Every April 4th, people worldwide recognise World Stray Animals Day, a day devoted to raising awareness about the millions of stray animals struggling to survive on the streets, in neighbourhoods, and in urban areas worldwide. For ROLDA, this day serves as a powerful reminder of why our work is important and why, with the help of our supporters, we continue to advocate for the voiceless animals in need.
Stray Animals’ Reality
For many strays, life on the streets is an endless struggle. These animals often lack reliable access to food, clean water, and medical care. Exposure to disease, harsh weather conditions, and the dangers of traffic only adds to their suffering. Sadly, most stray animals also endure neglect, abuse, or simply the indifference of passersby. In Romania, where ROLDA operates, the stray animal population is in the hundreds of thousands, and many animals face grim conditions every day.
At ROLDA, we witness the profound impact that street life has on these vulnerable creatures. Nevertheless, we also observe their resilience and spirit. With the proper support and care, many of these animals can lead fulfilling, happy lives—and that’s where our work commences.
Why ROLDA’s Work Matters
ROLDA was established with a clear mission: to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome stray animals while creating long-term solutions to end the cycle of suffering. Throughout the years, we have developed a variety of programmes that address the root causes of stray animal overpopulation while providing immediate support to those in need.
1. Rescue and Rehabilitation
Our dedicated team of rescuers responds to calls for animals in distress. Once an animal is brought to one of our shelters, they receive a thorough medical check-up, vaccinations, and any necessary treatments. Our team works tirelessly to rehabilitate animals physically and emotionally, providing them with a safe, caring environment where they can begin to heal.
2. Rehoming and Adoption Programs
For every animal we rescue, we strive to find them a forever home. Our adoption programmes have successfully rehomed animals both locally and internationally. Every adoption is a triumph, not only for the individual animal but also for our organisation, as it enables us to free up space and resources for another animal in need.
3. Community Outreach and Education
Education is vital for breaking the cycle of stray animal overpopulation. Through our community outreach programmes, we educate local communities about responsible pet ownership, the importance of spaying and neutering, and how to care for animals humanely. We aim to foster a culture of compassion that values the welfare of all animals.
4. Spay/Neuter Initiatives
Spaying and neutering is one of the most effective ways to reduce stray populations. Our sterilisation initiatives help prevent future generations of stray animals from being born into hardship. By controlling the population, we reduce the number of animals suffering on the streets and lessen the strain on ROLDA and local shelters.
How You Can Help
On World Stray Animals Day, we invite you to take action and stand with ROLDA in our mission. Here are a few ways you can make a difference:
● Adopt, Don’t Shop: If you are considering adding a pet to your family, consider adoption options. Adopting from ROLDA or a local shelter gives a homeless animal a second chance.
● Sponsor an Animal: Our monthly sponsorship program allows you to provide ongoing support for an animal in need. Your sponsorship helps cover the costs of food, medical care, and shelter for one of our rescues.
● Spread Awareness: Share our message on social media, talk to friends and family, and encourage others to support stray animal welfare. Awareness leads to action, and your voice can inspire others to get involved.
● Donate: Every donation, big or small, makes a direct impact. With your help, we can continue rescuing, feeding, and rehoming animals in need.
A Hopeful Future for Strays
World Stray Animals Day reminds us of the work that remains, but it also gives us hope. With compassionate supporters like you, ROLDA can make a meaningful impact, one animal at a time. Together, we can envision a future where every stray animal is safe, cared for, and valued.
Let’s unite this World Stray Animals Day to reaffirm our commitment to these vulnerable animals. With your support, we can continue to be a beacon of hope for strays, offering them the love, care, and second chances they deserve.
As winter sets in, the cold months bring extra challenges for our pets and stray animals. At ROLDA UK, we know how vital it is to keep our furry friends safe, warm, and comfortable when temperatures drop. Whether you’re a pet owner or someone looking out for strays, these winter care tips will help you support cats and dogs during the season.
1. Create Warm Shelter
- For Pets at Home: Make sure pets have a warm, draft-free place to sleep, such as a cosy bed off the floor and away from cold tiles or unheated rooms. Adding extra blankets can provide additional warmth and comfort.
- For Strays: Stray animals often lack sufficient shelter. If you can, set up a small, insulated shelter with materials like straw, which stays dry and helps retain body heat. A sturdy cardboard or plastic box with a covered entrance can offer strays a much-needed refuge from the elements.
