Kizim

Kızım has spent most of her life waiting for someone to choose her.

She was found on the streets of Ankara, dumped after being neutered by the shelter. When volunteers first found her, she was skin and bones — so weak that even walking was difficult (see last pictures). They took her under their wings, fed her, treated her and slowly helped her become the beautiful dog she is today.

Kızım is a gentle, wonderfully quiet girl who has a heart much bigger than her confidence. Once she has had a little time to get to know you, she will happily come closer, lean into your touch and give you the sweetest little kisses. She is affectionate without being demanding and is perfectly happy to have her own space too. Her favourite moments include waking up to cuddles, receiving some attention from her people — and apparently, watching TV!

She is wonderful with other dogs and has spent years living peacefully alongside many canine friends. Even when another dog barks at her on a walk, she doesn’t respond with aggression. She has shown no interest in chasing cats or birds either, although she has not been formally tested with cats.

At home, Kızım is an absolute dream. She is remarkably quiet — we have barely heard her bark at all. She is house-trained, doesn’t chew things, settles beautifully and can stay home alone for up to six hours without problems. She loves a good bone, but toys, balls and noisy objects don’t really interest her.

Outside is where Kızım needs her person’s patience and understanding.

After years of having a garden instead of regular walks, the world beyond the sanctuary is still very big and sometimes frightening. Cars, motorcycles, sudden movements and loud noises can make her anxious. When she becomes frightened, she may pull towards home — not because she wants to run or chase, but because home is where she feels safe. At the moment, 15–20 minutes outside can be enough for her. She does not need someone who expects long adventures immediately. She needs someone willing to take those first little steps with her.

The good news? She is already learning. She waits happily by the door when it’s time for a walk, doesn’t react to bicycles or other dogs, and is gradually discovering that the outside world isn’t always something to fear.

Kızım is a noise-sensitive girl and can be frightened by loud or sudden sounds. Thunderstorms, fireworks, banging noises and other unexpected loud noises can make her very anxious, and during particularly scary moments she may become tense or restless.

Kızım would flourish with calm, patient people and a quiet environment without lots of sudden noise or chaos. She doesn’t need a perfect family. She needs someone who will understand that trust may take time — and who will celebrate every tiny step forward.

She is currently carrying a little extra weight, something that happened after years of deprivation and finally having regular access to food. A healthy diet and gentle, gradually increasing exercise will help her become fitter, while giving her and her person another wonderful way to bond.

Kızım survived abandonment, starvation and four years of waiting.

Now she is ready for the part of her story she has never had before:

A home. A family. And the chance to discover, one gentle day at a time, that she is finally safe.