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How a dog catcher’s indifference towards the abuse of stray dogs shattered my faith.

One morning, as I was walking to the shelter, I saw a tiny stray being dragged by the collar with a catch pole.
I started to run towards the van, yelling at the catcher to stop, but he just ignored me. The dog was struggling and fighting to break free, but the catcher threw him into the back of his van like a sack of potatoes. I could hear the whimpers and cries as I ran.

The catcher saw me and just got into his van and started driving away. I desperately picked up a rock and threw it at the van hoping he will stop and confront me. He did.

What you’re doing is inhumane,” I said

They’re just dirty dogs,” he said. “We’re going to put them out of their misery. You think they want to live?

The catcher was a tall, brusque man who could overpower any dog — especially a weak and skinny street dog. It was an unfair fight. He accosted me in a raging fury because of the rock, and I admit I was frightened. Then I heard the dogs crying in the van, and my fear turned into anger. The catcher was shocked.

What you’re doing is inhumane,” I said. He insulted me and said I had no right to stop him.

They’re just dirty dogs,” he said. “We’re going to put them out of their misery. How is that inhumane? You think they want to live?

He threatened me and walked away. But I jumped in front of him, opened his door, and removed the keys. He tried to snatch the keys from me, but I yelled. There was nobody around — only a farmhouse a few meters away. He backed away.

I called Marian and told him to bring our van right away. The catcher threatened to open the door and let the dogs loose, but I stood in front of the door and refused to move. When Marian arrived, we opened the door and there were six dogs shaking violently with fear. They were lying with their heads and ears down, and looking at us with terrified eyes that said “Please, don’t hurt us.

The tiny stray I had seen had an injured neck from the catch pole. He was whimpering in pain and bleeding around his neck. I picked him up gently and showed the injured neck to the catcher.

Is this how you treat a defenseless animal that probably hasn’t eaten or drank water in days?” I said, with tears flowing down my cheeks. The catcher just shrugged his shoulders. We hurried the dogs to our REX Clinic where our veterinarian attended to the injured dog immediately. He had to be given anesthesia because he was in too much pain. Fortunately, he made a full recovery.

I had read many horror stories about dog catchers and public pounds, and I’ve led protests and petitions against their brutal tactics, but I had never confronted one in the act. Even though we saved six dogs, it was a frightening and heartbreaking experience that shattered my faith in my ability to change the way people treat stray dogs. I guess all I can do is continue saving them from the streets and public pounds.

Sadly, dogs are better off on the streets than in a public pound in Romania — probably any pound.

That day we saved six dogs from spending days in an overcrowded and filthy pound where they are starved, neglected, and abused. It puzzles me how anyone could take pleasure in hurting a defenseless animal — especially one awaiting execution. These dogs are homeless animals that struggle each day to find food and shelter. They live a lonely existence filled with pain and suffering. They are tragic. Why hurt such an animal?

Why aren’t they shown more compassion? Why don’t people want to help them?
I may never get answers, and I may never prevent another dog catcher from hurting another stray dog. But I can keep rescuing them, feeding them, giving them shelter and medicine, and I can find them a good home with a loving family. I can continue to fight to have these horrific pounds closed and renovated. And that’s exactly what I intend to do.

Help! My name is Today

When I look around me these days I feel a great sense of pride. It was over a decade ago that we built our first shelter and rescued the first 60 dogs from a lonely and harsh life. Today we have 2 shelters that 600 dogs currently call home. Every day I try to spend time with each one, but the truth is that most days I cannot. However, the precious moments I experience with these beautiful animals remind me that whenever I am not with them, I am fighting for them.

I am relieved and happy that these dogs are safe under our care, but I believe they deserve much more. Our shelter shouldn’t become their forever but just a temporary home for them. There is a loving family for every one of these dogs—and I’m trying to find them. When I am able to turn one of these forgotten strays into a family member, it is the greatest feeling in the world!

The moment one of our dogs is adopted, 2 lives are saved!

