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TellUs: Lucky's Legacy Rescue

Lucky’s Legacy Rescue


Today’s blog is to raise awareness for an amazing, charity organisation based in Romania that saves abused and vulnerable dogs and cats. Lucky’s Legacy Rescue is an extraordinary group of hard-working, committed individuals that do all they can to help animals in need. I was fortunate enough to interview one of these hard-workers Estelle, who became part of the team in September 2018, on the Rescue and all it entails.

When did the Rescue start and why?
The Rescue was founded twelve years ago, back in 2007 when Lucky was found by couple Catalina and Patrick. Lucky had been run over by a car and had both her hips crushed, left to die. However Lucky stole their hearts and they knew they had to help. Both paid for Lucky’s treatment and nursed her back to health, despite only living in a small apartment at the time. Lucky made a full recovery, however the nightmare didn’t end. 

They then witnessed a six-month old puppy being beaten with a shovel. Both realised they had to help once again, saving the puppy and naming her Norocica. There was simply no going back! It became clear that they could make a difference, as they had done with Lucky and Norocica. Due to the huge issue of mistreated, stray dogs on the streets they found their calling to save these animals. Henceforth Lucky’s Legacy Rescue was born!

The beautiful Lucky
What is the aim of the Rescue?
The Rescue aims to rehabilitate the dogs   they find, emotionally, physically and mentally. Then they look to rehome these dogs in the UK. 

Also a key aim of the Rescue is to spray and neuter as many dogs as possible. There are so many stray dogs in Romania, one dog can produce up to two to three litters per year. This exacerbates the problem of stray dogs massively. Across Romania there are spray and neuter programmes in which the Rescue encourages.
Where is the Rescue based?
Twenty miles outside of Bucharest, Romania is where the centre is located, run by couple Catalina and Patrick. Patrick is a builder, building all the enclosures for the animals. Catalina holds an abundance of animal welfare experience, making sure the animals get the care they need. Volunteers are able to fly out to Romania and help out as the shelter is always needing extra helping hands!

In terms of rehoming, the Rescue has links to the UK. They rehome all over Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland. Also those that run the Rescue’s social media, perform home-checks, fundraise etc are based in the UK.

How many animals are currently there?
Due to a recent outbreak of the Parvo virus, no more puppies are able to enter the shelter at this time. So the numbers are lower than usual. However those with parvo are in quarantine, recovering safely. In approximately five months when the outbreak subsides the Rescue will take more puppies on. For now they are still able to rescue adult dogs in need! 

The shelter currently holds about thirty dogs and eight cats. Bear in mind cats are harder to adopt, as they cost the same to bring over as the dogs and many are unwilling to pay for this. 

Just this year the Rescue have managed to rehome forty to forty-five in the UK! About three years ago the average number rehomed was twenty - due to the Rescue growing and more staff, this number has doubled in just three years!

How can people help?
The bit we all want to know! This is a small Rescue that relies on peoples generosity and help. The average spray and neuter per dog costs £50, so donating is essential. You can fundraise for the Rescue and hold events like bake sales, charity runs etc to raise money. Alternatively you can donate straight away. 

Directly on their website: https://www.luckyslegacyrescue.com
Bank details: Available on their instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/luckys_legacy_rescue/) 

There are currently enough sponsors to feed the dogs, however as more dogs are rescued, more food will be needed. It costs £20 per month to ensure one dog is fed and watered and that their basic needs are met. All money is for the animals and the animals only!

If you can’t donate, the Rescue also requires help with their social media upkeep and home-checks. 

Also volunteers at the shelter are always welcomed and needed. As the shelter is only run by two people, there is a lot of work. This work runs a lot smoother with extra help. The voluntary jobs you can do at the shelter varies from training the dogs, helping with socialisation, helping Patrick with the building and so forth. There are plenty of opportunities for everybody! There are plans for a quarantine area and a shower area that needs funding and building. Currently the puppy area is being extended.

The Rescues message
A lot of dogs in Romania are mistreated severely and abandoned. Those with homes are often used as guard dogs and are beaten and abused. The Rescue wants to further the education of animal welfare, in the future hoping to visit schools and spread this message. 

In the UK they want more people to adopt as opposed to shop. People are encouraged to adopt rescue animals as opposed to buying from a breeder. With this rescue and many others, home checks and advice are always given to people adopting dogs and therefore owners are given constant support. Meaning both you and your dog are able to live happy and safe lives. This also limits the chances of dogs going back into shelters, due to uneducated owners.
As Estelle puts it “why buy a dog when you can rescue one?” 

Miracle story
Estelle told me about her beautiful rescue dog she fell in love with, Victor. He was rescued with his two sisters. They were covered in ticks and lice, also having parasites in their stomach. Victor was the runt of the litter and weighed a measly five kilos at four-months old, making his severely underweight. He had been burnt under his eye, this is done to make the dog aggressive. Catalina and Patrick rehabilitated these dogs and showed them love and safety. Victor is now seventeen-months-old and is living happily with Estelle, now weighting a healthy thirty-seven kilos. He was saved from such cruelty and had his life changed forever!

Victor and his sisters when they were found (Victor is the top-right dog) vs him now!
Check out Lucky’s Legacy Rescue at:
Website: https://www.luckyslegacyrescue.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luckyslegacyrescue1/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luckys_legacy_rescue/ 

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