A MONMOUTH woman is raising money in an appeal to help stray dogs in Romania.

Animal lover Samantha Shoults is participating in a dog food and item drive in support of the organisation Sadie’s Stray Dog rescue, a group of volunteers who are working to improve the conditions that stray dogs live in at the public shelter in Bacau, Romania.

After seeing a social media post about the poor conditions at the shelter, Samantha felt compelled to try to help in some way. The shelter, which houses over 2,000 dogs with temperatures reaching -15 degrees, is in constant need of money along with food, medication and dog beds.

Despite not owning a dog, as a lover of all animals Samantha started by donating money to the effort.

“I don’t actually own a dog, I have two middle aged and elderly cats that I don’t think would appreciate the company, but I am a lover of all animals so it was impossible for me to not at least try to make a difference.  

“I’ve donated money, signed up to do a half marathon in September which I’ll be looking for sponsorship for and instead of going to an awards-do in Dublin at the end of the month I’ve had the £150 ticket price money donated to Sadie’s to pay for a large shelter which will provide shelter for eight dogs which live in the outside enclosure.

“I’m asking people to have a rummage through their cupboards for new or used, and even expired items which instead of just being thrown away can actually be used to help these dogs.”

Samantha is accepting donations at her home address, while Elms Vets in Monmouth and Hudson’s Dog Grooming in Ruardean are also drop-off donations.

As a result of the drive, Samantha has also been in contact with groups in the Forest of Dean and Ross on Wye who are interested in donating supplies for the dogs.

“I’m hoping people will look to organise their own smaller drives at their work places or schools.”

The shipping pallets cost £275 to send to Romania, and Samantha and her husband have discussed making the 28 hour road trip to Romania to volunteer.

Volunteers at the group select dogs for rehoming, and Samantha says that, because a large number of the animals are domesticated, that they are friendly, if a little cautious.

The group are also working with the local council in Bacau to introduce neutering to the animals to relieve the crisis.

Sadies Stray Pet Rescue also helps to rehome the dogs and they have many available for adoption, including puppies. To find out more about Sadies Stray Dog Rescue work, the dogs available for adoption and other ways to help, go to www.sadiessdr.org  

Anyone who would like to donate items or food can call Samantha on 07956 180176 or email [email protected]