Adopting a dog in need can be complicated, but it’s always worth it. A couple from the UK took that to the next level when they fell in love with a dog in Turkey. During their vacation, a stray dog continues to interact with them, and they know they must bring her home with them.
The only problem is that transporting a stray dog from Turkey to the UK is a 4-month process. That information will probably make other families think twice, but not this couple. They are in the midst of that long waiting period because no amount of time can stop them from bringing their new dog home.
Stray dog steals heart
A woman named Ashleigh traveled to Turkey with her boyfriend, but they had no idea it would soon change their lives. A street dog now known as Laia met the couple outside a Starbucks and immediately formed a bond. Laia may have lived on the street for five years at the time. Ashleigh gave the puppy water, food, and attention.
Laia loved Ashleigh and her boyfriend so much that she followed them back to their hotel room. She slept outside the door for eight hours, waiting for outsiders to return. The couple decided to move to another hotel to be safer for Laia. They then took her to the vet to have her vaccinated and microchipped because they knew they had to adopt her.
RELATED: Woman’s Tropical Vacation Becomes a Lifetime Mission to Save Lost Dogs
However, the pair ran into trouble when Laia disappeared. They searched everywhere for her but could not find her before the flight home. They flew home with their hearts broken, but then they were contacted because Laia had finally arrived at a shelter in Turkey. Although thousands of kilometers apart, Ashleigh still wants to adopt Laia.
However, the situation continues to get more complicated from there. Bringing a dog from Turkey to the UK is a four-month process, but the couple are willing to wait because they know Laia means a lot to their family.
Adoption period lasts 4 months
Before Laia can be transported, she must undergo surgery and blood tests. She tested positive for anaplasmosis, a common tick-borne disease that’s easy to treat, but other than that, she’s in good shape.
Withholding involves vaccines and more blood tests. She had to stay in Turkey for a month after getting her rabies vaccination. Then she has to have another blood test that can take up to three months to get the results. So in the meantime, she will be quarantined in a foster home in Turkey.
Laia looks like she’s being pampered in her foster home, and she’s learning a lot. She played with her foster siblings and felt comfortable walking on a leash.
In the UK, Ashleigh and her boyfriend have a little dog named Lily who is so excited to have a sister. If all goes well, Laia will be in her permanent home before Christmas! You can update Laia’s journey on her TikTok page.
Featured pictures: TikTok
