The campaign in Campina was organized in collaboration with the organization "Arca lui Norocel" and with the support of local authorities, who provided us with the multipurpose hall - a generous space where we could organize and carry out our work.
The change of location from the neighboring village of Cornu to the municipality of Campina seems to have been a good strategy, both to consolidate our presence in the region and to build trust among the population, which is mainly due to the local commitment of Dr. Ovidiu Rosu and many volunteers.
We hoped that at the beginning of March, the weather would already be a bit friendlier and we could carry out our work in the best possible conditions for our animals. However, when Alex Tanasescu arrived for the preparations, she found herself in a white, frosty but beautiful landscape... in which our team then bravely held itself during the two days, even during the outdoor missions.
Although we only had about 120 neuterings on the list for the whole campaign, we knew we could expect more - and our expectations were more than met - our team from the Animal Orphan Hospital Bucharest performed 93 neuterings on the very first day and stayed late to make sure all our overnight guests were comfortable and safe. (Street dogs and cats are not taken back to their area until the next day).
As in previous campaigns, we were visited by the mayor. He popped in to say hello and check that our team was comfortable in the premises provided. We appreciate the courtesy and kind support and hope for a solid collaboration in Campina so that we can help as many dogs and cats as possible.
The team built over time by Dr. Irina Corbu-Rudnic is something special. It consists of Dr. Ovidiu Rosu, Dr. Mircea Stefanache and Dr. Ioana Ene, as well as veterinary students Alexandra Tanasescu, Andreea Gontoiu, Olya, Anca Cruceru, Delia Lungu and Mada Lixandru, veterinary technicians Oana Ungureanu, Ale Naum and countless young volunteers, motivated by their love and devotion for animals: Miruna and Arianna, George, Alex, Ana, Andreea, Stefan and Sara.
We were also joined by three international guests - Alessia and her son, who found refuge with our team after the events in Ukraine. Alessia was the head of the local branch of an international animal welfare organization and wanted to help with the campaign to experience a bit of normalcy and try to come to terms with her life, which was in shambles in a matter of days. The third of the three international guests is Lisbeth Jaimes, university professor, researcher and project coordinator from Colombia, who is also the coordinator of the Animal Rescue Foundation in Pamplona, Colombia. Lisbeth was excited to observe the activities at our clinic in Bucharest and then accompany us to the campaign so she could share this experience with the animal rescue organizations in Colombia.
Despite the unexpected cold front, we were able to run a good campaign both in the event hall and on the "field service front," but we had to adjust postoperative care somewhat to avoid risking hypothermia. However, the wrap-around dogs in their warming sheets next to the heaters make a wonderful photo motif.
Many cats needed an ear tag, unfortunately we also had many patients with eye problems, lesions due to viral diseases, fighting, tear gland prolapse etc. and not a few animals with missing limbs. All in all, a grim glimpse into the lives of stray, unneutered animals. A lot of animal suffering, which we try to mitigate to the limits of our capacities.
The harsh winters here, make life difficult for our patients. The difference between animals with owners and those without was very easy to spot, not only because those with owners were easily recognizable by collars, small hearts on their necks and tags with phone numbers.
On the first day we had a patient who, despite our best efforts, did not make it due to a massive, catastrophic infection. The dog was taken for spaying, but during surgery we discovered that she had a severe peritonitis. While our team did everything humanly possible to clean and treat the infection, the sepsis progressed rapidly. We kept her in intensive care all night, but she unfortunately passed away in the morning.
On the second day, we treated a female dog, freeing her from a metal wire in her throat. She gratefully endured the wound care and the careful cleaning of her matted coat without complaint.
On the second day, we all fell in shock love with a lovely Labrador/Shepherd mix female who was found half-starved by our volunteer and brought to us. By the way, our local contacts later informed us that she was recently adopted.
We asked all the volunteers of our campaign why they do what they do, you can see their answers in the video that we will publish here soon.
n summary, all get involved out of love for animals and the need to stop the endless cycle of suffering through responsible intervention, to reduce the number of dogs and cats born to suffer.
Many also support us in memory of their own animals.
Some thus show their gratitude for the help they received when they needed it most, and others are here to learn how to build a better future for themselves and the animals.
Dr. Ovidiu Rosu reported that the cooperation with the community has improved massively, as the population now trusts that our local team is willing and able to help animals in need. This is clearly reflected in the number of patients (19 on the first day and 15 on the second) that Dr. Rosu brought to us from the field despite the onset of winter. He spared no mud, feces and other dirty things covered by fresh snow, even took animals out from under the beds of the locals (supported by the people and their children who take care of the street animals here).
He sees himself confirmed that the key to the trust that the local Rroma community places in us lies in our reliability, the high quality of our work. This key allows our team to enter this remote place, this closed society.