Zeytin’s adoption listing photo on WOF Rescue
Zeytin
Every rescue story begins with a choice, but Zeytin's story began with a community. Before she found her way to the Netherlands, she was part of a small group of puppies in Türkiye who were at risk of being picked up by municipal shelters. To protect them, a kind woman named Nilufer hid them in the hallways and gardens of her apartment building, providing a makeshift sanctuary.
As the pups grew, so did the challenges of keeping them in a busy city center. Nilufer and her father eventually moved them to a pension in Elmadağ, Ankara, visiting them every single week to ensure they were cared for. It was through the dedication of a volunteer named Aysun that Zeytin finally came into the care of WOF Rescue.
Zeytin's journey to becoming a family dog was a marathon rather than a sprint. She spent four months in a foster home in Utrecht with İpek and Onur, alongside their dog named Bond and their cat aka the queen of the house, Yumi. At the time, Zeytin was deeply overwhelmed. She was terrified of the outdoors, struggled with house training, and was so fearful of strangers that she would sometimes show aggression to keep them away.
İpek and Onur remained steady. They navigated those difficult months with endless patience, providing Zeytin with the stable foundation she needed to eventually look toward a permanent home. Because her story is so special, we previously featured her in our "Share to Save" post, and we can call her a beloved member of our Adopt from Türkiye alumni.
She is becoming more confident, trusting, and happy to explore the world.
Zeytin, enjoying a beach day.
Zeytin and Wimjan
Zeytin is a brave girl!
In a house in the Netherlands that felt far too quiet, Wimjan and his family were mourning the loss of their fourth dog. Having grown up with dogs since he was two years old, Wimjan knew that their home was not complete without one. They missed the joy, the walks, and the small daily routines that a dog brings to a household.
When they found Zeytin through WOF Rescue, something felt right. They knew they could provide the warm and safe future she deserved. Their first meeting was a lesson in patience. Zeytin was still deeply attached to her foster family and barely acknowledged her new visitors during their walk. However, Wimjan saw past her caution, noticing the gentle soul behind those unforgettable pointy ears.
Zeytin has been with her forever family and her cat sibling for six weeks now. While the transition required significant time and space, the progress has been undeniable. She is proving that even the most fearful dogs can flourish with the right support.
Today, she is making beautiful steps forward every single day. Things that might seem normal for other dogs are huge victories for Zeytin. She is becoming more confident, trusting, and happy to explore the world around her. She is transforming into the playful and curious companion her family dreamed of.
Adopting Zeytin reminded her family that the process is not about instant perfection. Instead, it is about the journey. Zeytin is no longer just a rescue dog. She is the missing piece that made a house a home again.
Zeytin and Wimjan
Playful, curious Zeytin.