Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind.” The words of Eric Hoffer echo through a story that proves adversity can bring out the best in humanity. As we wander through the journeys that life presents, we are occasionally gifted with heartwarming stories that make the challenges seem a little easier to bear. One such tale originates from the recent earthquake that shattered the lives of countless people, laying waste to homes and taking loved ones.
Amidst the devastation, rescue teams diligently worked day and night, racing against time to save lives. Their arms pulled humans of all ages from concrete graves, delivering them from the darkness into the embrace of the living. But these brave souls didn’t stop there; they also reached down into the rubble to save our four-legged family members. After all, in times of great adversity, we find that compassion knows no boundaries of species.
At the heart of this moving narrative is Ali Cakas, a Turkish firefighter who wasn’t willing to leave anyone behind. Emerging from the dust and debris, Cakas was seen cradling a dirt-covered but unharmed black and white cat. The first moments of this union captured in a video went viral, resonating with the hearts of millions around the world. It was as if, in that instant, the entire world paused to appreciate the symbiosis of love and resilience.
The rescued feline was named Enkaz, a Turkish term that translates to “debris.” Despite the somber undertone of the name, it was given with hope and promise—a beacon illuminating the dark recesses of sorrow, revealing that life, in all its forms, is worth saving. In a photograph that swept social media, Enkaz perched on Cakas’ shoulder like a guardian angel, both heroes in their own right.
What adds an even deeper layer to this tale is the realization that Enkaz lost his previous owner in the disaster. With no one to claim him, Cakas opened his home and heart, making room for a new family member. Now living a couple hundred miles from where he was found, Enkaz has a warm bed and full meals—a testament to the unbreakable bond that love and kindness can forge.
Cakas, a member of the Mardin Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department, continues to inspire as he updates the world on Enkaz through an Instagram account. The love between the two is nothing short of a healing balm on a wounded nation, one that is grappling with not only natural disasters but also the societal unrest brewing within its borders.
As you read this, you may find it natural to reflect on the unshakable spirit of compassion in our world—a world that often seems so fractured. The resilience of one firefighter and one small cat can light the way for all of us. So if this story touches your heart, share it with friends and family. Moreover, consider supporting animal welfare organizations that are working tirelessly to give every animal a chance to be someone’s Enkaz.
Share this because you can make someone’s day.
