Haverhill volunteer who helps out at Barking Mad Dog Rescue shelter in Romania urges people to support the charity
An animal welfare volunteer has described her time spent at a dog rescue centre in Romania as her ‘most heartwarming experience ever’.
Katie Pugh, of Haverhill, first spent a week volunteering at the Barking Mad Dog Rescue shelter in Nisiparo, near Constanta, in south east Romania last October.
She decided to take time out of her jobs at AXA Insurance and Aerial Motion in Haverhill and help out the shelter after adopting both her two dogs, Loki and Pepper, from the charity, to give something back.
Katie, 28, returned in May and has another visit planned for October.
She said: “I wanted to give something in return for them giving my wonderful dogs safety, food, medical treatment and a second chance at life.
“I will never forget the first time I walked into the shelter, the dogs I met or the first dogs I rescued.
“Those are feelings that stay with you for life. A piece of my heart is in Romania now.”
On her most recent trip, Katie participated in a spay campaign and was actively involved in two rescues.
She rescued 10-week-old Azorel, surrendered by a homeless man, who was struggling to find transport with his two dogs. Sitting at a petrol station, hoping someone might help.
Katie explained: “Having heard his story, Gea (the manager of the shelter) offered to take the pup so it would be easier for him to travel. ‘One for this family, and one to keep for me. From my heart to yours,’ were the words he spoke as tears streamed down my face.”
The second rescue dog, Katie, was given her name in honour of the woman who helped rescue her.
“On a drive around the village, we found a young dog who had hidden herself away in a locked garden,” she said.
“After obtaining permission from the local police, I scaled the fence and carried the pup out of what would have been her resting place. She was covered in ticks and so very sick. The next morning we took her for a lifesaving blood transfusion.
“She is now healthy and happy at the shelter waiting for her person to come along.
Katie said: “If you are thinking about adoption or sponsorship, please consider BMDR.
“Your support means they can save more lives.
“Romania has one of the largest populations of strays in Europe. While each day on the streets is a struggle to survive, Barking Mad Dog Rescue work tirelessly to improve the chances these animals have of finding a safe place to land.”
BMDR currently has more than 315 dogs in its direct care and feeds 150 more per day locally as well as working to educate the local community and running spay campaigns.
All the dogs are fully tested, vaccinated and behaviourally assessed prior to being available for adoption and all potential adopters are thoroughly vetted.
Katie said: “It is the most moving experience to be around animals that are willing to give you a second chance when the world has let them down.
“Some of the dogs have come from such horrific circumstances yet they are so willing to love again. It’s just the most heartwarming experience ever.”
To donate to BMDR or find out more, go HERE