Multisitez
Mert Akkök runs a private animal refuge on his property outside of Istanbul, Turkey. Around 20 dogs, several cats, goats, donkeys, birds, and other odd animals are in his care. Because his animals live together as an extended family, he takes sure to show them all the extra care they require.
#1 Meet Mert Akkök, a farmer outside Istanbul, Turkey, who runs a private animal shelter on his property.
We were interested in learning a little bit about Mert’s journey to being the kind and animal-loving man he is today.
“I was given this at birth. I didn’t make the decision or have the thought. It feels more like a mounted impulse in me. I’m powerless to stop assisting stray animals.
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It is illegal to kill abandoned animals or keep them in shelters for the rest of their lives in Istanbul, Turkey. After neutering and immunizing them, the government must release them back onto the streets. Due to their abundance, some of them are discarded outside of the city.
#4 “On my farm, I have 10 to 20 dogs. I find them in forests, junkyards, abandoned places, etc. I work to place them in homes. When we asked him about the dogs, he replied, “Some of them stay with me forever.
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We were also speculating about whether Mert had any additional assistance.
“This is not my primary focus in life or my career. Small company owner that I am. My business, a consultant for the global marketing of healthcare services, is owned and run by me. I have a busy schedule. But when I’m not at work, I spend my time trying to aid these stray animals—mostly dogs—who try to live on their own in the woods, junkyards, and rural places without anyone taking care of them. There are groups of them everywhere.
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#7 However, Mert’s refuge houses a variety of creatures in addition to dogs.
Mert used to reside in the city and spend the weekends helping stray pets. He made the decision to relocate to a farmhouse when his dog population reached 5. As well as finding a wounded seagull by the side of the road, he adopted a blind horse.
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I brought her inside and built her a sizable den. After hearing about this, some other animal lovers contacted me to see if I would welcome another seagull with a disability. I also never request donations. I have enough money to care for my animal buddies and myself.
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#10 I have 3 geese, 1 blind horse, and 46 seagulls with disabilities; each of them has a fascinating backstory.
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My horse is fed, and catered to, and I play music for her. Then I feed the kitties and my seagull buddies. The geese receive the last bite since I finish with them. I work in my workplace in the city after that, trying to get home as soon as possible.
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#14 I recently adopted a baby donkey, and I also have three cats.
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#17 “At the moment, I own 23 dogs. Unfortunately, the majority of them are elderly or crippled,” Mert told us.
#18 “I encounter these animals regularly. Because it is against the law for the Turkish government to injure them or keep them in shelters forever.
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#20 “Our government is required to spay and neuter the animals before returning them to the streets. They are thus widespread. Anyone visiting Istanbul will see a large number of stray cats and dogs roaming the city.
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#23 “This is not my primary focus in life or my career. Small company owner that I am. I am the owner and manager of my business, a consulting firm for the marketing of healthcare services internationally.
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#25 “I have a busy schedule. But when I’m not working, I dedicate my time to helping these abandoned creatures.
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#27 “I employ people to help me on the farm. They look after the home and my animal companions as full-time employees. However, I receive no free labor or financial support from anyone
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