In the small town of Gölpazarı, Turkey, Ayşe and Mehmet Köse were known not for their wealth or status but for their boundless compassion. For years, the couple had dedicated their lives to caring for the countless stray animals that roamed their streets. Dogs and cats, abandoned and broken, found solace in the makeshift shelter Ayşe and Mehmet had built from scraps—old wood, discarded metal sheets, and tarps patched together with hope and determination.
Despite their own struggles, the Köses never turned away an animal in need. If it meant skipping meals to buy food or medicine for the animals, they did so without hesitation. “These souls depend on us,” Ayşe often said. Mehmet would nod silently, his hands calloused from long days of working odd jobs to fund their mission.
But this year, winter came early and cruelly. The biting winds tore through the shelter’s flimsy walls, and freezing temperatures crept into every corner. Puppies huddled together for warmth, their tiny bodies trembling. Ayşe wrapped as many as she could in donated blankets, but it wasn’t enough. Mehmet looked at her with worry etched deeply into his face. “If we don’t do something soon, Ayşe... we’ll lose them.”
Their dream was simple: to purchase at least one but dreaming of buying two shipping containers, these are durable and warm and will provide refuge that could withstand the harsh winters. The cost, $2,000 per container, seemed insurmountable for a couple who often lived hand-to-mouth. Yet, Ayşe and Mehmet were undeterred. They believed that, with help, they could create a safe haven—not just for their current rescues but for the dozens more who would come.
The shelter also desperately needed supplies—blankets, beds, food, and medicines—to keep the animals healthy and warm. Each item would be a lifeline, offering comfort and hope to those who had never known the safety of a loving home.
“We’ve always done what we could with what we have,” Mehmet said, his voice firm despite the despair threatening to overwhelm him. “But this time, we need help. Together, we can make sure these animals survive the winter.”
Time is of the essence. With every passing day, the cold grows harsher, and the animals’ chances of survival dwindle. A single shipping container could save dozens of lives. Two would be a miracle.
Ayşe and Mehmet have always put the needs of the voiceless above their own. Now, they’re asking for support to continue their life-saving mission. By coming together, we can ensure that these helpless souls are sheltered, fed, and loved through the brutal winter—and beyond.
Will you be a part of their story? Will you help rewrite the ending for these strays? Every donation brings them one step closer to safety.
Thank you,
Stray Beautiful
https://www.bagimsizpatiler.org.tr/hakkimizda/
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