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Worst Snowstorm In Years Just Hit Istanbul, And This Is How People Are Helping Stray Animals
The worst snowstorms since 2009 recently hit Istanbul, with almost 65cm of snow falling in parts of the city overnight, and hundreds of flights cancelled. Despite the treacherous weather, animal lovers are doing all the good they can to help keep the stray animals of the city safe and warm from the freezing temperatures.
Local business owners have been opening their doors for stray animals. One such individual is Selçuk Bayal, who has opened his small store into a temporary shelter for stray cats.
“We are human, and these creatures are entrusted to us by God,” Bayal told The Dodo. “We are responsible for looking after them.”
Despite gaining praise from Istanbul’s animal loving community, he has also been criticised by customers, to whom he responded by placing a sign in the shop window stating: “Those who are bothered by cats, do not shop here!”
Bayal believes the cats are “grateful” to him for giving them a place to sleep, and his shop is a place for any animal or person in need.
Groups of strangers have also been laying down pieces of cardboard inside a local mall for stray dogs and pups, and covering them with blankets to keep them warm. Piles of food were placed by each of the dogs to ensure they don’t go hungry.
(h/t: the dodo)
RELATED:
During Istanbul’s recent snowstorm, local shop owners are keeping local strays warm
Some are giving up floorspace to the city’s stray dogs on their shop floor…
…While others turned their place into a sanctuary for stray cats
Selçuk Bayal did just this in his cafe/stationary store!
“These creatures are entrusted to us … we are responsible for looking after them”
Other locals have put out cardboard and food for doggs and their pups on the streets
Bayal also told that the cats are “grateful” for the shelter
The dogs also look happy with their newfound places to sleep
And we think that with stories like these, that 2017 might well be a happy year!
Check out the video below to see Bayal and the cats!
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Stephan Albert 8 years ago
There's a legend about the prophet: a cat fel asleep on his robe. It was tile to make the prayer. Instead of waking the cat and make him move to fulfill his religious duty, the prophet cut his robe. The cat was left to nap in peace. Muslim people have great respect for animals, especially cats and even more because of that story.
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Stephan Albert 8 years ago
I've been to Istanbul, there's a lot of stray animals and all seem well treated and well fed, healthy. Only one more reason to love this amazing country, the people are kind hearted as a general rule.
Bunnies are better!! 8 years ago
These dogs are amazingly adorable. I'm so glad they are being taken care of.
Notchimine Mette 8 years ago
I noticed this when I was in Istanbul in May 2015 - all the stores have little bowls of water and kibble for the stray cats. It was heartwarming. Istanbul is really a marvellous place with marvellous people. Even though these animals are strays, you can see that they are healthy and well-fed year round. xx
Claire Von Hirdler 8 years ago
i love animals, and am wary of those who don't. bless these people!
Tritip Kittitanarux 8 years ago
Turkish people are the most caring and kindest people in the world !!
Karin Niki 8 years ago
This true, I have Turkish friends, they are so sweet and kind. Don't judge people by their religion, there are great and wonderful people throughout the world. Our difference are not so big. God bless those who take care of the dogs and cats.
Load More Replies... Stephan Albert 8 years ago
There's a legend about the prophet: a cat fel asleep on his robe. It was tile to make the prayer. Instead of waking the cat and make him move to fulfill his religious duty, the prophet cut his robe. The cat was left to nap in peace. Muslim people have great respect for animals, especially cats and even more because of that story.
Load More Replies... Stephan Albert 8 years ago
I've been to Istanbul, there's a lot of stray animals and all seem well treated and well fed, healthy. Only one more reason to love this amazing country, the people are kind hearted as a general rule.
Bunnies are better!! 8 years ago
These dogs are amazingly adorable. I'm so glad they are being taken care of.
Notchimine Mette 8 years ago
I noticed this when I was in Istanbul in May 2015 - all the stores have little bowls of water and kibble for the stray cats. It was heartwarming. Istanbul is really a marvellous place with marvellous people. Even though these animals are strays, you can see that they are healthy and well-fed year round. xx
Claire Von Hirdler 8 years ago
i love animals, and am wary of those who don't. bless these people!
Tritip Kittitanarux 8 years ago
Turkish people are the most caring and kindest people in the world !!
Karin Niki 8 years ago
This true, I have Turkish friends, they are so sweet and kind. Don't judge people by their religion, there are great and wonderful people throughout the world. Our difference are not so big. God bless those who take care of the dogs and cats.
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