2. Avoid Over-Grooming and Bathing
- In winter, it’s essential to let pets’ natural oils build up in their coats to help insulate them. Avoid frequent baths, which strip these oils. Brush pets regularly to keep their coats healthy and untangled, which also helps with warmth.
- For Cats: Remember that cats’ winter coats are thicker and shouldn’t be trimmed or shaved in colder months.
3. Protect Paws from Cold and Salt
- Cold pavements, ice, and salt can harm pets’ paws. After walks, rinse or wipe their paws to remove salt or chemical de-icers. If your dog tolerates them, consider pet-safe boots that protect from frostbite, ice, and salt-related injuries.
- Paw Care for Strays: Stray animals’ paws also suffer in winter. Keep an eye out for signs of injury and, if possible, leave out a small bowl of warm (not hot) water for strays to help thaw their paws after being out in icy weather.
4. Keep Outdoor Cats Safe
- Cats may hide under or even inside car engines for warmth. Before starting your car, tap the hood or honk the horn to encourage any cats hiding underneath to move away.
- If you’re feeding stray cats, try to keep a consistent feeding schedule and place food in a sheltered spot. Cats generally accept wet food, but it can freeze quickly, so consider mixing in dry food on frigid days.
5. Adjust Food and Water Intake
- For Pets at Home: Pets burn more calories by staying warm and may need extra food during the winter. Consult your vet for specific guidance on adjusting your pet’s winter diet.
- For Strays: Leave food in well-insulated containers, and check that water bowls haven’t frozen. Heated water bowls are an excellent option for regularly feeding strays in cold areas.
6. Ensure Visibility and Safety on Walks
- Winter Gear for Dogs: Consider a warm, weather-resistant jacket for outdoor walks if your dog has a short coat. Reflective collars or leashes help keep your dog visible in low light.
- Leash and Visibility for Strays: If you’re near areas where strays frequently roam, drive slowly and watch for them, especially near sunrise and sunset when visibility is lower.
7. Mind the Antifreeze and Toxic Chemicals
- Antifreeze, commonly used in winter, is highly toxic to pets and strays. Unfortunately, its sweet taste can attract animals. Clean up any spills immediately, and store antifreeze and other chemicals securely out of reach.
8. Offer Community Support for Strays
- Community care is essential during the colder months. If you see a stray animal struggling or injured, contact your local shelter or ROLDA UK for guidance. You could also join or start a neighborhood group dedicated to feeding and caring for stray animals during winter.
- Leave blankets, pet-safe heating pads, or temporary shelters in areas where stray animals are known to gather.
9. Stay Indoors During Severe Weather
- For Pets: On especially cold days, keep walks brief and avoid leaving pets outside for extended periods. Indoor play and exercise will keep them entertained and safe from the chill.
- For Strays: During extreme weather, consider opening your garage or shed slightly for a warm refuge if you feel safe doing so. Strays will often gravitate toward any shelter they can find, so keeping spaces accessible can make a difference.
10. Foster or Adopt if You’re Able
- Winter is an ideal time to open your home to a pet in need. Fostering, even temporarily, can give animals a break from the harsh outdoor environment, while adoption offers a permanent loving home. Check out ROLDA UK’s foster and adoption programs if you are considering this rewarding option!
Final Thoughts
Winter is brutal on animals, especially those without homes. By following these tips, you can make the season more bearable—and even comfortable—for pets and strays. At ROLDA UK, we’re grateful for every individual who takes action to help animals during the colder months. Thank you for your kindness and compassion, and for making a difference in the lives of vulnerable animals.
Stay warm, stay safe, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us at ROLDA UK with any questions or for more ways to help!
This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate the purest form of love—unconditional, loyal, and life-changing. At ROLDA UK, every rescue is a story of second chances, resilience, and deep bonds that blossom between animals and their caregivers. Here are some heartwarming rescue stories that remind us how powerful love can be.
Bridge from Ukraine – A Survivor’s Journey to Healing: Bridge’s story begins amidst chaos. The city was under relentless shelling, leaving countless animals terrified and displaced. During this turmoil, rescuers found Bridge stranded alone on a small island, fighting for his life. When rescuers reached him, Bridge was in a heartbreaking state—dehydrated, exhausted, and suffering from severe neglect. ROLDA rushed Bridge to the clinic in critical condition, where he received life-saving IV treatment. A challenging surgery followed to repair an old, painful fracture, and for weeks afterwards, his leg required frequent dressing changes and constant care. Today, Bridge is stable and slowly regaining his strength. Each day, he grows a little stronger, beginning to trust again and gaining weight—a testament to his resilience and will to survive. Bridge’s journey is far from over, but with love and care, he has a real chance at a new life.
