Volunteering With Strays Might Be Your Next Adventure!

Find out from Claire Slegg her experiences with Safe Rescue for Dogs. Hear what she has to say about her work with Romanian strays

We’d love for you to introduce yourself and find out a little bit more about your experience working with dogs in Romania

I'm Claire of Comfort and Support Pet Care. I began fostering Romanian dogs in January 2019 and since then have fostered over a hundred dogs in my home. I visit Romania to help in shelters and I work with the registered charity Safe Rescue for dogs. 

What have you learnt so far from your experiences?

Humans commit unforgivable acts of cruelty against dogs and we are so lucky that dogs are so forgiving. I see dogs transform from quivering wrecks huddled in a box in a concrete cell into bundles of fun running in the countryside. Dogs definitely live in the moment!

How can people also get involved with helping dogs abroad?

To get involved please follow our Facebook and Instagram Safe Rescue for dogs where we share about our trips, dogs for adoption and fundraising ventures. We welcome new foster homes who are committed to helping dogs become ready for adoption.

What’s the hardest part of your work in Romania?

The hardest part is not being able to help all the animals we meet. Seeing horrible injuries and deaths from fights caused by overcrowding is really hard. They all deserve their chance of a happy ever after. Losing them before they get a chance to travel is heart-breaking. Returning dogs to the small pen they live in after taking them for a walk is never easy. 

What’s the most rewarding experience you’ve witnessed?

So many experiences! Teaching dogs to enjoy walks is a particular pleasure, as is being the first person a dog trusts to touch them. My most incredible rescue was a greyhound who was emaciated and covered in wounds, I didn't think he would survive the night. After intense nursing he went on to come to England for foster and is now happily adopted. Working daily with the vet to make him healthy was an experience I will never forget.

What’s 3 top tips you have for people interested in working in shelters with strays?

1. Ask rescuers what they need, some most need physical help and others need emotional support. 

2. Expect the unexpected, no two days will be the same and just when you think. You have a plan something crazy will happen out of the blue.

3. Don't take it personally if a dog doesn't bond with you. Remember you are there for the animals not for you. 

How can people find out more information about you?

I post about my volunteer work on my personal Facebook Claire Slegg. My work account is Comfort and Support Pet Care where I share my clients on their training walks and group walks.