Normally, the policy in IKEA is 'strictly no dogs" (aside from certified service dogs, that is). But one store in Italy recently made a big exception for the most heartwarming reason possible.

An IKEA shop in Catania, Italy has opened its doors to homeless dogs to give them refuge from the cold winter. Taking in strays doesn't just benefit the dogs though - the customers absolutely love it.

The new development was revealed after visitors to the store stumbled upon the pups making the most out of the home furnishings around the building.

Martine Taccia was on a shopping trip to IKEA recently when she discovered a group of pooches huddled among a living room display. "My reaction was pure amazement," she told The Dodo. "It's not a common thing."

She continued to reveal that some of the people who visit the store adored the dogs so much, they adopted them. "The dogs receive daily food and pampering from IKEA's employees and customers. Some dogs have even found a family, going home with customers," she explained.

Another happy customer also spoke to The Dodo about how smitten she was with the retail giant's dog-friendly initiative, stating: "I felt a feeling of deep tenderness and great happiness in seeing dogs crouched in the exhibition space at the entrance of the IKEA."

In addition, dozens of others have taken to the internet to express their pleasure at the news.

"This is the best story I've read in a long time. Human kindness at it's best. THANK YOU," wrote an Instagram user going by the name of @ihelpanimals12018.

Another Instagrammer called @teead972 put: "What a beautiful thing! This makes me want to shop here. Dogs make everything better!"

A third Instagrammer named @haynesstuart joined the other two in heaping praise upon IKEA, saying: "You are amazing people for doing this its made me feel so happy to see that boy being looked after, he looks old as well reminds me of my boy ❤❤❤".

It's not the first time IKEA has opened its doors to those in need. In August 2018, a shop in Thurrock, England gave up to 200 people somewhere to sleep, after a terrible crash on the M25 involving two lorries left motorists stranded.

A man named Fergal Parkinson tweeted about the incident, writing: "Good on @ IKEAUK letting people, including my wife and daughter, stay in their bedrooms overnight after the M25 accident (sic)".

He was joined by Natasha Steer, who posted saying: "Glad to have finally have our room @IKEAUK #DatfordCrossing (sic)". In addition, someone called Ellie Lewis joked: "Will they get meatballs for breakfast?! #welldone #ikea (sic)".

Christmas isn't even here yet, but it's nice to see that the giving spirit has arrived early in IKEA's case.

Normally, the policy in IKEA is 'strictly no dogs" (aside from certified service dogs, that is). But one store in Italy recently made a big exception for the most heartwarming reason possible.

An IKEA shop in Catania, Italy has opened its doors to homeless dogs to give them refuge from the cold winter. Taking in strays doesn't just benefit the dogs though - the customers absolutely love it.

The new development was revealed after visitors to the store stumbled upon the pups making the most out of the home furnishings around the building.

Martine Taccia was on a shopping trip to IKEA recently when she discovered a group of pooches huddled among a living room display. "My reaction was pure amazement," she told The Dodo. "It's not a common thing."

She continued to reveal that some of the people who visit the store adored the dogs so much, they adopted them. "The dogs receive daily food and pampering from IKEA's employees and customers. Some dogs have even found a family, going home with customers," she explained.

Another happy customer also spoke to The Dodo about how smitten she was with the retail giant's dog-friendly initiative, stating: "I felt a feeling of deep tenderness and great happiness in seeing dogs crouched in the exhibition space at the entrance of the IKEA."

In addition, dozens of others have taken to the internet to express their pleasure at the news.

"This is the best story I've read in a long time. Human kindness at it's best. THANK YOU," wrote an Instagram user going by the name of @ihelpanimals12018.

Another Instagrammer called @teead972 put: "What a beautiful thing! This makes me want to shop here. Dogs make everything better!"

A third Instagrammer named @haynesstuart joined the other two in heaping praise upon IKEA, saying: "You are amazing people for doing this its made me feel so happy to see that boy being looked after, he looks old as well reminds me of my boy ❤❤❤".

It's not the first time IKEA has opened its doors to those in need. In August 2018, a shop in Thurrock, England gave up to 200 people somewhere to sleep, after a terrible crash on the M25 involving two lorries left motorists stranded.

A man named Fergal Parkinson tweeted about the incident, writing: "Good on @ IKEAUK letting people, including my wife and daughter, stay in their bedrooms overnight after the M25 accident (sic)".

He was joined by Natasha Steer, who posted saying: "Glad to have finally have our room @IKEAUK #DatfordCrossing (sic)". In addition, someone called Ellie Lewis joked: "Will they get meatballs for breakfast?! #welldone #ikea (sic)".

Christmas isn't even here yet, but it's nice to see that the giving spirit has arrived early in IKEA's case.