This mall let homeless dogs sleep inside to escape the cold!

Freezing stray dogs on the streets of Istanbul are given blankets by volunteers after the Turkish city is hit by snowstorms.

by Top Retriever · 13 January

Homeless dogs sleep inside

No doubt about it, life can be tough for our four-legged friends who depend on us for food, shelter, and love. Even with all the horrible news we read about animals, there is still good in the world. The worst snowstorms since 2009 recently hit Istanbul, snow falling in parts of the city overnight, and hundreds of flights cancelled. Despite the treacherous weather, animal lovers are doing all the good they can to help keep the stray animals of the city safe and warm from the freezing temperatures.

The Atrium Mall, located in the Bakirkoy neighborhood of Istanbul, opened their doors to homeless dogs so that they wouldn’t have to spend the night in freezing temperatures.

Groups of strangers have also been laying down pieces of cardboard for stray dogs and pups, and covering them with blankets to keep them warm. Piles of food were placed by each of the dogs to ensure they don’t go hungry.

Penti’s store manager, Arzu Inan, saw the dogs sleeping under blankets provided by kind animal lovers on her way to work. Touched by the kindness she saw, she opened the store’s doors and welcomed dogs inside.

“Don’t forget that only true love warms”

She posted along with the heartwarming images. Inan hopes that the images she shared inspire others to do the same.

Local business owners have been opening their doors for stray animals. One such individual is Selçuk Bayal, who has opened his small store into a temporary shelter for stray cats. “We are responsible for looking after them.”

Despite gaining praise from Istanbul’s animal loving community, he has also been criticised by customers, to whom he responded by placing a sign in the shop window stating: “Those who are bothered by cats, do not shop here!”