The Munich animal shelter mourns the loss of Turco: a dog with a heart and a story

The Munich animal shelter mourns the loss of Turco: a dog with a heart and a story

It's a sad day at Munich's Riem animal shelter: Turco, the oldest and oldest resident, passed away on October 3rd at the age of 13. The Kelpie mix lived in the animal shelter for over ten years and was not just a dog for many, but a valued friend. A passionate companion who, despite his serious cancer, was able to stay with familiar faces until the end, he touched the hearts of all employees and visitors. It was with great gratitude and sadness that the animal shelter team said goodbye to this special pet, whose stay in the animal shelter is a nationwide record.

Turco was born in Turkey in 2012 and came from tragic circumstances - he was discovered in a garbage dump and later brought to Germany through an animal protection association. Unfortunately, the shy dog, who was initially unsure of new acquaintances, never found a permanent home. Despite intensive training sessions and a great deal of effort to establish trust with the people, the placement failed several times. At one point he simply wouldn't let new owners into the apartment, a clear sign of his difficulty with change.

A very special dog

The loyal dog walker Claudia had a close bond with Turco and went on regular walks with him. These moments were of great importance for the sensitive dog. He grew to trust some of the shelter's volunteers because of their patience and affection. Turco was known for his cleverness and willfulness; He had a fondness for stuffed animals and enjoyed the long walks that brought him a little freedom and joy.

In the context of animal protection, the situation of dogs like Turco is often discussed in the media. As Statista highlights, two thirds of the animals in German animal shelters are problem cases that often have to wait a long time for adoption. This suggests the need for aid projects and thoughtful animal welfare organizations that care about the welfare of these animals.

Animal protection in Germany

The discussion about animal welfare is an important topic in Germany and concerns more and more consumers. According to Statista, many people value species-appropriate husbandry and pay attention to animal welfare aspects when buying food. In 2023, 8.3 percent of private donations went to animal protection. This shows that awareness of animal welfare is increasing.

Even though Turco is no longer with us, he is a symbol of the challenge that many dogs in animal shelters face. Especially for long-term residents like him, there is often little hope of a loving home. But the tireless efforts of animal protection organizations and committed citizens not only bring light, but also a dose of hope into the dark reality of many animals.

As he leaves, the memory of Turco remains alive - a dog who, despite all adversity, never completely lost his ability to remain true to himself.