Our big fluffy Kangal Bumi has had some ups and downs in his life. Born in an animal shelter and unfortunately growing up deprived as a young man, he had a very bad start. Fortunately, after being placed with his new family, he was able to catch up on a lot, which enabled him to develop into a great, if cautious, companion.

The fluffy all-rounder is now just as good at going to restaurants or quiet evenings at home as he is at long hikes or exciting walks. A seemingly perfect life, but unfortunately it doesn't always go the way we would like it to. A few strokes of fate and unexpected changes have befallen Bumi's people. The situation became increasingly difficult for the dog and came to a head. Giving him up was soon the only solution for the family, even though it was very difficult for everyone involved.

Fortunately, he quickly got used to the familiar everyday life in the animal shelter, and the contact with his many caregivers was particularly helpful. Extensive cuddles and walks are his daily highlight. Spending time together is enormously important for our animal residents and offers a welcome change in what is otherwise often a monotonous daily routine. Nevertheless, the stately male, a typical Kangal, is also good at making decisions on his own. The livestock guardian dog mix always keeps an eye on the house and yard boundaries and barks at people and dogs walking past when he thinks it is necessary. If you remain consistent and present, however, Bumi is good at handing over responsibility and holding back on his "cooperation".

On the leash, he knows full well that other two- and four-legged creatures are of no interest and he is not easily unsettled. Even going for walks with other animal shelter residents pose no problems for the big man - it is only when he lives directly together on the animal shelter grounds that his stoic livestock protector becomes apparent again. Bumi can safely do without other dogs in the rest of his everyday life and prefers to spend time on his own rather than sharing the attention of his caregivers, basket or food. In the past, Bumi has already shown that he would particularly defend food and chews from other dogs or children, which is why we would rather see him in a quiet household without other dogs and children.

Bumi longs for a new home where he can settle in and blossom again. Regular exercise would help not only his soul, but also his body to stay healthy. Unfortunately, Bumi was diagnosed with hip dysplasia - a deformation of the hip that unfortunately affects many dogs. The deformation of the hip joint cannot be reversed, but with the help of targeted exercise, muscle building and physiotherapy, dogs can be supported so that they can walk pain-free for as long as possible and the problems do not get worse. Since Bumi loves to splash around, especially in warm weather, it would be possible to take him for a swim or two in addition to his walks to give him some exercise.

Both the Kangal crossbreed's love of exercise and the calmness it exudes in many situations make it a very special representative of its breed. With a little sensitivity and dog sense, Bumi is a great companion who is ready to enrich the life of his new family in many ways.