Your support can make all the difference for Bridge and countless others like him who desperately need help. Every act of kindness brings them closer to hope, healing, and a second chance at happiness.
Ruby from Romania: A Brave Journey Toward a Brighter Future: When rescuers found Ruby, she was despairingly thin, desperate to eat but unable to. Though friendly, her eyes betrayed the pain of severe health issues. She was found in a location where cats are regularly cared for, a heartbreaking clue that someone had likely abandoned her when she needed help the most. A trip to the vet revealed the extent of Ruby’s suffering. At just 3-4 years old, she was battling severe generalised stomato-gingivitis—her entire mouth was an open, painful wound, likely caused by a calicivirus infection. Eating had become impossible, leaving her in agony. Thankfully, her FIV/FeLV tests came back negative, offering a glimmer of hope amidst her struggles. With no significant issues detected in her blood tests, Ruby underwent surgery to ease her pain. The procedure went smoothly, and her recovery began with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory treatment.
Ruby started eating again within days, a small but mighty victory in her journey. Today, Ruby is still recovering, but her progress is inspiring. She’s in foster care, where she’s safe and cared for, as returning her to the streets was never an option. Now, ROLDA’s focused on finding Ruby the loving family and forever home she truly deserves—a place where she can finally know comfort, happiness, and love. Ruby’s story is one of resilience, and with your support, we can ensure her brighter future becomes a reality. Thank you for being a part of her journey to healing and hope.
Maya from Romania: A New Lease on Life, Thanks to You: Maya’s journey is one of resilience and love. She is one of twelve dogs under the care of Mrs. Cristina, a kind-hearted woman who rescues animals from the streets of Romania, each with their own difficult past. In February 2020, Maya was a healthy and happy dog. But two months later, a routine grooming session turned her world upside down. During a haircut, the groomer gave Maya gave her anesthesia to keep her still, but it had devastating consequences. Since that day, Maya has been unable to move independently. Despite the challenges, Mrs. Cristina never gave up on Maya. She devoted herself to Maya’s care, washing her daily, trimming her regularly to prevent harm, and even supporting her with a scarf to help her walk. But as Maya grew to 26kg, the strain became overwhelming. Mrs. Cristina prayed for a stroller to help Maya regain her mobility.
Thanks to incredible supporters like you, ROLDA was able to step in and answer Mrs. Cristina’s prayers. Your generosity made a custom stroller to accommodate Maya’s needs, and she is already learning how to move with it. Maya and Mrs. Cristina are happier than ever, and their gratitude knows no bounds. Thank you for making this transformation possible.
Kitty from Ukraine: From Pain to Hopeful Purrs: When Kitty was found on the streets, he was just four months old and in a heartbreaking state—covered in blood and clearly in immense pain. No one knows how he was injured, but his suffering was undeniable. Inessa, his rescuer, initially feared he had a broken paw. However, a thorough examination at the clinic revealed no fracture. Instead, Kitty’s paw was severely inflamed, badly damaged, and suffering from a pinched nerve that left him in distress. Though Kitty didn’t require hospitalisation, he received daily care at the clinic. He began to heal with proper treatment, attentive dressings, and lots of love. Now, he’s feeling much better and is on the brink of a full recovery, ready to leave his pain behind and embrace a brighter future. Kitty’s journey isn’t over yet. Your support can help cover his vet bills and ensure he finishes his recovery strong.
Together, we can give Kitty the second chance he deserves—a chance to grow up healthy, loved, and safe.
Sasha from Romania: A Mother’s Unyielding Love: Sasha’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the plight faced by abandoned animals worldwide. At 9 years old, Sasha’s owners abandoned her and left to fend for herself and her three puppies. Despite her own struggles, Sasha’s maternal instincts never wavered—she worked tirelessly to care for her babies, even as she battled severe health issues. Sasha had a large tumour on her belly and a smaller one nearby, causing her significant discomfort. But her love for her puppies kept her going, refusing to leave their side or neglect their needs. When ROLDA learned of Sasha’s situation, we acted quickly. We brought Sasha and her little family to our shelter, where she immediately received the medical attention she desperately needed. Surgeons removed both tumours without complications, and now Sasha is on the road to recovery, surrounded by love, care, and hope for a brighter future.
