Raphaelle tells Tara’s story from here:

“I had been dreaming of having a furry companion for quite a while, but I knew I only wanted to adopt. For months, I browsed rescue websites in the Netherlands, but none of the dogs felt quite right.

Then, a colleague mentioned a few Turkish rescue associations doing amazing work with street dogs. I started following them on Instagram — and that’s where I saw Tara. A small black dog with a smiley face and kind eyes. Something clicked immediately.

Her story really moved me. She had been found near a hospital in Izmir, abandoned at just a year old, and had spent almost another year waiting for someone to choose her. It was mentioned that black dogs were less likely to get adopted. That stayed with me.

I contacted the rescue group and had a lovely first conversation. They told me Tara was gentle, trained, good with people — and not so comfortable in the shelter, which is why she had been moved to a beach house.

By complete chance, a volunteer was flying from Izmir to Amsterdam the following week. The organisation took care of everything — her documents, her crate, her grooming. She even arrived with a cute little harness and leash.

At first, I was supposed to foster her. But honestly, once she walked through the door, that plan didn’t last long. She jumped straight onto the sofa like she’d always lived here. The adoption was confirmed shortly after.

Tara is now three. She loves belly rubs, watching buses and trams, and sleeping on soft things. She’s not a big fan of rain, though. These days, she also has a new role — big sister to my baby daughter, which she’s taken on with such calm and care.

I’m so grateful to the people who rescued her and brought her into my life. They’re doing such important, loving work. Tara was truly ready for a home — and I’m lucky it turned out to be mine.”