An IKEA store in Catania, Italy saw that there was a need among the animals in the area and they decided to help in the best way that they could. They started to provide a home for those dogs who needed help the most.
The customers couldn’t be happier.
Martine Taccia was shopping at IKEA on a cold autumn day not too long ago when she saw a group of dogs living comfortably in a living room display.
“My reaction was pure amazement,” Taccia said. “It’s not a common thing.”
It turns out that these were strays from the local area and IKEA was providing the gift of warmth and comfort.
Apparently, the store started opening to homeless pets in the area to provide a warm and safe refuge from the cold weather outside. The welcome was more than just a warm place to rest.
“The dogs receive daily food and pampering from IKEA’s employees and customers,” Taccia said. “Some dogs have even found a family, going home with customers.”
Taccia was touched by the kind gesture so she shared a video online.
Una bella iniziativa per dare riparo ai randagi mentre fuori piove…..tutto questo succede nel centro commerciale di IKEA(Catania)……tra lo stupore di molti passanti,mia figlia commossa mi ha mandato questo video! Vogliamo applaudire questa civiltà?????????????????????
Posted by Vittoria Taccia Gabrielli on Saturday, November 10, 2018
It doesn’t seem as if the Catania IKEA location lets people know publicly about helping dogs in need. For guests like Taccia, however, it was something very positive. Another customer, Beppe Liotta, was also very happy with the dog-friendly atmosphere:
“I felt a feeling of deep tenderness and great happiness in seeing dogs crouched in the exhibition space at the entrance of the IKEA.”
If you search on Instagram for pictures taken at that IKEA location, you will find that many people are happy with what they are seeing.
IKEA has been an advocate for animals in the past. At one time, they were partners with Home for Hope that encouraged adoption of dogs and cats by putting cardboard cutouts of shelter dogs throughout the stores.
That being said, the real thing makes a much nicer impact.
Liotta considers himself to be an animal lover and he hopes that other businesses will follow the example that IKEA is setting. All too often, animals live in very difficult circumstances and are overlooked.
“If all the stores that had the space would make a place of refuge for strays, I would be really happy,” he said.
