VESAK 2025

Annabella a sinistra, Fiorella a destra

The annual “Vesak 2025” festival was held in Milan from 23 – 25 May. Organized by the Italian Buddhist Union, it was centered around the theme of “Care”.

Save the Dogs participated with its own booth, given its close partnership with the UBI and its support of a project involving inmates at the Poarta Alba prison in Romania.

I was at the Save the Dogs stand on 24 and 25 May, alongside fellow team volunteers and collaborators, united in spreading the Foundation’s message – its history, its mission, and its vision for the future. For over two decades, Save the Dogs has been promoting compassion and kindness toward animals and their human companions. One key initiative is our “Friends on the Streets, Companions for Life” project, which supports the bond between people and their pets. This is just one of many impactful programs that the Foundation, unique in its approach, has created and continues to pursue with unwavering dedication.

Vesak 2025 was truly extraordinary. I felt so enriched by what I heard and learned, and especially by the meaningful connections I made with the other Save the Dogs volunteers and collaborators. It was as if we had known each other forever and were united by the same purpose, the same inspiring energy, and the same desire to speak about care—which was of course the theme of the festival—that Save the Dogs shows to those most in need, including the lonely, the defenseless, and the forgotten.

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One unforgettable highlight was meeting Jane Goodall in person. Listening to her speak about hope – not the passive kind, but the hope of those who act to achieve their goals – was so powerful. Her influence in changing the way we perceive “non-human beings” and the respect we owe them was inspiring. I was also moved by the animal blessing ceremony, something which is rarely celebrated at public events. The presence of hundreds of people made it even more meaningful; it was a collective demonstration of compassion and a willingness to care for others.  

On a personal level, what stood out the most for me was being in the presence of Sara Turetta, President of Save the Dogs.

Sara is the prime reason that saw me making one of the best decisions of my life, that of becoming a volunteer of the Foundation. Reading her book several years ago made a big impression on me. Her resilient and determined nature struck me profoundly, and that was when I knew it was time to transform my love for animals into real, practical support.

One unforgettable highlight was meeting Jane Goodall in person. Listening to her speak about hope – not the passive kind, but the hope of those who act to achieve their goals – was so powerful. Her influence in changing the way we perceive “non-human beings” and the respect we owe them was inspiring. I was also moved by the animal blessing ceremony, something which is rarely celebrated at public events. The presence of hundreds of people made it even more meaningful; it was a collective demonstration of compassion and a willingness to care for others. 

On a personal level, what stood out the most for me was being in the presence of Sara Turetta, President of Save the Dogs.

Sara is the prime reason that saw me making one of the best decisions of my life, that of becoming a volunteer of the Foundation. Reading her book several years ago made a big impression on me. Her resilient and determined nature struck me profoundly, and that was when I knew it was time to transform my love for animals into real, practical support.

Save the Dogs is involved in unique, one-of-a-kind projects such as ‘Friends on the Streets, Companions for Life’, ‘Connecting Lives’ in Romania, which provides support for shelters in southern Italy by holding sterilization marathons, and the remarkable ‘Footprints of Joy’ sanctuary, which has now become a model for future veterinary clinics and shelters in Romania.

Volunteering for this Foundation means being part of an all-encompassing effort, from collecting food to delivering it to the homeless and low-income families, revolutionizing sterilization practices, running spay/neuter marathons for dogs and cats in Romania and southern Italy, rescuing animals at the ‘Footprints of Joy’ shelter, and helping to find them homes, and organizing continuous fundraising efforts to support the cause. This experience is not just about donating your time to animals; it’s a rewarding role that spans every area the Foundation works in, and it’s a constant learning experience. The vast expertise of the Save the Dogs’ staff and experienced volunteers is a continual source of inspiration for me; they are not just companions, but mentors. Through them, I’ve discovered a vocation that’s constantly evolving, cutting-edge, and deeply purpose-driven.

There are times when I think about hopefully continuing to be a part of this family and becoming more involved in the Foundation’s activities, and I wonder, “Am I up to the task?” The simple answer is “I don’t know”, but what I do know is that when I put on my SAVE THE DOGS vest and get to work, I feel like a new person – I’m finally where I’m meant to be, prepared and ready to face big challenges. In a nutshell, that’s the Save the Dogs effect.

Save the Dogs is involved in unique, one-of-a-kind projects such as ‘Friends on the Streets, Companions for Life’, ‘Connecting Lives’ in Romania, which provides support for shelters in southern Italy by holding sterilization marathons, and the remarkable ‘Footprints of Joy’ sanctuary, which has now become a model for future veterinary clinics and shelters in Romania.

Volunteering for this Foundation means being part of an all-encompassing effort, from collecting food to delivering it to the homeless and low-income families, revolutionizing sterilization practices, running spay/neuter marathons for dogs and cats in Romania and southern Italy, rescuing animals at the ‘Footprints of Joy’ shelter, and helping to find them homes, and organizing continuous fundraising efforts to support the cause. This experience is not just about donating your time to animals; it’s a rewarding role that spans every area the Foundation works in, and it’s a constant learning experience. The vast expertise of the Save the Dogs’ staff and experienced volunteers is a continual source of inspiration for me; they are not just companions, but mentors. Through them, I’ve discovered a vocation that’s constantly evolving, cutting-edge, and deeply purpose-driven.

There are times when I think about hopefully continuing to be a part of this family and becoming more involved in the Foundation’s activities, and I wonder, “Am I up to the task?” The simple answer is “I don’t know”, but what I do know is that when I put on my SAVE THE DOGS vest and get to work, I feel like a new person – I’m finally where I’m meant to be, prepared and ready to face big challenges. In a nutshell, that’s the Save the Dogs effect.

FIORELLA 
Volunteer Save the Dogs