It means that there is a vacancy in our shelters for another abandoned dog. It’s exciting because we get to go out and rescue another poor, defenseless stray who will get the chance to become part of a family.
You can be that family! If you’ve been considering adding a pet to your life, adopt one of our dogs. These dogs are hungry for love and compassion. They have been alone for too long.

You’re not only giving them an opportunity, but you’re also giving us an opportunity to save more lives.
Near our shelters, there are roughly 20,000 homeless dogs wandering the streets sick and starving. It breaks my heart that I can’t save them when they are so close.

I need your help. They need your help.

If you’re not ready to bring one of our dogs home, you can still help save another life. No matter where you are or how much you give! Every dog is extremely grateful for any support they receive. Remember that they were struggling to stay alive before we rescued them.

How do you save lives by sponsoring a dog or donating to ROLDA?
Your generosity will help us to keep growing and expanding so that we can have room for hundreds of more homeless dogs. We went from 1 shelter to 2. We went from 60 dogs to 600. We did this together — and only together can we continue to raise these numbers.

My name is Dana and I founded ROLDA in 2006. Now, ROLDA is an international charity, incorporated in the USA as well as other 8 countries: Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Australia, the UK, Germany and Romania. All our international affiliates’ directors are volunteers, meaning that every penny of your donation goes to animals’ direct needs.

Everything we’ve accomplished is because of generous people like you. Every dog we save is made possible by you! I and all the ROLDA dogs are forever grateful for your help. We only ask that you not forget about us.

We may be thousands of miles apart, but our hearts are in the same place. I am just one of too many abandoned and abused dogs left to die on Romania’s streets. But I am one of a very lucky few. I was rescued by ROLDA starving, and broken. They fed me, bathed me, and treated my wounds.

They put me together again as a dog. Now I can trust, love, and live a real dog’s life. I only need to find my forever family. While I am waiting, I need a sponsor to provide me with the basic care that every dog deserves.

I don’t ask for much; my needs are few. Clean water, and a full belly when I fall asleep. A few minutes of playtime with my friends, on two legs and on four! A little love goes a long way here, after suffering so horribly as a homeless dog.

I cannot bear the thought of ever having to return to those terrible streets, to the beatings of the thugs in the back alleys, the untreated injuries, and the debilitating disease. The constant fear of the dog catchers and their death camps haunts me still. Knowing how many of the kind I left behind saddens me.

Your sponsorship guarantees that I will be provided for while I patiently wait to be adopted. Better yet, you are saving two lives. By sponsoring me, enough money is freed up so that another dog can be taken off the streets. Even a one-time donation goes a long way at the shelter. And 97 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to helping our dogs.

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I know how hard the staff and volunteers work at ROLDA’s shelters and on the streets. But perhaps you have never been to my country. Why not come and visit? A volunteer stay would show you the great work your donations make possible.

Romania is a place of great beauty and hard-working people, and there is much hope in our hearts. But so much remains to be done for the animals, and the poor. You should visit us. You may even fall in love…I am so much more charming and beautiful when you meet me in person! Could you be my soul mate?

Would you like to meet my friends from the ROLDA shelter?

Animal Rescue Mission IN DANGER! Don’t Turn Your Back!

Small charities like ROLDA are always facing difficult fundraising challenges that can be devastating to their mission. Constant uncertainty about funding affects progress and results, and the ones who suffer are those we are trying to help.

ROLDA is a small animal charity that has 2 shelters with a capacity for 700 dogs. We are located in an industrial town in Galati, the poorest region in Romania with a population of 20,000 homeless dogs.

Why is our animal rescue mission in danger?
Because we cannot raise sufficient funds locally due to poverty. We have to rely on funds from foreigners to be able to continue helping animals in Romania. This brings us to another challenge:

Why would people want to help animals in Romania?
Romania has one of the largest populations of homeless dogs in all of Europe at 2.5 million. They have become a burden to society and most are killed by the locals. The government has also approved the killing of stray dogs. Nobody wants to help them… just kill them!!! Wait! I want to help!!!

