Abandoned golden retrievers flown from Turkey to US: Report

WASHINGTON

Golden retrievers seen in the animal shelter in Istanbul. Photo: Adopt a Golden Atlanta / Facebook

Dozens of abandoned golden retrievers “rescued” from Turkey have arrived in Atlanta, U.S. media has reported, adding that English interpreters were hired to help them in their new life.

The Adopt a Golden organization helped bring 36 purebred golden retrievers from Istanbul to Alpharetta on May 9 in the largest international golden retriever rescue ever, according to WYFF, an NBC-affiliated television station located in Greenville, South Carolina.

Following a 12-hour flight and a seven-hour layover, the dogs were placed at a boarding facility in Fulton County to await adoption, the report said.

According to the report, the dogs were abandoned by their owners when the golden retriever breed, once considered a status symbol in Turkey, stopped being popular. 

Adopt a Golden Atlanta has reportedly been working with several partners in the “Freedoms Golden” operation. In keeping with the Freedoms Golden theme, the dogs have all been given patriotic names, such as Liberty, Patriot and Glory, the news network added.

“The dogs have never heard English and have their own interpreter. They will be available for adoption in early June after an adjustment period,” the report said.