Ikea store opens its doors to stray dogs

An Ikea store in Italy has been applauded by animal lovers around the world after opening its doors to lost and abandoned dogs during bad weather.

The city of Catania, on the eastern coast of Sicily, has been experiencing torrential rainfall resulting in serious flooding over the past fortnight.

However, stray dogs in danger on the flooded streets can find shelter in an unexpected place - the local branch of the Swedish budget homeware giant.

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The good deed went viral after Vittoria Taccia Gabrielli shared a video to Facebook showing a pair of contented dogs relaxing on rugs in a Christmas display in the store. The post has since been shared more than 15,000 times.

The video was filmed by her daughter, who is heard saying: “Mum, look how sweet! In Ikea, they are giving shelter to strays.”

The Gazzetta del Sud newspaper confirmed that “store staff let the strays wander around the aisles” during the downpours, noting that the feedback from customers has been favourable.

Since then, animal-loving shoppers have continued to share pictures and videos on social media showing the store’s canine guests relaxing on display rugs and sofas.