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How Shelter Dogs Teach Us the True Meaning of Unconditional Love
Something that will never cease to amaze us in our line of work is how animals that end up in our shelter after having experienced neglect, malnourishment, cruelty, and abandonment at the hands of our fellow men can still wag their tails when they see people. Even we, the rescuers, are sometimes put off by ... Blog
New Name, Same Dream
For over 20 years, ROLDA has worked to build a safer future for abandoned and abused animals. Originating in Romania, where stray populations reached several million and public shelters faced extremely tough conditions, we have progressed by focusing on sterilization, education, and the construction of modern shelters. These efforts are transforming the lives of Romanian ... New Name, Same Dream
Essential Training Tips for Your Newly Adopted Dog
What can be more beautiful than adopting a dog? Though it’s an act of love, it can most certainly be a significant adjustment to both of your daily routines. Therefore, no matter how accommodating you want to be with your new friend, do note that laying down some rules and gently training him are good ... Essential Training Tips for Your Newly Adopted Dog
Adopt, don’t shop: the true impact of saving a shelter dog
Is getting a dog a life-changing decision? Yes, in more ways than you may think of at first, especially if you adopt. This article is not meant to deter you from getting a dog from a pet store; they are souls that need a home, too, and that, most likely, unless somebody purchases them, could ... Adopt, don’t shop: the true impact of saving a shelter dog
How consistent playtime enhances your dog’s physical and emotional health
Whenever they imagine life with their future dog, most first-time owners think of cuddling, taking walks, enjoying a quiet night in, and playing with their dog. But few realize that playtime with pets is more than just a fun pastime or another type of activity—it’s a responsibility with numerous benefits. So, when your dog brings ... How consistent playtime enhances your dog’s physical and emotional health
Abandoned in a Bag: A Romanian Rescuer’s Personal Story from Târgu Frumos
Some rescues take just a few minutes. Others are drawn out over days and need everything a rescuer has to give. ROLDA works alongside dedicated local partners across Romania, including a small rescue association in Târgu Frumos whose work you may remember from the story of the two abandoned Bichons. After a sterilisation campaign in ... Abandoned in a Bag: A Romanian Rescuer’s Personal Story from Târgu Frumos
What could have been: Mina’s Story
In a dim, overcrowded public shelter in Romania, a mother dog named Mina huddled in the farthest corner of her cold, concrete kennel. The thick, stagnant air reeked of waste, death, and fear. Barking and cries echoed endlessly around her, but no one came to comfort her or the other frightened dogs. Mina’s four tiny ... What could have been: Mina’s Story
Chained Heart: The Story of Kiko
Kiko was born a carefree puppy whose eyes shone with curiosity and happiness. As with every innocent soul brought into this world, there is an intuitive compass within us that tells us we cannot navigate this life without guidance in our early years. Perhaps it’s the unique and unbreakable bond we form in our mother’s ... Chained Heart: The Story of Kiko
A New Era: The Transformation of ROLDA’s Beloved Inaugural Shelter—Little Haven
Twenty-three years ago, on a quiet patch of land in Galati, ROLDA opened the doors to its very first dog shelter, Little Haven. It was a humble beginning—a safe harbor for dogs in need, built on hope, compassion, and the simple dream of saving lives. Over the years, those walls have echoed with the joyful ... A New Era: The Transformation of ROLDA’s Beloved Inaugural Shelter—Little Haven
Homemade dog treats: easy recipes your pup will love
If you are a first-time dog owner and you have always imagined yourself rewarding your good boy or good girl with a doggy biscuit and seeing them happily chomp down on it, know that you can take this level of involvement and care for your dog even further and make some treats yourself. And while ... Homemade dog treats: easy recipes your pup will love
Signs your dog might need a vet visit: don’t ignore these symptoms
The great part about having a dog is that you get to come home to them every day, play with them, get doggy cuddles, and give them treats, hugs, and kisses. A drawback of having a dog is they can’t inform you when something’s wrong. But don’t worry! That’s why you’re reading our blog. With ... Signs your dog might need a vet visit: don’t ignore these symptoms
Daily care checklist to keep your dog happy and healthy
Caring for a dog isn’t complicated, but it’s more than just feeding and walking them. Pet ownership involves more than providing basic needs like water, food, and shelter; it’s about ensuring their overall well-being. The best-case scenario is for animals to thrive in their new homes, and years of experience have taught us that those ... Daily care checklist to keep your dog happy and healthy
How to introduce your adopted dog to other pets
Many people hesitate to adopt dogs they fall in love with at the shelter because they already have other pets and fear how those pets might react. Ideally, all animals would coexist peacefully in your home. However, their main concern is situations where their existing pets cannot be in the same room comfortably. Some people ... How to introduce your adopted dog to other pets
Why senior dogs make wonderful companions
A heartbreaking part of running a dog shelter is that most senior dogs we care for often have the lowest chances of being adopted. It saddens us every time potential adopters overlook these gentle, loving dogs, who are equally deserving of a caring home, yet will likely spend their entire lives with us at ROLDA. ... Why senior dogs make wonderful companions
The healing power of dogs: why they’re more than just pets
The ways people refer to their dogs, like ‘man’s best friend’, ‘part of the family’, or ‘our furbaby’, are numerous. We all know how wonderful and fulfilling it is to have a pet dog, but some still hesitate to take the step. Others fear the responsibility and commitment involved, and some do not fully realize ... The healing power of dogs: why they’re more than just pets
Natural instinct or malicious aggression?
