[imagesource: Magnolia Pictures]

There’s a pretty decent chance you’re going to end up teary-eyed after watching Stray.

The documentary was released online in early March, and the trailer alone tugs on the heartstrings.

Documentary filmmaker Elizabeth Lo directed Stray, with the story focusing on three Turkish dogs without a home – Zeytin, Nazar, and Kartal.

Shot in Istanbul, the story of these hounds also “allows an unvarnished portrait of human life”, according to Magnolia Pictures:

Zeytin, fiercely independent, embarks on adventures through the city at night; Nazar, nurturing and protective, easily befriends the humans around her; while Kartal, a shy puppy living on the outskirts of a construction site, finds companions in the security guards who care for her.

The disparate lives of Zeytin, Nazar and Kartal intersect when they each form intimate bonds with a group of young Syrians who share the streets with them.

Through these friendships, we are given a window into other overlooked corners of society, through the eyes of man’s best friend.

Lo says her inspiration is one many of us can relate to – her grief for her childhood pet.

The official trailer below:

Throw in a second viewing of My Octopus Teacher and you should manage to shed a few tears.

According to The Economic Times, when asked what lessons she learnt during the three years of filming, Lo replied:

“I had assumed cities with large stray animals are inhumane or not taking care of their animals but I found that it’s actually the exact opposite.”

“It’s cities that don’t have any stray animals that are actually betraying dogs and cats. It’s because it means that you’re getting rid of all of them.”

In Cape Town, our strays often end up at the likes of the SPCA or DARG.

If you are looking for a new pet, consider adopting from one of those organisations before you turn to a breeder.

Strays need homes, too.

[sources:magnolia&economictimes]