How a Romanian rescue became a Devon dog

Why should you rescue a dog?

It's a question that went through my mind but for me it was a pretty easy decision. 

Having grown up with rescue dogs, it was a no-brainer that I would take one into my life again.

The phrase “adopt, don’t shop” resonates deeply with me and I will always choose to rescue. 

Adopting a rescue dog is a wonderful way of welcoming a new pet into your home, giving a second chance to an animal in need.

Having recently moved into my new house, the discussion of getting a dog came up pretty quickly. 

Renting had prevented me from having a dog before, but now that I owned a home, it was finally possible. 

After a bit of research, I decided on a Romanian rescue. 

I knew it might come with challenges, but I was ready.

Then we found Willow, a five-month-old pup from Romania. 

Willow was discovered in January this year by the side of the road in freezing Romania, with her five siblings and mum. 

ABOVE: The mum and puppies were found at the side of a busy road in a man made shelter

In January, temperatures there can drop to between 3˚C and -15˚C. 

A kind lady found them and built a small shack to shelter them from the cold. 

ABOVE: The six, week old puppies inside the shelter

Unable to keep them, she called the rescue organisation 1 Dog at a Time for help

ABOVE: The pups are rescued with their mum

Willow, her mum, and siblings were relocated to Happy Tails Shelter in Bistrita, Romania. From the moment I saw Willow online, I fell in love.

ABOVE: Willow on the right straight after her rescue, only one week old

Willow and her siblings were cared for by the Happy Tails team until earlier this year, with their mum, they were rehomed in the UK. 

In June, Willow and her brother Forrest found their forever homes.

Her four other siblings, Bria, Winnie, Nemo and Frodo, are still at the shelter, awaiting their chance.

The journey to the UK was a 30-hour plus van drive. 

I picked Willow up in Ashford, Kent. 

ABOVE: Meeting Willow for the first time from the Romanian transport in Ashford

The van was air-conditioned, and a nanny in the back ensured the dogs were okay. 

Though the journey wasn't pleasant for the dogs, it was a short period for a lifetime of love and happiness.

You might wonder, why a Romanian dog? 

While there are many dogs in need in the UK, the situation in Romania is dire. 

Street dogs there face torture, begging, fear and slow starvation. 

Willow was lucky to have been rescued but without intervention, she might not have survived the winter.

Willow is now a sweet and lively pup, loving her walks, garden games and keeping me company as I write stories for the newspaper.

She’s incredibly affectionate, always ready for a belly rub. 

I can't imagine life without her.

Jayne Sully, founder of 1 Dog at a Time Rescue, shared her thoughts: “As I’m sure you can tell, this isn’t a job - it’s personal. All our team are volunteers who truly care for the dogs we rescue. Most of the team have several, if not more, 1 Dog rescue dogs. Each of our dogs is unique and special, lovingly cared for as individuals with differing needs.”

“Our story began late one night in 2012 when a beaten and poisoned dog, with desperately sad eyes, looked up at the camera. The words 'Is there any kind soul to help this dog? He’ll be dead by morning' headed his picture. 

“This dog, Fozzy, was one of thousands living on the streets of Romania. His eyes reached the right soul and that night not only was Fozzy saved, but 1 Dog was born. Fozzy sadly died earlier this year after a long and happy life, leaving an amazing legacy. To date, over 1,000 dogs and 12 cats have followed in his path, travelling across Europe to the loving arms they deserve.

ABOVE: Video shows the shelter in Bistrita 

“Initially, we rescued dogs from the Public Shelter. The public shelter is not like dog shelters here in the UK. The dogs receive basic care to survive and no more. Disease is rife, kennels are crude and open to the elements, overcrowded, and the noise and stench are unbearable. With no love or hope, they barely survive. Sadly, our dogs were often murdered before they could travel. We knew we had to raise enough money to buy our own shelter. Through blood, sweat, tears, and stubborn determination, we succeeded. Our shelter, Happy Tails, became a beacon of hope, a safe haven to heal, recuperate, and rest until we found them the loving homes they deserved. Here, they never experience hunger again, and for some, it’s the first time they feel the touch of a kind hand or know what it’s like to be loved. Rescue is never easy, but it’s always worth it.”

ABOVE: Happy Tails Rescue Shelter in Bistrita, Romania

Willow is living proof of that.

To find out more about the rescue or if you are considering rescuing a dog follow this link: www.1dogatatimerescue.org