Jul
19

The rescue of Ivan the dog

On the 29 of June I received this letter on my inbox.

I was on that last village on the Bosphorus cruise. I saw this sick old dog and blind kitten. I want to take them back to the U.S. with me, but I need help. I will be back in Istanbul on July 13 for one day, before I fly back. I want to use that day to find those two animals. I am willing to pay the necessary expenses, and I a willing to fly back in August or September to take the animals back with me. I just need help on July 13 to bring them from the island to Istanbul, and then to a veterinarian and a temporary foster home until they are ready to fly. I really want to save these two. I do not think either one will make it through the winter. I want to give that old dog a few good years, and I want to keep that kitten from suffering and sure death. Please help me. We share the same concerns. I need to know soon because I am trying to secure arrangements for July 13 before I return to Istanbul. Thank you. Paul.

We regularly receive many letters from tourists concerned about an animal they have seen during their holiday but very rarely those tourists are willing to do something about it. They usually ask us to rescue the animals whilst they continue their holiday or go back to their country. Very seldom they want to really do something about it (although it happens sometimes).
Paul’s letter was different. I could read between the lines and I could see genuine concern here. I also could see real commitment in his offer to fly back to Turkey and collect the animals later.
I replied immediately and told Paul not to worry, the animals would be rescued and he would be able to take them with him to Texas.
Paul asked me a few questions about logistics and I just told him not to worry and enjoy the rest of his holiday (he was on his way to the Far East).
On July 13 early morning I received a phonecall from Paul. He was back in Istanbul ready to go find the dog and the kitten.
Paul came to Sariyer and from here we boarded the ferry to Anadolu Kavagi. We arrived there past midday. The heat was intense. All stray dogs were hiding from the sun. We started the search.

We immediately found the kitten, as it turned out there was not only one but four of them!. Two of them were completely blind. The other two already lost one eye but could recover the other with appropriate treatment.

We put all the kittens and their mother in a cage and continued the search for the old dog.
After one hour we decided we weren’t going to find him that day. I gave Paul my word that I would return to the location later and that I would make sure the dog would be rescued.
We agreed to it and order a beer whilst waiting for the Ferry back.
Then, all of a sudden, we saw him. Coming from the other side of the square we could see that tired old dog approaching us with the confidence of those who have seen it all.
We rushed to him, and I could not but smile at the thought of what was going to happen to him.

Here is a little video of the events that followed.

We named him Ivan after me..

Paul flew that evening with Ivan the dog and with two little kittens we had nursed back to health, Hairy Steak and Cheeta. He left behind a little orange kitten he had rescued and entrusted to some people to care for. We took this kitten home and named him Pumpkin. I will publish his pictures soon, he is amazing.

Thank you Paul for doing what so few people would do. Our love to all of you.

July 19, 2010 // Uncategorized // 25 Comments //

25 Comments to “The rescue of Ivan the dog”

July 19, 2010 at 11:21 am
Kelly says:

Paul, congratulations on your journey with Ivan, Hairy Steak and Cheeta. It goes without saying that the combined efforts of LetsAdopt and you have changed the fates of three voiceless souls forever. Viktor, you were right. One email I opened today made an enormous difference to my day. Much love. Kelly
July 19, 2010 at 11:23 am
Rosemary says:

İ cried tears of Joy for that video. İt gives us all hope for our furry friends. By the way İ went to the Bodrum Migros to talk to the manager of the store and she was very helpful (seems that the manager from the Yalikavak Marina had already contacted her) I also told my friends for the Turgutreis Migros so the word will be spreading soon about the wastefulness of discarding day old produce and meats.
July 19, 2010 at 11:42 am
Merve Yaprak says:

Amazing.. Wish people like Paul always found Let’s Adopt!. That’s awesome story, hope Pumpkin and others can find perfect homes !!
July 19, 2010 at 12:34 pm
Adrienne says:

thank you, paul, for being true to your word, and having the courage to do what you felt your heart. was telling you.. you make this world a better place.

many blessings <3
July 19, 2010 at 12:42 pm
Viktor Larkhill says:

Of course… kitties and dogs have settled great. A special Kuranda bed was purchased for Ivan who is now in love with the massive fridge of the house because is filled to the brim with steak, cheese and lots of delicious stuff..
This is one of our most successful adoptions ever and we are thrilled to have been able to help all those animals and a good man willing to save them.
July 19, 2010 at 12:43 pm
Viktor Larkhill says:

Is a great story indeed…
We are going to deal with Migros… wait and see.
July 19, 2010 at 2:31 pm
karen lyons kalmenson says:

what a great way for the week to start
filled with joy and a great big heart
July 19, 2010 at 3:28 pm
Janette Hamilton (Let's Adopt Canada) says:

I write this response through tears of joy! Paul you are amazing, the second chance at life you have given these animals is a precious gift so many others deny them. You saw a need and instead of leaving it to someone else to act you compassionately decided to BE THE CHANGE. If there were more people like you on this planet there would a better life for many more animals like Ivan, Hairy Streak, and Cheeta. Bless you Paul, and may you share many precious moments with your new found friends.
July 19, 2010 at 4:55 pm
sue gibbs says:

Thank you paul for saving these animals…amazing and thanks Lets adopt for making it happen. people can and do make a difference. We just need more please!!!!
July 19, 2010 at 5:40 pm
Eliza Normann says:

*tears of joy* sniff sniff… What a lovely story!
But what happened to the cat mother and the fourth kitten?
And is Ivan one of your helpers?

This kind of sun shine story is the reward one gets working in this field. It warms my heart.
July 19, 2010 at 5:42 pm
Elaine says:

Dear Paul,
I would like to shake you by the hand & give you a big hug. God bless you. If only there were more peole out there like you. I have seen sad sad sights when on holiday but only tried my best when there to feed & water them. I have 2 rescued dogs at home now but I wish I had done what you have when I was on holiday in Kefalonia years ago. The puppy I came acroos still haunts me.
All the very best with your new family & well done to those who helped you on the way to make this happen.
July 19, 2010 at 5:45 pm
Viktor Larkhill says:

Eliza… Ivan is my real name..
July 19, 2010 at 5:48 pm
Joni Solis says:

The story says that you found four kittens and the mother cat. You have one of them, Pumpkin, what happened to the other three kittens and their mom?
July 19, 2010 at 6:29 pm
Viktor Larkhill says:

Joni… Pumpkin is home with me.
The other kittens and the mother are being treated for the viral infection that made them blind in the first place…
Two of them have been adopted in the USA… the other two and the mum remain to be adopted.
Those two will likely be blind too..
Will send a note on them shortly.
July 19, 2010 at 8:47 pm
Carole Clifford says:

What a great guy….not too many people would do that..
July 19, 2010 at 10:27 pm
sujen says:

perfect song for a perfect video..Very inspiring story..
July 19, 2010 at 10:31 pm
Bob says:

belle video…et le plaisir de connaître Paul, un homme de coeur !
July 20, 2010 at 1:54 am
Viktor Larkhill says:

They are on treatment at our clinic right now…
July 20, 2010 at 3:45 am
Pat G says:

Love it. Paul had alot of gumption…. and will. If Myletsadopt didn’t step up to help tho it may never have happened. Wonderful true story
July 20, 2010 at 6:02 am
Bonnie says:

Awesome person wish there were a hell of alot more like Paul –may God Bless him,
July 20, 2010 at 6:28 am
Chandra says:

This is a fantastic story! Hope to read many more like it!!
July 20, 2010 at 8:38 pm
Dora says:

Paul, thank you for what you did in giving this senior some happy years. He’s one happy border-crosser now!! You were definitely his miracle. I wish more people could follow your footsteps. As for the other kittens, will look forward to updates on them.
July 21, 2010 at 3:12 am
pelin says:

This is a awesome story…:) I wish every human being has a big heart like Paul. That`s what we need in this cruel world.
July 21, 2010 at 5:15 am
Paul Moody says:

Viktor did not tell you that he worked all day getting Ivan and two kittens ready, and then picked me up from my hotel at 3:30 a.m. and took me to the airport (with Ivan and the cats in his car) for my 5:30 departing flight. Further, I know he had to go to work later that day. My rescue was episodic; his work is a life commitment.
July 22, 2010 at 3:41 am
lynda chabane says:

Paul……..words cannot truly express my happiness at your selfless gesture in taking on your new family. I know your lives will be entwined together forever now. God bless you and Viktor for such a wonderful happy ending. xx