Sasha’s resilience and devotion to her puppies have inspired us all. With your continued support, we can ensure Sasha and her little ones have the chance to thrive in a safe, loving home. Thank you for being part of their journey to healing and hope.
The Power of Love Unleashed
These are just a few of the countless stories that inspire us at ROLDA daily. Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance; it’s about celebrating the powerful bonds we share with animals who need us most. Each rescue is a testament to resilience, a journey of healing, and a reminder of the transformative power of love.
If these stories inspire you, consider opening your heart and home to a rescue animal. Together, we can create more beautiful stories of love unleashed.
Help Us Spread the Love
This Valentine’s Day, there are so many ways you can help spread the love:
- ● Adopt or foster: Giving a rescue animal a temporary or permanent home can be life-changing for both of you.
- ● Donate: Your generosity helps us provide food, shelter, and medical care for more animals in need.
- ● Volunteer: Join us in our mission and make a difference for animals waiting for their second chance.
Every bit of kindness helps, and every act of love impacts the animals we love and care for. Thank you for helping us make Valentine’s Day a little sweeter for the animals who need it most. Together, let’s unleash the power of love!
Are you ready to open your heart and home to a new furry friend? Adopting a dog is a life-changing decision for you and the animal you bring home. Here at ROLDA, dozens of lovable dogs are waiting for a second chance. If you’re considering adoption, here are some powerful reasons why a ROLDA dog might just be the perfect match for you.
1. Save a Life and Make a Difference
When you adopt a dog from ROLDA, you’re giving an animal in need a second chance. Many of our dogs come from difficult backgrounds—rescued from abuse, neglect, or abandonment. By choosing to adopt from ROLDA, you become part of their journey to recovery and a brighter future. You’re not just getting a pet; you’re giving a deserving dog a life they never imagined possible.
2. Adopt a Dog with a Unique Personality
Every ROLDA dog has a story, and every story is unique. Our dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and temperaments, so your perfect match for your lifestyle is waiting for you at our shelter. Looking for a playful companion to join you on outdoor adventures? Or maybe a calm friend who loves a quiet night in? Our dedicated team will work with you to find a dog with a personality that fits seamlessly with your home.
3. Commitment to Health and Wellbeing
ROLDA is committed to the health and welfare of every dog in our care. All dogs undergo a thorough health screening, receive vaccinations, are sterilised, and are treated for medical issues before being listed for adoption. We believe in transparency, so you’ll have a complete picture of your dog’s health and any specific needs they may have. With our focus on quality care, you can feel confident that you’re adopting a dog that is ready to start their new life in good health.
4. Support and Guidance Along the Way
Adopting a dog is an exciting but sometimes challenging journey, especially if it’s your first time. ROLDA is here to support you throughout the process. Our team will help you prepare for your new family member, guiding everything from house training to behavioural support. We’re also available for questions and advice even after the adoption because we believe in a lifetime of support for our dogs and their new families.
5. Promoting Ethical and Responsible Pet Ownership
ROLDA is dedicated to responsible pet ownership. Our adoption process ensures that every dog goes to a home where they’ll be safe, loved, and well-cared for. By adopting from us, you’re joining a community of people who are committed to making a difference for dogs in need. You’re not only gaining a pet but also becoming part of a network of compassionate, animal-loving individuals who support one another.
6. Help Us Save More Lives
Every adoption opens up space and resources for us to rescue more dogs in need. Romania has one of the highest numbers of stray dogs in Europe, and every adoption is a step toward ending the cycle of suffering. By adopting from ROLDA, you directly contribute to our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome as many dogs as possible.
7. Meet Your Next Best Friend – Virtually or In-Person
You don’t need to be in Romania to adopt a ROLDA dog. We’ve facilitated numerous successful adoptions to the UK and other countries. Thanks to virtual meet-and-greet options, you can get to know your future companion online and arrange a smooth transition to their new home. We handle all the details to ensure your dog arrives safely and comfortably.
Take the First Step Today
Adopting a dog from ROLDA is more than just adding a pet to your family—it’s a decision to make a lasting, meaningful impact on the life of a dog in need. Why not explore our adoption page, meet our amazing dogs, and take that first step toward finding a new best friend?
