🩶

Checkers is a sweet and social black-and-white beauty who adores attention and never says no to a good meal. This affectionate little one is still a mystery when it comes to gender, but there's no doubt about the loving personality. Checkers does wonderfully with other cats and would thrive in a home with feline friends. Friendly, gentle, and always nearby when you’re dishing out food or affection!

Checkers  🐈🖤

Lucky is a 5 month old male miracle kitten and the only survivor of a dog attack that claimed the lives of all of his siblings. As Dottie’s only little one, Lucky's name  is a tribute to his/her incredible luck and resilience. This tiny soul has already beaten the odds and carries with him a quiet strength. With love and care, Lucky is ready to blossom into the cherished companion he was always meant to be.

Lucky  🐈🤎

Callie is an adult female calico cat who’s been a devoted mama to multiple litters and will be spayed soon. She’s a bit shy with people at first but slowly warms up once she feels safe. Callie loves being around other cats and is happiest when surrounded by her feline friends. She is afraid of dogs and would do best in a calm, dog-free home. Callie is looking for a cat-loving home where she can feel safe and receive all of the love!

Callie  🐈🧡 

Harley Quinn is a 6-month-old female calico kitten with striking split-face markings. She’s shy and still afraid of people, but she’s currently in the process of being socialized and is showing slow, steady progress. Harley feels most comfortable when she’s with her mom and sibling kittens—she’s playful, observant, and starting to come out of her shell. She’s in urgent need of a foster or adopter who can give her the patience, love, and quiet space she needs to continue building trust and confidence.

Harley Quinn  🐈🤎

Panda is a 6-month-old kitten with a soft spirit and a love for play. Panda is shy and afraid of people, but is currently going through the socialization process and making gentle progress. Panda feels most at ease when with siblings or other cats, and is always ready to chase a toy or join in on group play. Panda is in urgent need of a foster or adopter who can offer patience, kindness, and a calm environment to help become a confident, loving cat.

Panda  🐈🤍

Lady appeared on the street just a couple of weeks ago and is believed to have been abandoned. Despite her rough start, she is incredibly loving, playful, and adores human attention 💛

She’s a beautiful calico tabby with a sweet personality and gentle nature — the perfect companion for someone who can give her the safety and love she’s been missing.

Lady is available for adoption or foster in Turkey, the US, or Europe. She’s ready to find her forever home and her forever person.

Lady 🐈🧡

Gece is a 6-month-old kitten with a quiet, cautious nature and a playful heart. Still afraid of people, Gece is currently in the socialization process and slowly learning to trust. Most comfortable around siblings and other cats, Gece enjoys playing and being part of a calm, cat-friendly group. In urgent need of a foster or adopter who can provide patience, love, and a peaceful space to continue growing and building confidence.

Gece  🐈🖤

Silvie is a beautiful, grey/white mama-to-be who’s currently pregnant and due to give birth soon. She’s a bit scared and still learning to trust humans, but she’s gentle at heart — and can’t resist a tasty treat. While Silvie herself is shy and needs a patient, quiet environment, her kittens will be available for adoption in the next two months. This sweet girl is doing her best and deserves a safe space to bring her little ones into the world.

Silvie  🐈🩶

Smokey is a charming grey-and-white tabby male with a big personality and an even bigger appetite. He’s incredibly friendly, loves attention, and gets along well with other cats — though be warned, he will try to eat everyone else’s food if given the chance! Smokey isn’t fixed yet, but he’s full of love and would thrive in a home where he can be spoiled (and maybe watched during mealtimes!).

Smokey  🐈🩶

Dottie is a 2–5 year old female cat who’s been through a lot and needs a quiet, understanding place to call home. After tragically losing a litter of kittens to dogs, she remains very fearful of people and dogs. She does well with other cats and would do best in a calm environment with patient, kind-hearted caregivers. While she’s not the cuddly type, she would make a wonderful barn, garden cat, or an indoor cat with a need for personal space. Dottie is looking for a safe home where she can live peacefully and be cared for at a distance.

Dottie  🐈🤍

Trusted Rescue Partners

Paws of Hope Rescue Website

Paws of Hope is a trusted rescue partner I work closely with on international animal rescue transports. Together, we coordinate the safe relocation of dogs from Turkey to loving homes abroad, giving animals a real chance at life beyond the streets and shelters.
Our shared mission is simple: rescue responsibly, prepare thoroughly, and place each animal in a home where they are truly wanted and cared for. International rescue takes time, commitment, and careful planning, and Paws of Hope plays a critical role in making these life-saving journeys possible.
If you’re looking to adopt and haven’t connected with one of my rescues, I highly encourage you to explore the animals available through Paws of Hope. You may find the perfect match waiting for you there.

Paws of Hope Cat & Dog Rescue

Why Türkiye’s Animals Need Us

More about the law

In 2024, Türkiye passed a law allowing municipalities to remove dogs from the streets and place them in shelters. With millions of stray animals and space for only a small fraction, shelters are already overcrowded and under resourced. Animal welfare advocates fear rising euthanasia rates, especially for dogs labeled unadoptable, senior, or aggressive. In stressful shelter environments, these labels do not always reflect a dog’s true nature.

At the same time, feeding restrictions in cities like Istanbul have made it harder for community members to provide food and water, leaving street animals even more vulnerable. As public systems struggle, independent rescue has become essential. Volunteer networks now provide sterilization, medical care, foster homes, and international adoption. For many animals, rescue is no longer optional support. It is their only chance at survival.

Why Rescue Matters Now

Why Adopt from Türkiye

International adoption gives animals who have no chance locally the opportunity to live the life they deserve. In Türkiye, many dogs and some cats have extremely limited adoption prospects due to cultural views, apartment living, and the overwhelming number of street animals. For many, an international adopter is their only chance at a safe, stable home.

All adoptions are completed through trusted flight volunteers who personally accompany the animal from Türkiye to the adopter’s country. Once an adopter is approved, the animal begins the full medical process: vaccinations, parasite treatments, microchipping, and any required bloodwork or waiting periods. I handle all vet visits, export permits, health certificates, and coordination with the flight volunteer. Animals travel safely in cabin or as checked baggage depending on airline rules, and the adopter meets them at the airport with all documents in hand.

How International Adoptions Work

Impact and context

With millions of animals at risk, small acts truly make a meaningful difference. Financial donations directly support food, vaccinations, sterilization, surgeries, boarding, and emergency veterinary care for animals who would otherwise go untreated. Even modest monthly contributions create stability and allow rescuers like myself to plan ahead rather than operate in crisis mode.

Sharing rescue stories, adoption posts, and urgent cases expands visibility far beyond local communities and increases the chances of international placement for dogs who may never be adopted locally. Advocacy and education also help protect humane policies and promote responsible coexistence.

Supporting spay and neuter efforts is one of the most powerful long term solutions, preventing future suffering before it begins. Every share, every donation, and every conversation helps create a safer future for Türkiye’s street animals.

How You Can Help

Interested in fostering or adopting? Apply here!

Flying home from Turkey? You can help an animal reach their forever home. Our rescues can only travel with flight volunteers—this is often their only way to safety. There’s no cost or commitment, and we handle all paperwork. All we ask is about 30 extra minutes at the airport. If you’re open to helping, please fill out the form below.

Mia