ROLDA dream -part 2-

My learning...

I learned that there are many people out there sharing my visions about caring for and respecting a dog or cat, treating animals like family members, offering them decent living conditions. Later I realized that treating animals with respect is part of educating humans. So is teaching people to take complete responsibility for the life of an adopted pet.

I have learned that some cities have more animal shelters, operated by both nonprofit organizations and the municipal government, than exist in all of Romania. I have learned about sheltering conditions, and shelter management. One may become involved in animal rescue in fulfillment of a personal passion, but to operate successfully one must learn to manage the business aspects of sheltering, because funds need to come constantly, serious staff need to be paid to do the work properly, and nothing should be neglected in creating a secure environment where animals can live until adopted.

It was fantastic discovering that for some sheltered animals, who find good adoptive homes, life can be better than in my dream for our strays. But soon I found that building and running a shelter takes a huge amount of time, energy, patience, and sometimes, coping with misery inflicted by other humans (especially from some of those from whom one would least expect trouble.)

For foreign visitors, Romania is a shock. The hidden beauty of medieval cities, unique architecture, the Balkan environment, and the traditions and various traveling possibilities contrast with most of the people's poverty. Homeless animals roam everywhere.