Pet lovers tend to be the type of people who happily wear their hearts on their sleeve. They’ll go to great lengths to make sure their little fur balls feel loved and safe; included and stimulated, and what you’re about to see is a perfect example of that.
As we learn in this incredibly heartfelt video shared by ABC, one dog-loving-woman from Turkey recently built the absolute coolest DIY train for the disabled pups at her shelter, and I almost can’t even explain how epic this truly is. You just have to see it for yourself. With that said… All aboard! The train is leaving the station.
@abcnewsALL ABOARD: A woman built custom “trains” out of decorated plastic barrels to give rides to disabled dogs at an animal shelter in Turkey. Buket Ozgunlu, the chairwoman of the Association of Paws Holding onto Life, says she takes the dogs for a ride everyday so they can see the world around them and feel the breeze.
How cool is this!? Buket Ozgunlu is the conductor of this charming train, and she’s also the chairwoman of the Association of Paws Holding onto Life. Oh, and not to mention—she’s an absolute saint! As we see in the caption, she takes the dogs for a ride every day “so they can see the world around them and feel the breeze.” It’s just the sweetest gesture, right? I guarantee this is the highlight their day, every day. Because I don’t know about you… but all I see are happy passengers.
Related: Disabled Dogs Running at Full Speed With Their Wheelchairs Is So Heartwarming
Plus, not only do the dogs love it but I have to assume she gets a kick out of it all the same. It looks fun! And it really just gives them a chance to experience all the sights, smells and sounds that they otherwise wouldn’t experience. Not to mention, the mental stimulation she’s providing these dogs is so beneficial. The DIY spirit is alive and well in Turkey!
Caring for disabled pets
To properly care for our pets can certainly take a lot of love, effort and patience. And when it comes to caring for disabled pets, the situation typically calls for all of these things and more. But of course, it’s always a small price to pay for the unconditional love our furry little friends provide us on a daily basis.
Like all pets, animals with disabilities or special needs are still just as loyal, loving and affectionate as any others, they just need a little extra assistance at times. And these special needs certainly aren’t what define them. In fact… not even the slightest!
Pet parents know how important routine and schedules can be in our little fur balls lives, and having the time to build these routines in the first place is essential to their well-being. Depending on the type of disability your pet deals with, these routines might look a little different than most, but that doesn’t mean they have to be any more stressful.
Some might be on a medication schedule, for instance, or others might need to do certain things at certain times, like eating or sleeping—again, small price to pay! But it’s something to consider nonetheless.
Having an environment where your pet can thrive is extremely important as well, and making sure they can comfortably navigate your home is crucial.
Same with ensuring they have convenient access to food, water and their favorite toys. Again, like all pets, they deserve a home that encourages them to thrive and live comfortably all the same.
It’s unfortunate that most disabled or special needs pets are typically a bit more overlooked than other animals at shelters and rescues, but the simple truth is, they have the ability to positively impact your life just as much as any other animal. Sometimes as pet parents, we just have to dig a little deeper, that’s all.
At any rate, seeing these happy pups enjoying some time outside is such a sight to see. They certainly deserve it. And I genuinely hope these pups find their forever homes soon enough! (But maybe just after a few more rides.)
