site.btaNew Organization Finds Homes in Austria for Bulgarian Stray Dogs

A group of women in Klagenfurt, Austria, have set up the Pfotenliebe Association in order to help stray animals in Bulgaria find new homes and owners in Austria, Melange Bulgaren reported on July 24.

One of the founders of the Association, Daniela Milusheva, said: "The path to creating our association began with a small street dog in Bulgaria that I found and could not leave behind. From that moment on, I started looking in Austria for a home for the dog, but I quickly realized that most of them only support particular countries. For example, there is a large presence of dogs from Romania in Austria, whose foundations are actively supported by the local Romanian community. Apart from the Tierhilfe Suden Austria e.V. Association in Krems, which also focuses on projects in Bulgaria and is doing wonders in Kazanlak (South Central Bulgaria) and the region, and the animal welfare organization Four Paws, which is part of Vier Pfoten Austria and has a neutering project, I couldn't find any other organizations operating in our homeland."

Milusheva warned that there is a huge problem, which requires support for animal shelters. To tackle this problem, she has focused her attention on searching for new homes in Austria for Bulgarian stray dogs.

The purpose of the association is to serve as a link between shelters in Bulgaria and people in Austria who wish to adopt a dog. There are few places in the Austrian state of Carinthia where people can adopt a pet.

The Pfotenliebe Association has already helped several people get a pet. Milusheva has two dogs and is convinced that caring for an animal helps people cope with everyday challenges and find peace of mind.

The dogs cross the border already vaccinated, neutered and having an international passport. Upon arrival in Austria, they need a temporary home until their new owners arrive.

The Association appeals to anyone who has a suitable place and is willing to shelter an animal for a while to contact them, as this would be invaluable help. Its members strive to find homes for at least half a dozen dogs every month. The organization needs funding for food, parasite pills, and transport, which is why it is planning charity initiatives to raise money.