To be fair, there are Romanian citizens that are against these mass killings and mistreatment of strays and other helpless animals. Some even try protests or activism, but they’re not impactful because of a lack of support and lack of funding.

Do you want to help or let them be killed?
You can adopt, sponsor, donate, send a gift, volunteer, or help spread the word about ROLDA and our animal rescue mission in Romania. Our mission is in danger, but you can help us! Without your support, we may have to reduce the number of animals we help this year.

Why help ROLDA?
Meet Lori, one of the latest dogs we helped live with no pain. Thanks to you, we give back life to Lori (and countless more dogs)

Lori gain confidence and made new friends! Read Lori’s gratitude letter!

Help ROLDA today!

If you live in Sweden, please use these bank number 573-0502 to make your donation today! (Association ROLDA Sverige registration no. 802490-7050)

Dog for sale or dog for adoption? There are several arguments for each option, but we at ROLDA are focused on finding a loving home for every dog it rescues. We do not offer dogs for sale… only dogs for adoptionWe do not oppose the sale of dogs (as long as it’s humane), but our mission is to rescue every homeless dog in Romania and give them an opportunity to become adopted.

There are 2.5 million homeless dogs in Romania that are suffering from starvation, disease, neglect, abuse, and torture. These same dogs have been labeled a threat and danger to society, and now they are being… hunted and slaughtered by the Government!!!

We desperately need your help to prevent defenseless dogs from being brutally killed. If you are looking to own or buy a dog, we ask that you consider adopting one of the 700 dogs we currently have in our shelters. They have known only suffering and deserve to be loved. Just browse through our dogs at sponsoradog.org and choose one today!

When you adopt a dog from ROLDA you are saving 2 lives! That’s right! When you bring one of our dogs home, we can go out and rescue another helpless dog and bring it to our shelters where it will receive the quality care it deserves.

Why would you adopt a dog from Romania?
Because the chances of one of our dogs being adopted by a Romanian citizen is almost zero. The average monthly income here is 200 EUR, and most people cannot afford to own pets.

Without the support of foreign countries like Sweden, our dogs would continue to be homeless. Without you, ROLDA cannot survive … and the dogs will have no one to fight for them! Simply go to sponsoradog.org and choose a dog. We will take care of the rest. And if you know anyone looking to buy or own a dog, tell them about ROLDA and the hundreds of dogs that are available for adoption today.

P.S. You can also help us by volunteering at our shelters. In 2013 and 2015 we welcomed volunteers (even a young filming crew!!!) from Sweden and we are always welcoming more. The dogs are waiting for you! Come and make a difference for them!

P.S.2 Not able to travel? You can make a difference as a virtual volunteer. Contact Sandra and Lisa at info@roldasverige.se

In Romania… NO dog breed is safe. In 2013, the Romanian government passed a law to kill the entire stray population, including dogs held in public shelters. That means 2.5 million homeless dogs are being…Hunted and slaughtered!!!

The authorities do not care for dog breeds — if the dog is homeless, it must be killed. This is the easiest, fastest, and cheapest solution the government could think of. To them and millions of Romanian citizens, homeless dogs are an inconvenience that must be eliminated.

But not everyone feels the same way. We at ROLDA work hard every day to save as many homeless dogs as possible from slaughter. ROLDA is a small charity that operates from a remote industrial town in Galati, the poorest region in the country.

Without generous donations from people outside of Romania, ROLDA could not exist … and the homeless dogs would have no one to fight for them. This is why we are reaching out to you all the way in Sweden. We need your help to save homeless dogs from brutal death. YES! I want to send my donation to ROLDA from Sweden.

Your donation will immediately help us rescue more homeless dogs from being caught and killed by Romanian authorities. But you should know that we at ROLDA do not focus on saving specific dog breeds — if the dog is homeless, we must save it! Big dog breeds, small dog breeds, cutest dog breeds, old, young, injured, disabled, disfigured, sick… they are all worth savingAnd your donation makes this possible.

