“Love still exists. Loyalty still exists.”
One day, back in 2021, a skinny stray dog appeared at the entrance of Ceyhun Satır’s home appliance shop in Turkey. As an animal lover, Satır welcomed him warmly, offering the dog a bowl of food to fill his empty stomach.
Though neither knew it at the time, this would be the beginning of a years-long friendship.
Ceyhun Satır
After that first day, the dog became a regular visitor to Satır’s shop, always greeted with affection and an offering of food and water. In time, those visits became the highlight of Satır’s days.
“I named him Ares,” Satır told The Dodo. “He always comes to me, and I feed him.”
Ceyhun Satır
Unfortunately, Satır hasn’t been able to adopt Ares officially, but as he spends most of his time at work, the dog is rarely without the chance of his companionship. His explorations around the neighborhood invariably end at Satır’s shop’s door.
“He comes and goes, but always comes back to me,” Satır said.
A Google Street View camera even captured Ares napping peacefully just outside the shop.
Google Maps
Knowing that Ares is happy, healthy and never in want of a meal has always come as its own reward for Satır’s show of kindness. But this week, he got more than that.
While sitting in his shop, Satır noticed the familiar sight of Ares at his door. Something, however, was slightly different than usual.
Rather than ask for a treat his unspoken way, Ares had one for Satır. It was a gift of thanks.
Ceyhun Satır
Looking closer, Satır realized that Ares had brought him a baked chicken drumstick — a drool-worthy delicacy for a dog, but one he’d forgone eating to offer to Satır instead.
“I cried. At the age of 40, I was crying,” Satır said. “Love still exists. Loyalty still exists.”
Satır was sure to let Ares know just how much he appreciated the gesture.
Ceyhun Satır
Nowadays, Ares is nothing like the sad, skinny stray that Satır first met years ago. And in the act of enriching him and loving him, Satır is unrecognizable in some ways, too.
He found purpose — and got a friend in return.
Ceyhun Satır
“Ares is my brother, and I am his,” Satır said. “He is more human to me than many people.”
