Willy

Foster Home Needed (Minimum 2 Months, Starting January)

Willy is truly one of those once-in-a-lifetime dogs — rare in both looks and soul. Vets believe he is a Çatalburun mix, an exceptionally rare Turkish pointer breed known for its intelligence, sensitivity, and deep bond with people. Willy also has a cleft lip and nose, which gives him a very distinctive appearance. This is only cosmetic and does not affect his eating, or drinking in any way — it simply makes him unmistakably Willy. Once you get to know him, his gentle eyes and expressive face quickly become part of his charm.

Willy’s early life was difficult. He was found in a small village, tied to a short chain with no freedom and no affection. Although a volunteer stepped in and saved him, Willy later faced the risk of being released back onto the streets when funding for his sanctuary ran out. Thankfully, our rescue partners intervened, and Willy spent the next three years in a dog hotel/sanctuary — safe, but without the warmth of a real home or the chance to form close human bonds.

That all changed when Willy arrived in the Netherlands. He is now experiencing home life for the very first time: soft beds, routines, gentle care, and human companionship. He has adapted beautifully and is clearly soaking it all in, as if making up for lost time.

Since arriving in the Netherlands, Willy has also received extensive dental and gum care that was not available to him in Turkey. His mouth has been professionally treated and assessed, and he is now comfortable and doing well. Going forward, he simply needs normal ongoing attention to his oral hygiene.

Willy is wonderful with people and other dogs. He is affectionate, emotionally tuned in, and enjoys being close to his humans, often keeping an eye on where you are in the house. He loves cuddles, gentle attention, and feeling included in daily life.

With other dogs, Willy truly shines. He is social, friendly, and genuinely happy to be around canine companions. He loves to play and would be an ideal playmate for another dog — especially one who enjoys interaction and shared adventures. While he could manage as an only dog with enough social contact, he would likely thrive in a foster home that already has a friendly dog.

Willy is playful, curious, a little goofy, and food-motivated, which makes working with him enjoyable. On walks, his nose often takes the lead, and he can pull a bit out of excitement, but he responds well to calm, kind guidance. Indoors, he has lovely manners: he is potty-trained, not destructive, and not a constant barker. He does have an expressive side and will happily “talk” to you when he wants attention, a potty break, or to greet a dog he’s spotted — something many people find incredibly endearing.

Willy is a sensitive, affectionate, and deeply special dog who is still discovering what it means to live in a home and be loved. A foster home offering him stability, patience, and affection for two months or longer starting in January would make an enormous difference in his journey toward a forever family.

If you have space in your home and heart for a truly unique dog during this time, Willy will reward you with devotion, warmth, and a lot of joyful moments. 🐾

PS: Willy already have a profile for adoption on this website. Please specify which profile you are applying for.