At ROLDA shelters, we provide rescued dogs with the quality care they deserve. Our mission is to Rescue. Responsibly shelter. Rehabilitate. Rehome. Your support helps us rehome hundreds of homeless dogs across Europe each year. Thanks to you, people looking to adopt a dog can browse through the hundreds of dogs at ROLDA.

We have 700 dogs in our care (which is our capacity), and we have many different dog breeds to choose from: big, small, cute, old, young, and special needs. All these dogs are at ROLDA because of the compassionate donations we have received from Finland and other foreign countries that care about the homeless dogs in Romania.

Now it’s your turn to show Romanian homeless dogs you care!

If you live in Sweden, please use these bank number 573-0502 to make your donation today! (Association ROLDA Sverige registration no. 802490-7050). You can also help us spread the word about ROLDA!

To All of ROLDA’s Incredible Supporters,

We’ve all been there. Each of us has had times when we were burdened beyond that which we felt we could carry. Our battles may differ, but our resolve remains the same. We fight emotional, family, financial, and work issues that sometimes threaten to overwhelm us. But we never give up. Always, we keep hope.

Hope Springs Eternal” as the saying goes. And so it must. Because if one has no hope, one has no future.

Sometimes we may look up to the sky. For a momentary escape? For a glimpse of an airplane? Anchored in the ground, we watch a frosty white tail slowly spiral away into the clouds behind a jet plane miles above us. Spiriting other lucky souls far from the everyday difficulties life continuously throws our way. Or perhaps our eyes look up for guidance. To say a quick prayer for some badly needed divine intervention? Or silently, (gently!) curse our maker for the burdens we have been sent to bear?

Always we are asked to give and to make sacrifices. It seems we are destined to do more than we already must do. We are asked for our money, and for our time. On the street, so many unemployed and homeless people beg for food, cigarettes, or alcohol to dull their pain. But by sharing spare change, are we changing things for them? Are we offering them hope?

We can give many “things”, but most importantly, it is in our power to give hope. We can use our talents, our financial resources, and our political power, to create a voice for those creatures who have none. We can speak up when animals are beaten, starved, or left to languish and die slow deaths in Romania’s public animal “shelters”.

We in Europe, North America, and other developed nations can, and must, speak up. We can make other people take notice of the horrific injustices they would rather not see. The howls and terrified screams they would rather not hear. We can open their eyes to the inequities and abuses that take place every day around the world.

Romania’s deserted and dying street animals are a perfect example. They suffer so much. And they suffer in silence. Only you can speak up on their behalfOnly you can help us give hope.

Supporting ROLDA’s work translates into a future for those furry, four-legged creatures, where no future existed before. A street dog may not be as pretty, not as privileged, as our own precious pets. Not now. But ROLDA truly believes that it is inside each abandoned animal to show its beauty. To allow their souls and their smiles to shine. To learn to trust and love members of a species that previously showed them only indifference and disgust.

Given even the smallest amount of kindness or the tiniest scrap of food, a Romanian stray sees hope. It shows first in their eyes. Do not all people want to hurt them? Not everyone is content to ignore the horrendous suffering they endured living on the street. Giving hope to an abused and abandoned dog means giving them a second chance at life. A new beginning. A reason to live.

And hope is like a disease. The best disease there is! Hope is infectious. It spreads quickly once the seed has been sown. Like a smile, a yawn, or a laugh, it is impossible not to get caught up in the moment. And the moment for Romania’s 2.5 million homeless dogs is now. The time to act is now. You know ROLDA and the work that we do. You are our supporters, but also our friends. You are our comrades in the fight for those creatures we both love and cherish.

Without your compassion and generosity, none of these creatures could defend themselves. Few would even be alive. And none would have hope.

Do we never seem to leave you alone? Probably not! But we refuse to let hope die. Not for the hundreds of dogs in our care, nor for the millions that remain unsterilized, starving, and sick on the streets of our nation. Every day we are so grateful for all of your donations, your questions and your concerns.

