Our
personal experience of witnessing the huge stray dog problem whilst on holiday
in areas such as the Greek Islands made us stop and think.
Wandering
around holiday destinations sightseeing, we became aware of the number of dogs
abandoned on the streets, and decided to seek out dog rescue shelters. On the
plus side, we did indeed find them, on the down side many proved to be
under-resourced, run by caring volunteers in need of funding and support.
In some
areas, although we found shelters not too far apart from one another, they were
unaware of each other’s existence, which meant that they were unable to share
useful resources, such as transport for dogs offered adoption.
This is why
we started The Dog Welfare Network – to inform holidaymakers where they can
find dog rescue organisations to support and to make shelters aware of one another
so that they can share resources where appropriate.
What we do
not intend tourists
to do is round up the local dogs they see and take them to the nearest shelter!
This is unhelpful and counterproductive.
Instead, we
suggest that you visit the shelters, taking gifts of food, bedding and other
equipment if you can. Offer your services for dog walking or fund-raising, or
leave a monetary donation if you are able. This then assists in caring for the
dogs in the shelter and finding them adoptive homes, thus freeing up places to
accommodate further strays.
Many
centres offer neutering programmes, to reduce the number of future strays, and
contributions towards these programmes are very welcome.
The Dog
Welfare Network has created a website on which we will be adding details of dog
rescue centres around Europe that would value your support. When planning your
next holiday, be sure to see what shelters are near your chosen destination, so
that you can help too.
Visit our
website www.dogwelfarenetwork.co.uk
and click on the country in question. If you visit any of the shelters listed,
we would value your feedback via replies@dogwelfarenetwork.co.uk
Thank you
for your support.
