At Dog Desk Animal Action, we are always striving to find new and better ways to support Turkey’s vulnerable dogs. We are so proud of our new partnership in Ankara – the Sanctuary Project.
This is not a traditional sheltering. It is something different, something more.
Why a Sanctuary Project?
Across Turkey, many kind-hearted individuals took in street dogs to protect them from hunger, disease, or abuse & placed them in pet hotels. But over time, the costs became overwhelming. Too often, these well-intentioned rescues find themselves unable to continue, leaving dogs once again at risk.
The Sanctuary Project exists to provide a safety net for those dogs. It offers them a stable and secure environment – a place where they can live with dignity, comfort, and consistency when their original rescuers can no longer manage.
More Than a Shelter
Unlike a shelter, the sanctuary project provides a more natural indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Dogs can roam safely, play, rest, and interact with the daily rhythms of human life. From hearing the sound of a kettle boiling, to walking across tiled floors, to learning the calm of sitting by a person’s side – every small experience helps prepare them for life in a real home.
Giving the dogs this opportunity is not cheap, and we hesitated before going ahead with it. But ultimately, we felt it was in their best interests. Knowing strays as well as we do, we understand there is always a risk when rehoming. Living inside a house is not every dog’s cup of tea, and many can behave very differently once removed from the streets. The sanctuary project allows us to test each dog’s response, making sure we place them in the best possible setting for their long-term happiness.
This stage is vital. For some dogs, the sanctuary project will be a stepping stone: a place to build confidence, learn routines, and develop the social skills they need before adoption. For others, it will be a permanent safe haven, because not every dog is suited to life in a family home. The sanctuary gives us the opportunity to evaluate each dog thoroughly, ensuring that those who do move into homes are truly ready – and that those who are not can still live happily and securely.
Veterinary Care We Can Rely On
We are also delighted to share that Dr. Bahri will continue as our trusted veterinarian. He will take responsibility for ensuring all the dogs receive their internal and external parasite treatments, stay up to date with their vaccinations, and undergo any pre-travel testing required for those preparing for new homes. Should any dog fall ill, Dr. Bahri will be there to provide the care they need. His ongoing support and expertise are invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for his dedication to the wellbeing of our dogs.
Compassionate Hands at the Sanctuary
Day-to-day care at the sanctuary project is overseen by Nihat, who looks after our dogs with both great love and professionalism. The dogs absolutely adore him – and so do we. His gentle, consistent approach means that our dogs are not only safe but also thriving. It is a huge comfort to know they are in the very best of hands. We also have dogs at a second & third facility who receive equal love, care & attention to the same standard.
A Step Forward in Animal Welfare
The Ankara Sanctuary Project represents an important step forward in how we care for Turkey’s vulnerable dogs. It bridges the gap between survival on the streets and the warmth of a loving home, recognising that every dog deserves safety – even if their future looks different.
We are excited to embark on this journey with our partners in Ankara and grateful to everyone who makes this work possible. Together, we can create a kinder, more sustainable approach to animal rescue and welfare.
You can read about the dogs currently in this life saving project here