We thank you for helping us spread our message with your Facebook shares, likes, and your volunteer work on our behalf. We thank you for giving us hope. Not just to the dogs, cats, horses and other animals that we do our best to care for. For us too. You give hope. It is the greatest gift a human can give. By giving hope, you lose nothing and gain everything.

Hope is a mysterious and complicated creature. Not unlike many of the dogs in our care! It cannot be counted in Euros, pounds or dollars. It cannot be measured in kilos or in meters. But when we lose hope, all is lost. We see it in the eyes of the many dogs and cats that we have taken off the streets. The ones who make it show hope, determination and an undying will to live. Even one life, one small soul saved, is a victory in our battle. But the war is not won.

We cannot save them all… When ROLDA takes in an animal that has suffered irreparable physical or mental abuse and injury, its eyes show us that its hope has gone. But ours has not. And ours never will. The world can be a cruel and terrible place. But humans have shown that we are capable of immense compassion, caring and generosity. How about you? What do you see? How do you see yourself? Are this world and its creatures worth saving?

We already know your answer. And we thank you for everything that you do for the animals. ROLDA’s staff, volunteers and most importantly, our animals thank you. Join us in being a part of the change that you want to see!

Help us give hope.

Be a part of the change that this world needs to see!

And there is one more thing we’d like to remind you of. In 2016, ROLDA’s branches from Romania and USA celebrate 10 years of intense existence. For this special occasion, we created a new logo. We hope you like it! The logo combines the old logo graphics, the flags of the countries where ROLDA is represented, the slogan “Give Hope” and the number 10 – the number of years we stayed together for these animals.

Every year we rescue hundreds of abandoned dogs from the streets of Romania.

Some are abandoned by ignorant people who don’t want the responsibility, and others are forced to abandon them because of circumstances out of their control. Perhaps they lost their job, and cannot afford the cost of food and care. Many of these poor dogs once had homes, family, friends, food, water, bedding, and love… and now they have nothing!

You can see the confusion and the sadness in their eyes. They don’t understand what happened. Where is my leader, where is my human pack? They spend days searching for their families until they are forced to give up. They must adapt to the misery of street life, or die.
Tragically, most of them do not survive.

Without us, these dogs would die of starvation, disease, or extreme weather conditions. Without ROLDA and your support, these dogs would be severely injured or killed from the beatings and abuse, the neglect, or in a worse case the poison left out by a horrible human with no compassion.

These poor creatures are stuck in an endless circle of suffering. These dogs have very few food sources, extremely limited shelter and few or no opportunities to improve their situation. Until you came along! You give them a chance and give them hope! You inspire the staff and volunteers at our ROLDA!

Many dogs have found sponsors and homes because of the compassion and generous support of people who are committed to saving the millions of abandoned and abused dogs in Romania. One dog at a time, we will realize our dream. The day when all dogs in our country are wanted, loved and properly cared for. That day is still far in the future….

We ask that you join us in our struggle to save these poor abandoned dogs. Partner with us to give those suffering in silence and voice. Let them be heard!

You have the power to make a huge difference simply by:
● Making a donation;
● Sponsoring a dog or dogs;
● Adopting a dog or dogs;
● Sending a dog gift.

EVERY donation, sponsor, adoption, and gift helps to save and care for an abandoned dog. Visit us today at sponsoradog.org

Together, we can change these dogs lives forever. Together, we can do beautiful things!

P.S. These dogs are extremely grateful for all the support they receive. It is the act of giving that makes a difference in their lives. Without you, these dogs will continue to suffer. We and they thank you!

ROLDA UK registration number 1162690. Download here the Gift Aid form. Please complete, save and send it to roldauk@rolda.org

The next time you see a “Dogs for Sale” advertisement, think about this: 2.5 million dogs in Romania are suffering and dying!

