A brown dog with a blue collar lying on a tiled floor inside a room, looking at the camera with a curious expression.
A large brown dog lying on the floor inside a doorway with a distressed expression.

Lady (Hilal) in the shelter, Ankara, 2022

Lady

Lady (formerly known as Hilal) spent many years living on the streets with her four closest friends, cared for by the compassionate Sezi. After a severe accident left her with a fractured spine, temporary leg paralysis, and incontinence, Sezi stepped in, covering her surgery and months of rehabilitation. She placed Lady in a recovery home, ensuring she had the support needed to heal.

Nearly two years after the accident, Lady’s path took an unexpected turn. A foster meant to fly her to the Netherlands couldn’t make the journey, and so Lady found herself on that plane anyway – a twist of fate that brought her to her forever human, Preeti.

Those first weeks and months together were tough. Lady struggled with pain and fear as the plates from her surgery caused ongoing discomfort, making her wary and reserved. Yet, with the support of people from around the world, she slowly found her strength again, opening up to the love around her.

A large brown and black dog with a blue collar lying on a pink floral blanket, looking at the camera with a slightly sad expression, next to a white brick wall.
A dog wearing a yellow bandana with the words 'Adopt Me' printed on it, standing outdoors on a wet pavement with grass and trees in the background.

Just before Preeti’s “foster-fail”, Amsterdam, 2024

Lady (Hilal) after the surgery, Ankara, 2022

Today, Lady is the undeniable queen of her household. She snores unapologetically, assumes every visitor is there solely to see her, and has even managed to get her lifelong vegetarian human, Preeti, to boil her chicken on more than one occasion.

Lady is Preeti's absolute best friend, the light of her life, and a beautiful reminder of the power of second chances.

So, for anyone wondering, it’s hard to say what’s more rewarding – fostering or foster-failing. 💕

Two women walking along a paved path with a row of parked electric bikes and a dog on a leash nearby. Trees and tall grasses are in the background.

Lady’s daily life in Amsterdam, long walks at the park with Preeti and friends, 2024

A brown dog lying down, looking directly at the camera with a slightly serious expression. The dog has amber eyes and a black nose, and sunlight is casting a shadow across its face.
A sitting brown dog with black muzzle, wearing a blue collar with a bone-shaped tag that reads "LADY," illuminated by sunlight near a door.
Person sleeping on a gray couch with a light brown dog lying next to them. The person is wearing glasses, a white textured bathrobe, and has their head resting on a brown pillow. The dog is curled up and appears to be sleeping.
A brown dog with black facial markings lying on a grey cushion indoors, looking over its shoulder towards the camera.

Lady, in her forever home, Amsterdam, 2025

Lady, the undeniable queen of the house, Amsterdam, 2025

Lady, the queen on her throne, Amsterdam, 2025

Lady enjoying a good nap with Preeti, Amsterdam, 2025