An appeal from a dog rescue organization via my sister

[Dusty Chalk]

My sister is overseas in Bulgaria supporting our government and our troops, and in between supporting them, she's doing volunteer work for a dog rescue organization, so I guarantee you this is legit. If you are even remotely considering getting a dog, please do seriously consider her plea and very generous offer.

The situation with regards to stray dogs in Bulgaria is getting worse: In some neighborhoods and villages there are out-right wars against dogs - shootings, poisonings, etc. In other instances, there is a level of cruelty I didn't think would be allowed in an EU country. A minority of Bulgarians are fighting all of this, Dr. Stoyanov himself for 11 years - I don't know how he copes psychologically, he simply says he's managed to find a balance.

The center we have, which was never supposed to house dogs permanently, is in dire straits with too many dogs, most of whom are perfectly good and healthy. but we fear putting them back in their neighborhoods due to the situation I just mentioned, or other vulnerabilities. Moreover, the conditions have deteriorated due to the neighborhood cutting off electricity and water and municipality fees that have mysteriously accrued. These animals, who have little to no freedom, have ended up at our center usually due to being vulnerable or injured by some sort attack by a person, yet they are affectionate and kind and eager for human contact.

If you are wondering why you'd bother adopting a dog from Bulgaria vice a rescue in the States is because the situation they live under here is that much worse than the shelters in the U.S.

As an American volunteer with BSAPP, I've decided to extend my appeal to my US and UK based friends to help in any measure. (We are also appealing to other EU countries) Please look at our website and if there is a dog that appeals to you, ask me about him or her. I've walked all these dogs numerous times and know them extremely well. Getting a dog into the UK without quarantine is also possible.

There are a couple that, should they not be adopted by the time I depart this post, I plan to take back to the States or my next post myself. Currently, I'm hampered by the rules of my apartment complex (I'm not even supposed to have the one dog I do have.)

I will also add that if you decide to take on one of our dogs, I will pay the transport fees and other associated costs.

Or if you are able to donate, please do so through the website.

Below I've listed the dogs I've walked and my observations of them. Most of their photos can be viewed from the website.

Nina - She is one of the most lovely dogs we have, friendly and brimming with health and energy. Walking her is a joy as she sniffs and views her surroundings with an eager doggy-smile. She also loves to run full-tilt and the power in her run, while the sun gleams on her golden coat is a beautiful vision. She does not run away, however, as after she gets the energy out of her system, she comes back and flops next to you to have her belly rubbed.

Gudyo/Guido - I swear he loves nothing better than to roll in grass and hay. This is one dog that stops to "smell every rose." As an older dog (probably older than 10), he's very mellow and easy to hang with, even thought he is quite a big dog. I really enjoy walking with him, because every once in a while, he'll glance up at me with a "isn't this the best" expression. he could veg in a patch of grass and shade all day and be the happiest dog there is. His previous owner is older himself and was unable to look after him due to health reasons.

Watson - What a smart dog! I know he's mostly blind, but he has compensated and knows his territory. He knows to step up twice for the rails we have to cross. I think the third set (spare rail) confused him, but now he steps over that one, too. And even though he's extremely strong, he's very much a gentleman and waits when one has to open the door for him. And he's very neat - he will wait hours to "do his business" rather than mess his cage. During bathtime, he doesn't struggle and enjoys the scrubbing and attention. As a smooth coat, he relishes being brushed. I call him my southern beau.

Opi - gotta admit, this one steals my heart every time since the first time I saw him cringing in his cage. I love the change in his demeanor from fearful when he first got here to friendly and eager to walk. He even raises a paw in greeting, when he sees me. One of our biggest dogs, but ever so docile. During one hot day, he was afraid to get into a fountain, however he let me lift him in and actually found that he enjoyed the coolness. He's gaining strength in the leg where he was shot and has a beautiful lope when allowed to run free.

Belcho and Johnny - I can't help but thinking about them as a pair! They are mischievous Houdinis and love to break free and go running, but they ALWAYS come back. Johnny usually has a little smirk on his face, and both seemed quite pleased with themselves. Belcho looks at you completely innocently. "who me?" If on a lead, however, the two behave very very well. If anyone is thinking of adopting two dogs, they should consider these two buddies: Golden Belcho and the Red Johnny.

