Volunteers

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" My travel to Romania was good not only for the dogs waiting for our support, but also for myself. The picture I had carried of Romania as a grey spot on the European map, with sad people, was turned over a bit !

Romanians have a "modern" look for living in such a broken-down country, they are generally outgoing and make you feel welcome as a foreigner. In society as a whole, though, there is a feeling of tiredness and grief - just as if the Romanians were victims of crime, having begun to reassemble the pieces of what wasn't stolen from them. And - hand on heart - isn't this exactly what they are; victims of a robbery begun by the communist regime?

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On Saturday 8th September 2007 Willie Nugent from Armagh (North Ireland) visited the ROLDA animal shelter in Romania on his "Shaking Paws Around the World" Journey.

Willie said he really enjoyed his stay: "The shelter was very clean and of the highest standards......Everyone was most welcoming and devoted to the dogs.I really admire the work Dana Costin is doing.I was especially impressed by the lengths she takes to ensure the health and wellbeing of the dogs.I wish there were more people like her in the world today."

writen by Willie, September 2007

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" Our trip was two-fold, to see our beloved 'Foxy' - a street dog we rescued during our first trip to the country earlier this year who will eventually come to live with Janet in Kent and also to meet Dana and see the work being done by ROLDA for ourselves.

We spent 4 days at an animal shelter near Brasov before heading by train with Foxy to Galati to stay with Dana at the smaller of the two shelters run by ROLDA.

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MEET ROLDA INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERS!

Arriving at this point, you'll meet "ROLDA volunteers Hall of Fame", people that choose to spend their vacation helping Romanian dogs and spreading the word out about ROLDA needs and struggles.

2010

photo: Vanessa,Steve(USA) and Flori(ROLDA) February 2010

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Would you like to visit ROMANIA? Why not holiday and help dogs, too?

The ROLDA rescue centers are located in Galati, in the south-east region of the country.
Galati is an industrial port of Danube river. Not many local scenic attractions exist, besides the ROLDA doggies, but the ROLDA doggies are known for helping visitors to discover some of our unique and wonderful ghosts--even some historic vampires!

While you may not actually "see" these supernatural and etherial beings, our doggies will sniff them out and alert you to their presence--just borrow a doggie for an evening walk and notice how the doggie becomes alert at times to things of which you have no awareness. Our doggies will also protect you from any evil spirits. It is well-known that demons and vampires can do no harm to anyone who is escorted by a happy dog.

ROLDA INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERS PROGRAM DETAILS

Operating on a small budget, ROLDA always needs volunteers. Can you help?

Volunteers from all over the world can have accommodation during their holiday at the ROLDA cottage in exchange for helping to socialize dogs.

This may include walking dogs, brushing dogs, cleaning the kennels, beds and bowls, and cleaning the running/exercises area). We also welcome people who can make small repairs to the kennels and help with other shelter related activities.

The ROLDA Adoption Center was top-rated among 17 Eastern European animal shelters in both 2004 and 2009.

The facility is built following a British model. In addition to the dog kennels and the cat housing, now under construction, there is a cottage with two small bedrooms, a living room, and a bathroom to be used by international volunteers who are part of our program.

Please let us know what are your skills and experience and we can go from there.
Romania is not a very popular destinations, does not have very good infrastructure, and does not have very good roads, but it is unique and worth experiencing.

CLICK HERE FOR ROLDA VOLUNTEERS PROGRAM OPTIONS

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DAVE VOLUNTEERS AT ROLDA FOR THE 2ND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Dave Griffin was the first international volunteer coming to ROLDA in 2009. He also was the first one experienced the day-after-day work that ROLDA volunteers and staff is undertake because his “volunteer time” started early each day; he participated to catching stray dog activity ,dogs feeding at the big shelter, cleaning the kennels and running spaces at the small shelter.