Aysel’s Second Chance: From the Landfill to Love

Aysel’s Second Chance: From the Landfill to Love

When Aysel was first discovered, she was alone and barely surviving—abandoned at a landfill in Türkiye. She was dehydrated, covered in painful mange, and visibly terrified. Her condition told the story of a life filled with neglect, but even in those dark and desperate moments, Aysel’s gentle spirit never dimmed.

She wanted to be near people, to feel safe, to be loved. That hope—the quiet belief that something better could be waiting—never left her.

Now, after more than 300 days in the care of our partners at Tattered Paws and Golden Hearts, Aysel has made an incredible recovery. Her coat is healthy and full, the sparkle is back in her eyes, and she greets each day with gratitude and quiet joy. She enjoys walks, cuddles, and curling up beside anyone who will sit with her. She loves other dogs and would do well in a home with companions who share her calm, affectionate energy.

Aysel is one of the longest-waiting dogs in Tattered Paws’ care. And while she’s safe now, shelter life is not where her story should end.

This August, in honor of International Dog Day, Rescue Revival is partnering with Tattered Paws and Golden Hearts to help bring Aysel and four other long-waiting dogs to the United States. Once here, they’ll finally have the chance to find families who can give them what they’ve never truly known—belonging, stability, and unconditional love.

Bringing a dog like Aysel from Türkiye to the U.S. is a complicated and costly journey. Each rescue requires $5,417.55 to cover everything from urgent medical treatment to transportation and customs fees. Our goal is to raise $27,087.75 this month to bring five deserving dogs to safety, healing, and the future they’ve waited far too long for.

We believe dogs like Aysel are worth it. They are the quiet survivors, the ones who never stopped hoping. They have known suffering, but still choose love. They remind us that resilience lives in soft eyes and wagging tails.

Here’s how you can help Aysel take her next step:

Donate to our campaign using the link below

Subscribe to our Rescue of the Month Club and receive this month’s limited-edition Tattered Paws and Golden Hearts t-shirt

Share Aysel’s story to help us raise awareness for her and other long-waiting dogs

Reach out if you are interested in fostering Aysel or another pup arriving from Türkiye

After everything she has endured, Aysel deserves more than survival. She deserves to rest her head in a home where she is cherished. With your help, we can give her that.

Donate or Subscribe Here
Learn More About Tattered Paws and Golden Hearts