Meet Banu Cengiz, a warm-hearted pharmacist from Turkey whose boundless affection for dogs is simply undeniable.
Years ago, Banu found her own furry best friend on the streets. She wishes she could offer every stray dog the same love and care, but unfortunately, she can’t take them all in.
To help those she can’t adopt, Banu created a small sanctuary in front of her pharmacy. This inviting area, complete with beds, rugs, food, and water, offers respite to the homeless pups in her neighborhood.
Banu’s kindness didn’t go unnoticed. One day, a stray dog realized there was someone who could help her.
During a regular workday, Banu noticed a dog behaving unusually outside her pharmacy. Instead of resting or eating, the pup stood by the door, waiting. “She was looking at me,” Banu told The Dodo. “I said, ‘Baby, is there a problem?'”
Inviting the dog inside, Banu saw the issue – the poor pup had a bleeding paw.
Banu treated the wound with antiseptic gave the dog antibiotics, and the pup behaved perfectly as if understanding she was being helped. “When I was done, she laid down as if to thank me. She was saying, ‘I trust you.'” Banu recalled.
The pharmacy became the dog’s recovery room for the rest of the day. Banu provided food, water, and a comfortable bed.
By closing time, the dog seemed revitalized and ready to return to the streets. Although she had already done so much, Banu wished she could do more.
“Sadly, I couldn’t take her home. I’ve been caring for street animals for years. I feed them, heal them, and help them find homes when I can,” she said.
For now, the little refuge outside her pharmacy is the best she can offer to the strays in her area.
“I do it because they feel. We need to help those who need it,” Banu says. “People should teach their children to love and respect animals and nature. Then we can all live together in a beautiful world.”