Every day an abandoned or homeless dog suffers starvation, sickness, neglect, injury, abuse, torture, loneliness and death. These poor dogs suffer alone in silence every single day. They cannot approach a human and ask for help—in fact, they usually get kicked away, beaten, poisoned, or tortured… just because they are an inconvenience to society.

These dogs don’t mean to be an inconvenience … they’re just trying to survive! They’re searching for food … a safe place to sleep … clean water … and someone to show them kindness.

“Dogs for Sale” will always be purchased and given a home. But “Dogs for Adoption” usually die in the shelter they are being held prisoner in. Or … they are brutally killed (because of the current law, poor economy and lack of education).

When you see a “Dogs for Sale” advertisement, remember the Romanian dogs! And remember that ROLDA has been saving thousands of these dogs for over 10 years! Our humane dog shelters accommodate up to 700 dogs. They receive quality care and they are ready to be adopted.

The only difference between “Dogs for Sale” and “Dogs for Adoption” is that dogs for adoption are born on the streets… without a family or a home. They are just as smart, loving, kind, gentle, and caring as every other dog. The difference is that these street dogs suffer alone in silence … every day.

They need your help!

They deserve love! They deserve to be happy!

What will you think about when you see a “Dogs for Sale” advertisement?
To help a homeless dog in need please visit us at sponsoradog.org

Alissa from England decided not to buy but to adopt a dog. And Sunshine, from our shelter, a small-medium perfect playful female was Alissa’s choice.

“She really enjoys going to the park and just rolling around in the grass without her leash on!! Sometimes we will throw her the ball and she will look up at us, like, “You think I am going to get up from this comfy place?“  – Alissa, England

The “moral”? You can’t expect our dogs to do exactly what you have in mind, they do not mind readers and yes, sometimes they do have a personality to show but they will always, no matter what, make you smile and be there, with you and for you, in good and especially in bad moments. And if Sunshine beauty didn’t convince you, please read Pansela’s amazing story!

P.S. You can help end the suffering of a dog today! Adopt, sponsor, donate, give a gift, or volunteer. Indifference already killed too many of them! You will be saving many lives just by showing a bit of care and compassion and by making a small gift!

Your impact when making a one-time gift!

6,000 puppies are born on the streets of Romania every year. Currently, we at ROLDA only have room for 700 dogs — many of them are puppies waiting for adoption.

Why are we asking for help from the UK?

Because Romania is a poor country where the majority of the population cannot afford to adopt or own pets.
Without the support of Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Holland, the UK, the USA, and Australia … the number of puppies born on the streets of Romania would be much higher.

ROLDA is the only humane animal shelter in the country that responsibly cares for the welfare of every dog it rescues. The only way ROLDA can continue to decrease the stray population is with the help of foreign countries. When foreign citizens like yourself adopt ROLDA dogs … you are not only getting a wonderful friend… you are saving 2 lives!

We understand many people prefer puppies. So this can be your chance to get the puppy you want and save it from growing up on the streets, where it will suffer from starvation, sickness, neglect, abuse, and death. And remember, you will also be saving another life!

You give… another homeless dog a chance to join ROLDA and become adopted one day.
Every ROLDA dog that gets adopted is another dog off the streets.
Every donation to ROLDA helps fund sterilization campaigns that prevent the increase of the stray population.
Every sponsor helps to provide our dogs with quality food, bedding, heat, medical care, and more.
Every gift a dog receives lets them know that you care!

Even after more than 10 years, not every UK citizen knows ROLDA exists. It’s important that every citizen knows about us because that increases the chances for more adoptions, donations, sponsors, gifts, and volunteers.
We have hundreds of puppies for adoption, visit us at sponsoradog.org and choose your furry little friend today.

Your support is vital to ROLDA’s mission to save these helpless animals from their suffering.

P.S. Remember, you can also help spread the news about ROLDA. We need as many people as possible to continue fighting for animals that can’t help themselves.

P.S.2 ROLDA UK registration number 1162690. Download here the Gift Aid form. Please complete, save and send it to roldauk@gmail.com