It is difficult to resume everything we have lived during our 6 week stay. All the emotions we have felt, the lovely people we have met, the island, the house and, above all, the animals – have contributed to make this experience seem unreal and filled our hearts with love and gratitude.
Since the moment we first set foot, that we were timidly and fearfully received by Paul and Hromanoszka barking, until the last heartfelt hug with Nui at the pier, we have been delighted by each new experience we have had at this place.
The project Tanja has been made and is still constructing is the best second life that a rescued animal could ask for. A place abundant in both nature and peace, where unloved, abandoned and mistreated dogs can heal themselves and find, again, the beauty of life and of being loved. Animals have wide space to run and have fun, food and treatments to gain back their strength, and it is up to you, as a volunteer, to help them fill their hearts again.
I can assure any of you that both team and dogs will always be there to help you and to bring the best out of you.
However, the best and worst aspect of this volunteering option is that your shift is filled with spare time. Best because if you are a proactive and animal loving volunteer, you will fill this time by creatively proposing improvements, taking care and bonding with the dogs and helping this NGO to reach its full potential. Worst because if you use this time with breaks, discussions and laziness, honestly, there are other options for you.
This ain’t an easy task. The hot weather conditions, the responsibilities with dog treatments and medications, dealing with 27 dogs that have been rescued and other volunteers will bring the best and worst out of you. Therefore, it is up to you, to be conscious and mature, to decide if you are willing or not to commit to this hard endeavor, to give your all and then, only then, you will feel the change your actions have caused. How the animals approach and talk to you, how the team smiles and feels relieved when you are there and how the house becomes your home.
Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has made this experience unique and truly emotional.
Tanja, thank you for building up this project. For helping as much as you can, the dogs that are in need. It is truly inspiring to see the change on these animals. We have seen and learned so much that I am grateful for the chance you have given us and for allowing us to extend our stay. Please forward my gratitude to Marco. For his kindness and ideas to improve this place and make it even better that what it currently is.
I would like to thank Agnieszka too. She was extremely kind and open to us from day one. She taught us so many things and helped us feel like home. Above all, it was inspiring to see her talk to the animals. That love and passion was so beautiful and true to see that we tried our best to share it, like her, to all the family.
Thanks to Nui too. For how she deals with so many things when it wasn’t her job. For being robust and resistant in tough times, and to always be able to bring a smile out of us. She is an inspiring, fun and loving woman. Thank you for all your kindness, for teaching me Thai and for the dances we have shared. We both love you, Nui!
Last but not least, thanks to all the dogs that we have met. You have taught us so much about dogs, emotions and ourselves that we are forever in your debt. Everyday was a new challenge, and with every challenge comes wisdom. We have become wiser and better humans thanks to all of you. Thank you, sincerely, from the bottom of our hearts.
