ATLANTA - It's been seven months since the rescue of homeless Golden Retrievers began in Istanbul, Turkey. The once popular family dogs were abandoned on the streets. This docile breed did not fare well. Some were killed by other dogs. Others starved to death.
Yasemin Baban saw the dogs and decided to try to rescue them. The non profit Adopt a Golden Atlanta jumped in, volunteering to help bring the dogs to Atlanta.
Three dozen Golden Retrievers arrived in Atlanta on Sunday and Baban was there, to greet the 100th arrival. Baban had a chance to visit with some of the dogs that came to Atlanta earlier this year, in their new homes. "They don't recognize me anymore and I don't recognize them because they look so beautiful. Their hair has grown and is shiny. They have put on weight. They're so happy they don't remember me."
Adopt a Golden Atlanta has helped bring 124 dogs to Atlanta since May.
The latest arrivals will be fostered, then adopted, and then hopefully, live happily ever after. Baban says when she returns to Turkey, her mission will continue, to rescue more Golden Retrievers from the streets of Istanbul. " We still have a lot there to save. There are many many. Thank you for giving them such a good life."
