About the founder

I am Julia, founder of Precious Paw Patrons. Animals were part of my life long before 3P. Here I share a little about my journey and the animals who shaped it.

My name is Julia. I was a professional ballet dancer, and I am also a mother. I was born and raised in Germany, where I studied in Munich and danced with several companies before joining the National State Opera in Istanbul, Turkey.

Sharing My Life with Animals

When I was eight, Spanish friends gave us a little dog named Ella, who quickly became an important part of my childhood. In my second year in Istanbul, I fell in love with a handsome ginger-and-white male cat that lived in the garden of my apartment. I named him Kedi, which means “cat” in Turkish, and decided to take him in. He truly was my “soul cat.”

Kedi and our little family

While I might say I took care of him for many years, it was Kedi who looked after me. He was my rock and my home during difficult times.

When I moved to a new flat with my two cats, Kedi and Lucy (who is also a rescue cat), I discovered that several stray cats were already living in the garden. Over time, they became part of our little family. I named each of them and ensured they received proper care, especially when they fell ill.

This responsibility was both deeply rewarding and challenging. At that time, I could not find the help my cats needed for FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis), and I sadly lost many of these beloved animals to this cruel disease.

From the Stage to Founding a Rescue Organisation

During those years, I danced in soloist roles at the theatre, facing immense pressure and responsibility at work. My cats, both at home and outside, provided comfort when I returned tired and stressed. They didn’t care about my bad days or how I performed; they loved me for who I was.

When the pandemic hit, I discovered Instagram accounts dedicated to raising funds for cat treatments. These accounts were run by rescuers who saved numerous cats, as well as individuals struggling to afford care for their pets. This inspired me to create fundraisers to help these people, particularly since it’s difficult for Turkish citizens to access such support in Turkey.

As the economic situation worsened day by day, the fundraising community grew, and I felt I couldn’t turn away those who sought help to save their beloved animals. Balancing full-time work, motherhood, and pro bono fundraising worked for a few years. But the community’s needs were growing, overwhelming my capacity to help with just a few hours of involvement.

Why I Continue

After ending my career as a dancer, I wanted to focus on helping these kind and loving people provide for their animals and ensure those who lack visibility on social media receive the assistance they need. I’ve been fortunate to grow up in a privileged environment with a stable economy, and I believe it is only fair to help those who face much tougher conditions.

I firmly believe that rescuing animals should not be a privilege limited to the wealthy; It is not only a matter of money but, first and foremost, of devotion and love.

Let’s talk.

Would you like to ask about our work or help make it possible? You can reach us at info@preciouspawpatrons.org.