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

A record number of people attended the event organised by the English foundation Dogs Trust which every year reunite activists from all over the world to discuss various themes linked to professional management of abandoned dogs and cats. The 12th edition was held in Prague with 250 delegates from all over Europe, South America, USA and the Middle East. Among the speakers from this edition, there was Sara Turetta president and founder of Save the Dogs, the only Italian representative with her presentation: “How to start an association from scratch”.

During the two days legal, behavioral and veterinary experts alternated on the stands and analysed the difficult theme of euthanasia and specialists in mange from the organisation WSPA were also present. The moving intervention of Mike Arms, president of the American Association Helen Woodward Animal Center, showed images of the many dead dogs during the Twin Towers rescue operation in New York.
The conference from Dogs Trust is an important opportunity for all those who want to move from activism seen as a hobby to a profound commitment and acknowledgment of the many aspects of Pet management. Save the Dogs hopes that next year even the Italian associations will decide to participate and open themselves to a fruitful exchange of experiences with activists from all over the world.

The video with Sara’s speech available here thanks to jenny Vestlund from Friends of Homeless Dogs.

Clarissa Bladwin · conferenza internazionale benessere animali da compagnia · dogs trust · formazione animalisti · ICAWC · International Conference on Companion Animal Welfare · opportunità formative animalisti

Last week Alina Vasile (vet and coordinator of the Medgidia project) and Lili Dragut (in charge of international adoptions) took part in the training organised by UK charity Dogs Trust. Our collaborators, along with colleagues from many different countries, were impressed by the British refuge’s highly efficient management. Various themes were examined, from relaxation techniques for “difficult” dogs to good management of animals housed in refuges. Save The Dogs would like to thank Clarissa Baldwin, David Newall and all the staff at the Dogs Trust for the priceless opportunity for professional growth which they have offered us.

alina vasile · dogs trust · lili dragut · londra · staff romeno · training

At the end of November 2008 the president of STD, accompanied by the co-ordinator of the Medgidia team, Andrei Stoica and other co-workers, visited one of the primary schools of Medgidia to meet and lecture the kids. Besides discussing a brochure supplied by the British foundation, Dog Trust, they distributed small gifts and many stuffed animal toys.

Unfortunately, STD has not overcome its stage of serious medico-sanitary emergency and, therefore, has not yet developed an articulated plan of schools intervention. We hope to be able to begin a capillary program of long duration, starting from 2010.

attività educative · dogs trust · educatie · educazione romania · intervento · Medgidia · schools intervention · scoli · scuole