In Turkey, one woman has taken her love for animals to a level that’s nothing short of inspiring. For the last four years, Buket Özgünlü, founder of the nonprofit Paws Holding on to Life Association, has devoted her life to rescuing dogs that others overlooked — especially those with severe disabilities.

At her countryside sanctuary, she currently cares for over 560 dogs, many of whom are paralyzed or living with injuries from abuse, neglect, or accidents. “They were all rescued,” Özgünlü said. “The majority of them are paralyzed. Some have been shot, beaten, abandoned. All of them have a past.”

But thanks to her, each one now has a future. ❤️

Why Disabled Dogs Matter Most To Her

Özgünlü’s motivation comes from a personal place. Her father is disabled, and because of that, she feels an especially strong connection to animals facing mobility challenges.

“Since my father is disabled, I give more priority to disabled dogs,” she explained. “They need us more. I try to take care of them as much as possible.”

At her sanctuary, these dogs don’t just survive — they thrive. With the help of wheelchairs, open land, and her team’s constant love, they live happy and fulfilling lives. Still, Buket wanted to give them even more joy by letting them experience new sights and sounds beyond the shelter gates.

The Invention Of The “Dog Train”

That’s when she came up with a unique idea: a dog train.

By attaching wheels to a series of barrels and lining them up like train cars, she created a safe, cozy way to take her disabled dogs out on adventures. Each pup sits snugly inside their “car,” while Buket gently drives them around town.

“I’d actually been thinking about doing such a project for a long time,” she said. “I was very happy that I did.”

And judging by the wagging tails and smiling faces of the dogs onboard, they couldn’t agree more. 🐾

A Community That Cheers Them On

The dog train isn’t just life-changing for the pups — it also spreads joy everywhere it goes.

As the train moves through local streets, residents wave, smile, and even stop to take photos. What was once a group of forgotten, overlooked strays is now the pride of the community, drawing admiration for their resilience and their caretaker’s dedication.

“Many people like it, and it makes me even happier,” Özgünlü said.

More Than Rescue — It’s About Dignity

For Buket, this work isn’t about recognition or reward. It’s about dignity, love, and the simple right for every dog to enjoy life, no matter their physical condition.

“I know very well how much they need it,” she said.

These dogs, who once knew only suffering, now know adventure. Their train rides symbolize freedom, hope, and the kind of care that transforms broken lives into beautiful ones.

✨ Every ride of the dog train proves that even the most forgotten souls deserve joy — and with compassion, creativity, and commitment, people like Buket are making it happen.