Flora had no way of knowing the difference. All she knew was that she was alone, on a mountain, and completely at the mercy of whatever found her first. Livestock guardian dogs are traditionally used throughout Romania, especially in forest and mountain areas, to protect sheep from attacks by bears and wolves. These powerful sheepdogs ... Natural instinct or malicious aggression?
A Guide to Volunteering at Your Local Dog Shelter
Volunteering is one of the most wholesome ways to give back to the community without spending money. In today’s economy, it’s significant that people can find time from working multiple jobs to support causes they care about. We want to begin by expressing our deep appreciation for everyone who offers help and donations in any ... A Guide to Volunteering at Your Local Dog Shelter
What shelter dogs teach us about love, patience, and resilience
As dog rescuers, we encounter many traumatized dogs. Their suffering ranges from severe abuse and injuries caused by car accidents to being abandoned in distress by the roadside, kicked, malnourished, freezing in cold weather, lacking access to clean and safe drinking water, and more. And this only covers the physical aspects. Psychologically, they are equally ... What shelter dogs teach us about love, patience, and resilience
41 new dogs saved from puppy mills
For every puppy advertised online or sitting in a pet shop window, there is often a hidden story behind the scenes. A story of exhausted mothers, overcrowded cages, untreated illnesses, fear, and years spent producing litter after litter with no comfort, care, or love. This is the reality of puppy mills. Recently, 41 more dogs ... 41 new dogs saved from puppy mills
Not the story people expect: inside a front line evacuation in Ukraine
By Dana Costin, founder of ROLDA I’ve just returned from another journey into eastern Ukraine, near the Donbas front line, an area where the war never really recedes, it only pauses. When people imagine animal evacuations in a war zone, they often picture urgency and spectacle: shattered buildings, animals pulled from debris, vans racing against ... Not the story people expect: inside a front line evacuation in Ukraine
How donations transform the lives of shelter animals
Long ago, in a past we would prefer to forget, abandoned animals in Romania only had two options: endure a bleak life of abuse and starvation on the streets or face certain death in public shelters. Some may think we are being too harsh by highlighting just these two categories, but we are actually omitting ... How donations transform the lives of shelter animals
10 Things to Know Before Bringing Home a Rescue Dog
You have selected your rescue dog, and your rescue dog has selected you! Congratulations! You’re about to begin a wonderful journey that should go smoothly, allowing you to enjoy your new life together from the start. The key to a successful transition for your dog—and, by extension, for your new life together—is to carefully plan ... 10 Things to Know Before Bringing Home a Rescue Dog
Canine Case Note: Advanced Rickets, Skin Inflammation & Nutritional Deficiency
Aria appeared as a stray in Câmpulung Moldovenesc, a town in northeastern Romania, in very poor physical condition. She was first noticed by a young local woman, who, having no means to take her in, walked from gate to gate carrying her and asking neighbours whether anyone could offer temporary shelter. The case was escalated ... Canine Case Note: Advanced Rickets, Skin Inflammation & Nutritional Deficiency
Left Behind: Pusha’s Long Road Back
They stopped the car, opened the door, and drove away. Pusha stood on the road watching them go, quizzical. He had been a household pet. He had known warmth, familiar smells, the sound of people he trusted. In a single moment, all of that was taken away. He was most likely left behind because caring for ... Left Behind: Pusha’s Long Road Back
Teddy’s Second Chance
Teddy’s story began on the streets of Romania, where he and his brother Toby were found trying to survive alone. They were still puppies, vulnerable and all alone, struggling to learn how to navigate the world with very little protection. When they arrived in our care, it quickly became clear that Teddy needed urgent medical ... Teddy’s Second Chance