Bruno - Just a little powerhouse! When I walked him the last two times, I've had people approach and admire him or just want to pat him. He was the perfect gentleman, ... well, he did try to jump on one girl, but she just laughed and patted him, while he looked back at me with a doggy grin, and it looked like he was saying, "I know how to pick 'em, eh?" And I swear he can jump three times his height, he's so strong. Even his gaze is intense.

Rosie tends to be shy. I walk her together with Bruno, and he tended to hog the limelight, while she was willing to stay back a little. She'd love to run free and I gave her a long lead a few times so that she could run and, she just took off. Another time, her collar broke loose and she decided it was time to stretch those muscles - I just had to laugh, because she was so obviously teasing me: she'd run right at me, yes, smiling, and zoomed past me four times! The last time, she flopped down right by my feet, panting with an expression that said, "oh, wow, that felt good." She easily allowed me to reattach her collar and lead her home.

Princess - This one grew on me, just as I think I had to grow on her. Shy, small dog, but once she decides she likes you, that's it. She greets you with a body hug, tail wagging, leaning against you for scratches and looking up with a doggy-smile. I still remember her CLIMBING over the 2 meter gate to get away from people, and I feel honored that she would trust me now.

Jack - Even as a puppy, I can see he's going to be a mellow, friendly dog. He even befriends cats and may think he is one as he tends to hang in the cat pen! I played with him a bit and he batted at my hands and stretched to get his belly rubbed. Pretty sure he's got some hound in him and I can see him growing up to enjoy being a "ride along" dog.

Oreo - is a puppy that was rescued by one of our volunteers on his last night in Bulgaria! She's been either kicked or otherwise hurt by unknown person(s). she's still a little shy and scared, but once you pick this little puppy up she cuddles right under your chin with a satisfied little sigh. Her fur is so soft, she reminds me of Gund stuffed toy. She so wants to be someone's best friend and she's already quite gentle. I can see her growing up along side a child and being very devoted.

Gippy is an energetic dog yet radiates such gentleness that the puppies rush to her side when she comes out of the center. She is the one that we leave the puppies with when walking the other dogs, knowing they won't leave her side and she won't leave their's. She has a wonderful silky coat and loves being stroked. She was brought to the shelter after probably being hit by a car. Her hips/back are askew, but the concensus amongst various vets was that it would be more harmful to do surgery than leave her be. Other than a certain lopsided-ness, she's very healthy.

Please forward this email to other dog lovers out there, even if only to let them know of the circumstances of the country. The few volunteers are very hard-working and devoted to this cause, many using their leave and own finances to keep the center going.

And yes, this is the same sister that is sending me the Bulgarian cat.

Contact me for contact information, and I'll either put you in touch with my sister or one of the people who run the center directly.

Edited August 2, 2009 by Dusty Chalk

[Currawong]

I've passed this on to friends who are interested in animal welfare.

[Quadrangulum]

Gosh that's so depressing. I'll be sure to keep this in mind when I talk to fellow dog lovers.

[Dreadhead]

That is sad that the conditions are so poor. It's great that your sister puts in the time and effort to help. I made a donation I hope it helps a few of them find a good home.

[Dusty Chalk]

Thanks guys, especially for the donation. My sister was out walking her dog Piper yesterday, and they found another one. Puppy, didn't even look like it had been weaned yet (which means its mother was probably killed). Not up on the site yet, I'll post pics later.

[Dusty Chalk]

Just as a bit of background, my sister has been accused of loving these types of animals a bit much.

Piper kept pulling towards this bush during our walk, very agitated... and there was this puppy. She's currently asleep in my lap and I am not sure she's been weaned. ... sigh.

[Dusty Chalk]

She ended up keeping that one. Named "Pooh-bear" for the longest time ('cause it kept getting stuck), forget what she renamed it to, so it's Pooh-bear to me.

She tells the greatest stories:

Last Thursday I received a phone call from one of our animal rescue volunteers asking if I or anyone I knew would be able to go to Holland over that weekend to escort six puppies and one cat to new, adoptive homes. If they did not go this weekend, they would be put down. (I don't know what happend with the original escort) I looked for someone, but logically I was the only one free to go and asked that if someone could watch MY pooches, I'd escort these moggies. One of the volunteers took in Piper and Autumn and my neighbors agreed to look in on Bruiser.

