Turkey Dog Names

There are 750,000 people registered as blind or partially sighted throughout Turkey. Unlike in other countries, as in the United Kingdom for example, where there are almost 5,000 guide dogs, such a highly trained canine to assist in the navigation of someone who is visually impaired is not found in Turkey.

Thus, when Maggie Moore and her husband, Richard Moore, the new British Ambassador to Turkey arrived in Ankara, folks were intrigued. Perhaps it was Maggie’s dog who had people most interested. Maggie, who is blind, has a constant companion in Star, known as Yildiz hanim, a Golden Labrador guide dog. No matter where Maggie goes, Star is with her, resulting in the pup being one of the highest profile pups in Turkey. In fact, Star has even been invited to the presidential palace twice.

Guides dogs are a new idea in Turkey. The country has a complicated relationship with dogs and typically white canes or human guides are the tools utilized for those who are visually impaired. Guide dogs, however, make a difference in helping those who are blind to have more independence. As noted by Maggie, “You are a working team, but Star is also my companion, my buddy. For me, being independent is really important, particularly if I want to go out on my own. With Star, this is possible”.

Maggie met Nurdeniz Tuncer, a young Istanbul lawyer who is also visually impaired, while at a reception at the British Embassy. Nurdeniz had heard of Maggie and Star and wanted to discuss with her the idea of bringing guide dogs to Turkey. This led to his establishing TRKD, the Turkish Guide Dogs Association. It takes a lot of resources to train guide dogs so that they are reliable and able to navigate a variety of confusing and stressful situations safely. The organization is working to ensure that they can cover the costs of training the dogs and providing them food and veterinary care.

Lola and Kara were the first two pups to be trained. Both Golden Labrador puppies, they were donated to the organization. Maggie notes that it is important to understand the breed’s background and history before beginning their training. Dogs must have the right temperament; for example, not chasing cats, or acting neurotic. They also can’t come from a background of physical problems that might shorten their work life. The organization hopes to start their own breeding program in addition to training the pups.