It’s winter, and the temperatures are dropping. Many of us have to brave the freezing cold.
Fortunately most of us have a nice warm home to return to at the end of the day. But what about stray animals? They live out on the street, and are susceptible to the extreme weather just like we are.
Luckily, some kindhearted people go out of their way to make sure their local strays don’t suffer during the winter months—and camera footage revealed one good samaritan sacrificing her own comfort for a poor dog.
It was a cold, rainy day January day in Zonguldak, Turkey. Security footage outside a shop showed a dog curled up the sidewalk, exposed to the elements.
Lying outside the store entrance, many people must’ve passed him by throughout the day.
But one woman exiting the store did something different.
She spotted the poor dog, and decided to take the shawl she was wearing and lay it on the dog like a blanket.
She sacrificed some of her own warmth and comfort to make sure the dog would be safe and sound.
It was a completely selfless good deed. She continued on her way, not wanting anything in return or any recognition.
But her generous act was caught on camera, and was picked up by several news sources. Turkey is known for its especially caring attitude towards street animals, but this moment seems to have really warmed hearts, with one publication declaring that “Humanity is not dead.”
While the woman didn’t do it for any publicity or attention, a friend recognized her and gave her the recognition she deserved.
The kindly woman is named Duygu Elma—although she herself doesn’t think she did anything extraordinary.
“I couldn’t imagine that my actions would receive this attention. I’m very surprised about it,” Duygu told The Dodo. “The weather was so cold. I just couldn’t take it when I saw him shivering.”
But that small act of compassion no doubt helped that poor dog get through the cold night.
It’s a reminder this winter that we all have the power to make a big difference for the animals in our communities, even in our smallest actions.
Thank you to this kindhearted woman! Share this inspiring story!