Emotionally, I needed to do this rescue- I'd encountered some unnecessary animals deaths recently, the most recent a kitten, probably shaken by a dog and too weak to escape the snow, died in my arms minutes after I'd taken her inside and wrapped in a towel.

So, I met with the volunteers and the dogs at Sofia airport that afternoon, and two-legged and four-legged critters all boarded the Czech flight with no mishap. A foreshadowing of things to come, I watched (nervously) as the plane was deiced with 100 percent solution while the kitten reached through the crate to tease my jeans. Our flight to Prague was delayed, but Luckily, the plane Prague to Amsterdam was delayed (our transfer), so we made that flight. I personally believe the Czech authorities looked at the manifest and decided they did not want to house 6 dogs overnight and held the flight until we were safely on board. One attendant even looked for me to let me know the dogs had all been put on board.

In Amsterdam, all the animals came through with flying colors, clean, no pee or other bodily fluids and the customs agent even asked the Dutch contact, Maraike, if he could have the kitten! Silver is a one-eyed long-haired gray female that charmed absolutely everyone who saw her.

We were all greeted initially at the baggage carousel with great curiosity and laughter by some Chinese tourists and customs officials who seemed relieved and amused when I said all the dogs were mine. One Bulgarian grandma (who was a little senile) begged to pat the puppies and laughed when I brought the small one to her. I think she wanted to keep him.

As we exited, Maraike and some of the adopters surged forward to claim their dogs. Lots of smiles and photos - the dogs could not have been better behaved. Joy was aptly named with how much she barked and tried to jump around.

I and some of the remaining dogs were then driven to Dordrecht to be closer to my departure airport - Eindhoven. It was not to be. Sunday I woke up to a white-out. The Dutch and I waited to see if there was any let-up, but there was none. Some people at the hotel said there had not been this much snow since WWII. (hmm) The airplane that was to fly to Eindhoven never even left Sofia, so the Bulgarians scurried to find me another flight. There was a possible flight from Amsterdam On Monday, but when I asked, there no train service to get there.

At this point, I took comfort in my philosophy whenever travel plans go awry - I'm still on Earth, ergo, I'm fine. It could be worse - I could be stuck in ... oh, Azerbaijan? Here I was in a pretty town, charming hotel and decided to see some of the place. I walked in a true winter wonderland in Dordrecht and enjoyed spicy thai food Sunday night. The walking area was lit up with Christmas lights and people and dogs skated by obviously really enjoying themselves.

On Monday I received word that I could get a definite booking on a Bulgarian flgiht from Brussels Tuesday night. So, I just had to get myself to Brussels. I said okay, but I was not even sure where Dordrecht was (I've since looked it up). I went to the train station, where I was directed to take the local train to Rosendaal, change to Antwerpen, then change to Brussels. The 3-4 hours train ride all went very smoothly, with minimal waiting between changes. So many of us were in the same predicament that we all chatted and laughed at the situation, shared snacks and played cards. I wish I had my camera.

I did walk around a bit in Brussels once I got there, but I think I was in the not-so-pretty business section, so decided to use my Marriott membership and checked in the Courtyard hotel and use some of my points. When i was laughing and chatting with the concierge I was paid the nicest compliment: "you put us in a good mood! so many people are grumpy and you don't blame us for the weather."

My inner vagabond was awakened with a vengeance - I really enjoyed this mini-adventure, pretending I had no earthly possessions except for what was in my small duffle. and to top it off, made new friends with the Dutch rescuers, adopters, and fellow "strays."

At this point, I'm back home and Bulgaria is also a winter wonderland. Now I just have to get up the mountain to pick up my pups...

[shellylh]

Dusty: The link above doesn't seem to work.

[penger]

I got this to work: BSAPP - Stray Dogs & Cats Rescue Bulgaria - Home

[shaizada]

Is this the right link?

BSAPP - Stray Dogs & Cats Rescue Bulgaria - Home

[Dusty Chalk]

Yes, thanks, guys, that's the right link. Bobby must've edited the post.