Once we decided to adopt a dog, we selected Dog Tales Rescue and Sanctuary and started to browse the website for available dogs. We also attended one of their open houses. We spoke with the staff and completed an application form online once we got home. Within the week, we were back at Dog Tales to meet some dogs.

We met with several ‘candidates,’ but Butter was the only one who climbed into our lap during our brief meet-and-greet. The choice was obvious—Butter had chosen us, and who were we to ignore that endorsement? His homecoming was Halloween, October 31, 2022. He was so well-behaved and all he wanted to do was see who was at the door and greet each child.

About a month later, we received his Turkish pet passport from Dog Tales. We learned that Butter had travelled from Istanbul to Dog Tales. What was even more surprising was the story of how he wandered into a shelter in Istanbul when he was around five months old and ended up fostering there until his immigration to Canada.

Butter’s favourite things to do are snuggling, sleeping, stalking rabbits, and sunbathing. He’s fascinated with children playing and often gravitates to the sound of their laughter. The neighbourhood children adore him, often calling out his name and running to pet and hug him whenever we’re out walking him. He is the sweetest, most gentle dog, and many people comment on this upon meeting him.

It is now difficult to imagine our life without Butter. He has become an integral part of our family.

Article by Lisa, Butter’s mom.