Deli

While living in Turkey, I was struck by the large number of dogs roaming the streets, each tagged to indicate vaccinations provided by local authorities. These resilient animals relied on the compassion of locals for food and water, revealing a society polarized between love and disdain for these creatures.

We later became involved with a group of devoted volunteers who journeyed to the hills surrounding Istanbul every Sunday. There, we offered sustenance and shelter to hundreds of abandoned dogs. Astonishingly, these animals - though hardened by life's adversities - longed for nothing more than a touch of affection. Some were shy, yet many were endlessly loving and never aggressive.

Inspired by true events, this book weaves a heartfelt, fictional tale around Deli, an especially loving dog who lived near my home in Turkey. The story is a touching testament to the enduring spirit and boundless affection of these often-overlooked animals. Discover the real-life magic and emotional depth found in the everyday lives of Turkey's street dogs, especially our dear Deli.

J. R. Hutt was born and educated in the Midlands. She worked with horses, travelled extensively, and ran her own business. Later, she worked with disabled people, studied chiropody and reflexology, and ran a group for Riding for the Disabled.
In 1983, she moved to Spain, where she married and had two children. Due to her husband's work, they lived for a while in Iraq and later in Turkey. The latter experience was the inspiration for this little book. Currently, she's based back in England with lengthy visits to Spain to spend time with her daughter and grandchildren, as well as visits to Canada to see her son.