Purrl, a young stray Romanian kitten, has already endured incredible amounts of illness at such a young age.
Lying alone on the cold concrete outside an apartment building, poor Purrl was on the brink of death. Barely conscious, severely emaciated and hypothermic, Purrl was hanging on to her last moments. This was when Simona from ROLDA animal rescue partner ‘The Great Catsby’ spotted her. Purrl was so small and motionless, Simona almost tripped over her tiny, unnoticeable body.
Simona delicately and lovingly scooped her up and then rushed her inside, only to discover Purrl was in even worse condition than it first appeared. She was jaundiced, ulcers had taken over her mouth, and the poor little kitten was just skin and bones.
After speaking with the local vet, Simona did everything she could to help Purrl survive the night. She gave her fluids, antibiotics, pain relief, anti-nausea medication, and wrapped her in an electric blanket. In a perfect world, she would have rushed Purrl to the 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic immediately. But with so many starving and sick animals to care for that week, the cost was more than could be afforded.
Thankfully, with care, dedication and determination, Simona helped Purrl survive the night and took her to the clinic the very next morning. As expected, testing and lab work revealed Purrl’s numerous challenges. Inflammation has taken over her tiny body, causing severe damage to her liver and pancreatic functions.
Her mouth remains extremely painful, with severe ulcers, bleeding, and rotting teeth. While she’s receiving pain relief, Purrl is still far too weak to undergo anesthesia for the dental procedures she urgently needs.
The next frightening discovery was that her stool was completely colourless. Even more alarming, her stool contained a significant amount of blood. A fecal sample and abdominal ultrasounds will be conducted to assess the condition of her organs and see if they reveal any further clues.
Right now, Purrl is doing better than when Simona discovered her, but is still in terrible shape. We are doing everything in our power to save this poor fur baby and prevent her suffering.
Purrl is just one of so many innocent animals suffering on the streets every day. With your help, we can not only continue her fight for life, but also be there for the next desperate soul who needs us. Your kind donation is often the crucial difference for cats like Purrl, giving them the chance and care they need.
When the Vet Calls
The phone rings, and my heart already knows what’s coming.
It’s another veterinarian, voice heavy with the weight of an impossible situation. Another injured animal sits in their clinic, caught between hope and heartbreak, while the clock ticks toward a decision no one wants to make.
A Day That Started Like Any Other
Parents had brought their children to enjoy a sunny afternoon at the local park when they noticed him—a dog in the middle of the playground, clearly in pain and growing more agitated by the moment. Concerned for their children’s safety, they called the council for help.
When the dog handler arrived, the full scope of this poor soul’s suffering became clear. Angry, infected wounds circled her neck where a chain had been embedded—likely for months or even years. Her body was shaking with pain and fatigue, but it was the large tumor growing on her belly that made everyone’s heart sink.
No identification. No owner stepping forward. Just another stray whose world of pain had finally intersected with humans who cared enough to help.
The Question That Haunts Every Animal Lover
“We have a dog here,” the veterinarian explained when they called us. “She’s quite young, maybe three or four years old. Under all this suffering, she’s got so much life left in her. But without surgery and treatment, we’ll have to put her to sleep. Can you help?”
How do you answer that call? How do you look at a young, treatable animal and decide whether she gets a chance at the life she deserves, or whether her story ends on a steel table because no one can pay for her care?
This is the Reality Veterinarians Face Every Day
Across Romania, compassionate veterinarians receive injured strays brought in by Good Samaritans who can’t afford the treatment costs. These vets chose their profession because they love animals, but they’re caught in an impossible position: provide free care and risk their business closing, or euthanize animals that could easily be saved.
That’s when they call us. When they call ROLDA.
The Weight of Yes
When that call came about the dog from the playground, we didn’t hesitate. We said yes before we’d even calculated the cost of her surgery, her tumor removal, her wound treatment, her recovery care.
We said yes because that’s what ROLDA is—a network of people who believe that when an animal needs help, we find a way. Even when our budget is stretched thin. Even when we’re not sure how we’ll cover the next emergency call.
We said yes because somewhere out there are people like you who understand that these calls aren’t just about one dog—they’re about the promise that no animal suffers alone when help is possible.
Every Month, Every Call, Every Life
The veterinarian worked with us to keep costs as reasonable as possible—because they care too. The surgery was successful. The tumor was removed. The wounds are healing. That dog who was dying in a playground is now wagging her tail in recovery, probably for the first time in months.
But even as I write this, I know our phone will ring again next week. Another vet, another animal caught between life and death, another split-second decision that determines whether hope wins or gives way to heartbreak.
Your Voice in That Decision
Every time we say yes, it’s not just ROLDA speaking—it’s every monthly supporter who has chosen to be part of these life-or-death moments. Your support doesn’t just fund medical care; it gives us the confidence to answer “yes” when that next call comes.
When the phone rings tomorrow with another emergency, will you be part of the voice that says this animal’s life matters?
Become a monthly supporter and ensure we never have to let cost determine whether an animal lives or dies.