Better shelter, happier dogs

The larger of the two ROLDA shelters, built primarily to house stray dogs found at the Arcelor Mittal steel mill,  is constantly challenged by the arrival of new dogs from the city of Galati,  from surrounding villages,  or from the neighboring city of Braila. 

Few of these dogs wander into the steel mill from miles away of their own volition.  Usually they come in the trunk of someone's car, or in bags piled in large trucks.   Arriving more dead than alive,  from rough capture and transport as if they were sacks of coal or potatoes,  they are dropped beside the industrial road near the steel plant,  where many of these scared,  hungry,  unwanted souls will be hit by heavy vehicles before finding their way inside..

Dogs who find the canteen, where the mill workers eat, meet unfriendly staff and often packs of other hungry dogs.  Weak or injured dogs may be further injured or killed in fights over access to the garbage.  The stronger dogs go feral, becoming wild animals with wild instincts,  very hard to safely re-home after we capture them and bring them to the shelter.

Of course there are exceptions.  There are friendly dogs that follow people and look deep into their eyes to beg for leftovers.

The large ROLDA shelter accommodates beggar dogs,   wild dogs, and dogs who have just barely survived their experiences.  To place all of them in the same kennels, in the limited free space available, would be criminal.  The ROLDA staff observe which dogs are accepted, and which are willing to fight for territory,  food,   and supremacy.

Some dogs become tolerant and more sociable as soon as they arrive at our kennels.  Some dogs' behavior improves immediately after they are placed in new homes. But some dogs do not accept losing their freedom.

Like humans,  every dog feels differently.

ROLDA and Arcelor Mittal recently made changes to transform our originally simple concrete and wire kennels into a better habitat for dogs.  Because our dog population is constantly changing,  due to adoptions and new arrivals,  the job was somewhat like building on shifting sand. 

Examples of the work we did included replacing the screens between kennels with by iron plates to keep dogs from injuring themselves trying to push through from one kennel to another;  replacing bare concrete floors with polished tile;  and adding straw to our dog beds to increase comfort.

Next we plan to build four to six exercise areas,  where dogs can run.  Before a dog eats,  he needs exercise to help encourage a healthy appetite.
During December 2011 we moved four of our 12 kennel paddocks to an open area which we initially expected to use for running space..  Relocating the four paddocks became necessary because they were too close to overhead electrical transmission wires.

We recycled all possible building materials.  Where the paddocks formerly stood will be exercise space for dogs, with trees and bushes to be planted in spring.

We intend to create large running spaces behind each pair of kennels,  to give dogs space to run,  play,  and become acquainted.  This activity will change the dogs' daily routine and will positively affect their attitudes.

ROLDA is also talking with nearby property owners in hopes of purchasing additional land for the running spaces.

Behind each paddock,  a metal gate will open into each large running field.  The running fields will be screened and secured with concrete belts to prevent dogs from digging out.

The Arcelor Mittal budget for ROLDA dogs in 2012 includes connecting our veterinary clinic to water and electricity,  but does not include building the running spaces,  because all of these will be expensive projects,  and the economic crises demanded sacrifices from everyone.

Therefore,  ROLDA needs to raise about 10000 EUR to purchase a small plot of land near the large shelter,  plus about 5,000 EUR to enclose each of the six running spaces.

Make a difference TODAY for our homeless dogs saved from streets!

We have created a special fund for this purpose.   Bank statements will be made public every month.  Sponsors will be acknowledged by name.  If a single donor chooses to sponsor an entire running space,  this space will be named as the donor chooses -- for example,  in memory of a lost dog.

Donations directly to the ROLDA fund for shelter improvements must be made in EUR,  but donations in U.S. dollars may be sent to ROLDA-USA,  and will be (tax-deductible) converted into euros and sent to us.

Each new running space means at least 80 dogs will enjoy every day quality time for playing,  running,  and socializing.

Please join us in our effort to make our large shelter a better sheltering space for dogs who probably would not survived on the tsreets,  but deserve to enjoy better lives until we can safely rehome them!

Our thanks are sincere,  but the real reward for you (and us) will be the happy faces,  the smiles,  and the forest of wagging tails as a result of this campaign!