Like most places in the world, there is an overpopulation of dogs in Turkey, with more dogs than people who have the interest and ability to adopt them.

Adding to the challenge is the cost of caring for a dog in Turkey, where inflation reached 75% last year, and the government’s new priority to eliminate street dogs.

You could say that Rasta was a handful or that she was a character – and she was – but she was so much more. She was friendly, fun, energetic, and loveable. Sparks of joy seemed to radiate from her body. In our universe, she was the sun.

I gave Mama and Hija space when I visited, not wanting to scare them. But they quickly became my favorite dogs at the shelter. I could sense how special both dogs were. Despite what they’d been through, they were gentle souls.

Have you ever heard someone proudly tell you their purebred dog “came with papers”? Sadly, they’ve been duped.

 Frankie looked up and seemingly said “Oh there you are!” It was like two long-lost friends reuniting. Frankie, who had been abused by a man, had no fear. He ran up to Bryan and melted into his arms. It was better than a scene from a movie. It was two souls in real life who were meant to be together.

While sometimes it might seem like walking your dog is a chore, look at it a different way: Walking with your dog is a privilege, a gift. It’s an opportunity to spend time with your best friend, to enjoy nature together, to meet new friends, and to slow down your life and relax together.

She was thirteen years old and had the longest toenails I’d ever seen. They made it difficult for her to walk. She had a big red “E” on her cage card.

If you’re not sure how to go about adopting a rescue dog, and feel intimidated trying to figure it all out, I’ve got you covered.