Dear supporters,

Our neutering campaign in Buftea, Romania, in June 2024 was a great success. Thanks to your generous support, we were once again able to make a decisive contribution to reducing the stray animal population - a problem that not only affects the animals themselves, but also the local communities.

A common goal:

Working with Ilfov County Council, we were able to neuter a total of 120 animals over three days. 50 cats, thanks to your valuable support. This was only possible thanks to the commitment of our small but highly qualified SUST veterinary team and the support of local partners.

Overcoming challenges:

The conditions on site were anything but easy: in the extreme heat, we had to house the dogs in outdoor cages as space was limited. Mobile phone reception was also often poor, which made coordination difficult. What's more, the staff at the centre were not very cooperative with us. But our team continued to work tirelessly.

The rescue of a mother dog and her puppies was particularly touching. The shy dog was difficult to catch, but with patience and the necessary equipment, we managed to neuter her and treat her puppies, which were heavily infested with fleas.

The importance of neutering:

Our work makes it clear that animal shelters alone cannot solve the problem of stray animals. Without regular neutering campaigns, the population continues to grow unchecked. It makes us proud to see that our efforts in Buftea have helped to reduce the number of unwanted litters and alleviate the suffering of the animals.

A look into the future:

Whilst the challenges are great, we continue to see how your donations and our efforts are making a real difference. With your help, we can continue to ensure that fewer homeless animals have to suffer on the streets.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for this valuable support and look forward to celebrating this success with you. Every franc donated saves lives!

The neutering campaign on August 19, 2024 in Jilava, Ilfov County (RO) was equally successful. Thanks to your support, we were once again able to make decisive progress in the fight against the overpopulation of homeless animals and improve the lives of many animals at the same time.

A small effort with a big impact:

Although the campaign was planned at very short notice, it was a complete success. The SUST team, consisting of experienced vets from SUST-OAH Bucharest and dedicated volunteers, was able to neuter a total of 56 animals - 24 dogs and 32 cats. An early start in the morning is particularly important for the campaign days in summer to avoid the heat and treat the more difficult cases right at the beginning.

Touching rescues:

Two special cases particularly stuck in our minds: a pair of large Caucasian shepherd dogs that were rescued from very poor conditions, and the female dog ‘Oaia’ (the sheep), who was found on the street by a team member and initially appeared to be dead. Thanks to neutering and your support, all three were given a second chance at a happy life.

Challenges overcome:

Patience and creativity were required, especially with the shy and hard-to-reach animals, which is often the case with street dogs. A dedicated team of local volunteers spent weeks preparing the animals for the neutering operation by luring them into cages with food and familiarising them with the new situation in advance.

We are very proud to be able to count on so many experienced animal lovers.

Chief Happiness Manager (‘CHM’) Tzurtz:

A special highlight during the campaign was our four-legged friend Tzurtz, Mihaela's dog. Tzurtz was always there and, with his charming nature and patience, ensured that our team stayed in top form. He not only helped us to lighten the mood, but also reminded us why we do this work: for the good of the animals.

A future with hope:

It may not have been a big neutering campaign, but it made a huge difference to the animals in Jilava. We were able to sustainably improve the lives of dogs and cats and give them a better future. Thanks to you, our loyal donors, we have been able to help these animals and significantly improve their quality of life.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support and look forward to making this difference together with you!

Thanks to your donations, our team was able to neuter 330 animals at the neutering campaign from September 3-6, 2024 in Pecineaga, Constanța County (RO). You have thus made an important contribution to curbing the stray animal problem.

An extraordinary effort:

This campaign took us to Pecineaga for the third time this year. Due to the high demand, we had to extend our campaign, which was originally planned for three days, by an additional day. Long, exhausting days lay ahead of us, but the commitment of the team and the great organisation of our local contact made it possible to care for as many animals as possible.

Touching stories:

One particular story was that of a tiny, completely soaked kitten that was found on a football pitch the morning after a heavy downpour. It meowed desperately until Elena discovered it and rescued it. Lovingly wrapped up and cared for, the little ‘piggy’, as it was affectionately called, was very lucky: that very day, a woman who was taking her own cats to be neutered decided to adopt the kitten. From then on, it would live on a farm, surrounded by goats and other cats - a real stroke of luck for the little creature. You will think of the story of the ‘little pig’ again in a moment, because it seems like a small prophecy. More on this later.

Team spirit and dedication:

Our dedicated team of vets, assistants and volunteers worked tirelessly. Young helpers like Alexia and Sara, who passionately stood by the vets' side, illustrate that our work not only saves animals, but also inspires the next generation of animal welfare activists.

And of course, our mascot Tzurtz, Mihaela's dog, was there again to support the team with his cheerful nature. This form of support is also important.

A look ahead:

Thanks to your support, we have been able to care for 330 animals and give them a better life. Your help makes it possible for us to provide vital medical care for all animals in remote regions.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity and trust.

Last but not least, we would like to report on our SUST neutering campaign on September 14 and 15, 2024 in Ogrezeni, Giurgiu County (RO). 143 animals were treated. Of these, 35 cats were neutered thanks to your donations, making a direct and significant contribution to reducing the number of stray animals in this region.

A hub for animal welfare:

Ogrezeni has become an important hub for animal welfare activists and animal owners. Mayor Catalin Preda has inspired us with his support and active assistance, which explains our recurring visits to this community. He not only helps with the organisation and logistics, but also lends a hand personally to catch strays or bring animals to us for people without transport.

Our neutering campaign was quickly fully booked as more and more people from the neighbourhood rely on us to care for their animals. Even pet owners and animal lovers from even further afield came to take advantage of the free neutering service.

Surprising visitor:

The unexpected visit of a week-old piglet was particularly touching. The owner had heard about our campaign and was urgently looking for advice for the smallest and weakest of his piglets, which would not eat on its own. Although we had no magic solution to his problem, the team lovingly cared for the piglet. This incident reminded us that our neutering campaigns in remote areas provide an important opportunity for veterinary care not only for dogs and cats, but for all animals. We take care of every piggy, whether it's just called that or is one.

Dedicated team and eager-to-learn helpers:

Our experienced SUST vets, supported by young veterinary students, worked tirelessly and even took the time to share their skills and experience with ‘the next generation’. It was a joy to see the next generation of vets growing and learning on the job.

One particularly memorable story was that of an animal lover who took in a recently abandoned dog that gave birth to puppies on the very first night. Despite already having six dogs, she decided to keep the whole family and cared for them with admirable dedication.

Challenges and heroic deeds:

As is so often the case with such campaigns, long-term volunteers who were prepared to give their all for the animals also turned up. These selfless people, often working under difficult conditions, brought numerous animals to be neutered. Their tireless dedication shows us time and time again that sustainable solutions to reduce animal suffering can be created through such campaigns.
 

Successful conclusion:

Our work in Ogrezeni has made a significant difference, not only for the community itself, but also for the surrounding areas. Thanks to your support, our SUST team from OAH Bucharest can successfully carry out these activities and at the same time provide young vets with important experience. Sustainability also thinks about tomorrow.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity and trust. Together we can sustainably improve the lives of many animals and offer them a better future!