The Turkey Dog Story

Adopt a Golden Atlanta has rescued 249 Golden Retrievers from Istanbul, Turkey, since May 2015. The first flight arrived on May 9, 2015, and was the largest international rescue of Golden Retrievers ever.

AGA never says no to a Golden Retriever in need. There are many homeless dogs in Turkey and not enough room in the shelters for all of them. Because there is no shelter euthanasia and few adoptions in Turkey, dogs either live out their lives in a shelter or are put on the streets or in the forests after they are spayed or neutered and given rabies vaccines. But Golden Retrievers don’t survive well on the streets. They are not good pack animals and won’t fight back, so many are attacked by other dogs and their survival depends on people helping them.

The National Rescue Committee of the Golden Retriever Club of America supports AGA's effort as there are no Golden Retrievers being put at risk in the U.S. because of this rescue. The Turkish Government and our shelter volunteer colleagues in Istanbul want a better life for these dogs and work with us to make this happen.

Q&A About Turkey Dogs - Click HERE

Q&A About Turkey Dogs Turkish - Click HERE

Turkey Dogs 17 - January 2018!

Turkey Dogs 16 - October 2017!

Turkey Dogs 15 – May 2017!

Turkey Dogs 13 – November 5 2016!

Turkey Dogs 12 – October 16 2016!

Turkey Dogs 11 – September 25 2016!

Click HERE to learn more Turkey Dogs 10 – June 19, 2016!

Click HERE to learn more Turkey Dogs 9 – June 12, 2016!

Click HERE to learn more Turkey Dogs 8 – May 1, 2016!

Click HERE to learn more Turkey Dogs 7 – March 20, 2016!

Click HERE to learn more Turkey Dogs 6 – February 1, 2016!

Click HERE to learn more Turkey Dogs 5 – December 6, 2015

Click HERE to learn more Turkey Dogs 4 – October 17, 2015

Click HERE to learn more Turkey Dogs 3 – August 22, 2015

Click HERE to learn more Turkey Dogs 2 – June 20, 2015

Click HERE to learn more Turkey Dogs 1 – May 9, 2015

Click HERE to learn more

Adopting a Turkey Dog

We want all of our Turkey Dogs to find loving forever homes. Because the dogs have spent much of their time living on the streets or in forests, or have lived for several years in a shelter, they will need time adjusting to living in a house and being part of a family.

Our adoption process for Turkey Dogs is the same as it for other Golden Retrievers.

Interested adopters should follow AGA's regular adoption process. Click HERE to read our adoption process and to fill out an application

Click HERE to meet the Turkey Dogs

Visit the Turkey Dogs on Facebook!

We Need Donations!

In order to continue to save these Golden Retrievers in Turkey, we need financial support. Donations of any amount will help us give these dogs a better life.

Sponsor a Turkey Dog We are seeking sponsorships for the new Turkey Dogs to help pay for their plane ride. Sponsorships are $1000 and are considered a tax-deductible donation. Half-sponsorships at $500 are also available. Sponsor a Turkey Dog HERE

Media Coverage

CNN:

How Istanbul's Abandoned Street Dogs End Up in America

CNN:

Turkey Rescue Dogs Thriving in U.S.

CNN:

Hero: A Homeless Dog's 5,000 Mile Journey Ends with Forever Home

WSB-TV:

First Moments in America for 36 Golden Retrievers from Istanbul

WXIA - 11Alive:

36 Golden Retrievers from Turkey Up for Adoption

FOX5 Atlanta:

100th Golden Retriever Rescued from Turkey Arrives in Atlanta

Dogster:

Abandoned Golden Retrievers From Turkey Find Forever Homes in the U.S.