Transforming Lives: The Power of Dog Rescue | Amicii Dog Rescue | Romania

At Hols Pets, we are passionate about providing the care, love, and attention that our furry friends deserve. This story holds a special place in my heart, and I’m excited to share it with you. It all began when a friend introduced me to Amicii Dog Rescue, a charity dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming dogs from the UK and mainland Europe, particularly Spain and Romania. Their mission is to offer these dogs a safe, warm, and loving environment to heal from trauma and negative experiences. Ultimately, they aim to find the best homes for them, where they can live out their days in peace and happiness.

One day, while browsing Amicii’s Facebook page, there was a post about five abandoned puppies in Romania, left without their mother. One of those puppies, Flynn, immediately caught my family’s eye, and we just knew he was meant to be ours.

A few weeks later, after completing the necessary paperwork, we were adopting Flynn. He was a shy, reserved pup, but he quickly stole our hearts. Flynn changed my life in ways I never could have imagined, and as my bond with him grew, I knew I had to give something back to Amicii for all they had done for him, and for so many other dogs.

One evening, while chatting with my mum, I mentioned that I’d love to visit Romania to see where Flynn came from. To my surprise, Amicii announced an opening for an intern position in dog rescue and rehabilitation, and I didn’t hesitate - I was on the next plane to Romania!

Amicii Dog Rescue, Flynn, Hols Pets, Rescue and Rehabilitation, Donations, Fundraiser.

Amicii Dog Rescue, Flynn, Hols Pets, Rescue and Rehabilitation, Donations, Fundraiser.

Amicii Dog Rescue, Flynn, Hols Pets, Rescue and Rehabilitation, Donations, Fundraiser.

The Reality of Romania’s Street Dogs

Upon arriving, I was struck by the heart breaking reality of life for the street dogs in Romania. Dogs and puppies roamed busy roads, abandoned and left to fend for themselves. It was devastating to witness how some people could be so careless with the lives of these innocent animals.

However, one inspiring lady called Dora, who runs the kennels, was not going to sit back and let these animals suffer. She was an incredible mentor during my time in Romania, showing me how to manage the kennels and care for over 200 dogs. Her dedication went above and beyond in every aspect of their care. She taught me the entire rehabilitation process, including vaccinations, microchipping, organising passports, and handling transport logistics. Her expertise and guidance were invaluable, and I learned so much from her as she shared her knowledge and experience with me.

Amicii Dog Rescue, Romania, Hols Pets, Rescue and Rehabilitation, Donations, Fundraiser.

Amicii Dog Rescue, Romania, Hols Pets, Rescue and Rehabilitation, Donations, Fundraiser.

Amicii Dog Rescue, Romania, Hols Pets, Rescue and Rehabilitation, Donations, Fundraiser.

Amicii Dog Rescue, Romania, Hols Pets, Rescue and Rehabilitation, Donations, Fundraiser.

Amicii Dog Rescue, Romania, Hols Pets, Rescue and Rehabilitation, Donations, Fundraiser.

Amicii Dog Rescue, Romania, Hols Pets, Rescue and Rehabilitation, Donations, Fundraiser.

Saving Hope

One dog, in particular, touched me deeply. She was tied to a tree on a roadside, her fur matted, and her body frail. We later discovered that she had been eating grapes, which are toxic to dogs and can cause severe kidney failure. Even though it was a Sunday evening, and we couldn’t reach a vet, I brought her in, gave her water, and kept her warm for the night, offering what comfort I could. I named her Hope, because that’s exactly what she needed.

With the help of Amicii’s volunteers and the local vets, Hope was nursed back to health. After her recovery, she was rehomed in the UK, where she found a loving family. A year later, I had the joy of meeting her again, and her transformation was nothing short of miraculous. She was now Molly - healthy, happy, and her coat was shiny and smooth, a beautiful reminder of the power of rescue.

Amicii Dog Rescue, Hope, Hols Pets, Rescue and Rehabilitation, Donations, Fundraiser.

Amicii Dog Rescue, Hope, Hols Pets, Rescue and Rehabilitation, Donations, Fundraiser.

Amicii Dog Rescue, Hope, Hols Pets, Rescue and Rehabilitation, Donations, Fundraiser.

Amicii Dog Rescue, Hope, Hols Pets, Rescue and Rehabilitation, Donations, Fundraiser.

Amicii Dog Rescue, Hope, Hols Pets, Rescue and Rehabilitation, Donations, Fundraiser.

Amicii Dog Rescue, Hope, Hols Pets, Rescue and Rehabilitation, Donations, Fundraiser.

Amber’s Journey to a New Life

While in Romania, I also rescued Amber, a dog found near a salt mine. She had been wandering aimlessly, searching for food, but was ignored by everyone who passed her by. I couldn’t just leave her there, so I safely brought her in. Amicii ensured she was vaccinated and started the rehabilitation process for her journey to the UK. Amber now lives with a lovely family and another Amicii rescue dog, thriving in her forever home.

Amicii Dog Rescue, Amber, Hols Pets, Rescue and Rehabilitation, Donations, Fundraiser.

Amicii Dog Rescue, Amber, Hols Pets, Rescue and Rehabilitation, Donations, Fundraiser.

How You Can Help

Though it was hard to leave Romania, I continued to support Amicii from home by raising funds and spreading awareness. Through my efforts, I managed to raise around £1,500 to support their life-saving work and did numerous donation drops to their UK kennels.

If you’re considering adopting a dog or puppy, I urge you to think about rescuing one. Dogs like Flynn, Hope, Amber, and so many others are waiting for their chance at a better life. Every dog deserves a loving home, and by adopting, you’re not just gaining a new furry friend - you’re saving a life.

Until next time, happy pet parenting!

Love Holly x