We are very happy to inform our supporters and partners that our new Footprints of Joy dogs shelter will be completed according to the initially foreseen schedule and modalities.

Further to our appeal on latest December, when the works were about to be blocked due to the fall in donations, thousands of people went into action to offer a 10 euros brick, while some supporters and foreigner partners gave more considerable donations. This has enabled us to reach the amount needed to complete boxes and facilities, as well as the outside (crossovers, gates and fences on the whole area). Here is the ultimate statement of the costs which will entirely covered thanks to this extraordinary fund-raising:

• Contratto Laika (building company): 303.800 Euro

• Building materials bought by STD: 50.000 Euro

• Arrangement of the outdoor area (crossovers, gates and fences etc.): 30.000 Euro (estimation)

Consequently, the site has been restarted after the Christmas break, and will now proceed until May, when we expect to be able to move our 350 guests to their brand new boxes.

Such a great news confirms the affection and trust that thousands of people in Italy and abroad feel towards our association, and gives us a boost to go ahead with this challenging project, with great significance both for STD and Romanian dogs.

We would like to take this opportunity to mention all the associations which have contributed to the fund-raising: our partners Hundhjalpen and Friends of Homeless Dogs, as well as Nancy Janes and her Romanian Animal Rescue (who spread our call in the USA), the English foundation Dogs Trust, Italian Enpa and LAV (by means of their national headquarters but also with the support of several local branches), Turin association La Pulce and our Montecarlo delegation.

Thanks to this valuable outcome, STD is now able to start thinking about the new veterinary clinic, already in the pipeline. The ultimate phase of Footprints of Joy project will be presented on the association’s websites and Facebook.

We remind to the supporters that despite the successful fund-raising in aid of the refuge, STD financial situation is still difficult and the risk of being forced to restrict the existing activities during 2012 is constantly around the corner.

In particular, if in the coming months the funds are inadequate for carrying out medical and veterinary activities and international adoptions, we will be obliged to cut sterilizations and dogs’ flights towards Italy, two of our fundamental tasks on which the life of thousands animals relies on. We hope to keep having your support during 2012, as to go on building a better future for our treasured Romanian stray dogs.

canili laika · dogs trust · Enpa Romania · footprintsofjoy · Friends of Homeless Dogs · hundhjalpen · la pulce · Laika · LAV Romania · nuovo rifugio save the dogs · RAR · rifugio modello romania · romanian animal rescue