Gigantón Finds Love, Healing… and His First Friend

Some of you may remember Gigantón - a working dog in Turkey who was abandoned. Thanks to your compassionate donations, he is now beginning to heal in a beautiful sanctuary called Samaha’s Garden and has even made a new friend!

Gigantón is still adjusting to his new life and doesn’t fully trust other dogs or people yet. However, he has made his first friend: a working dog called Zip Zip, who was also abandoned at the sanctuary’s gates. It’s believed she’s around 6–8 years old and has some skin issues that are being addressed. 

Gigantón’s eyes have improved and his injured leg appears to have healed - he no longer seems to be in pain. His personality is beginning to shine through: he now wags his tail often and happily rolls around in the grass. He recently had a medical checkup and the vet estimated Gigantón has gained about 10 kilos. 

Unfortunately, there have recently been wildfires in Ulucak–Kemalpasa, which have threatened to come close to Samaha’s Garden. They are currently under control, but conditions remain critical.

With funding from AAA, the team have begun buying and storing extra food outside the sanctuary in case they need to suddenly evacuate. They’ve also secured reserves of water. 

Should an evacuation become necessary, two local volunteers have offered to help temporarily relocate the dogs to a safe area.

We are all thinking of Gigantón, Zip Zip, the other animals, and the team at Samaha’s Garden and hope you all stay safe.