Our rescue efforts extend to a privately run shelter in Romania, led by Nicol, a dedicated individual who is deeply committed to saving the lives of dogs in dire situations. Nicol rescues dogs from the streets, from owners who have surrendered them, from local veterinary clinics, and more recently, from the public shelter Codlea, where dogs face the harsh reality of being euthanised if not rescued within a very short time. The shelter is run on a small scale, allowing Nicol to provide more individual attention to each dog. Being privately operated means the dogs here are safe from the immediate threat of euthanasia, a common risk faced by dogs in overcrowded, government-run shelters. This provides the animals with a much-needed reprieve, offering them a chance to be rehabilitated, loved, and rehomed. One of the unique aspects of Nicol's shelter is the way it integrates family and community life. The dogs live in close quarters with Nicol's daughter and are also accustomed to the presence of cats. This environment gives us invaluable insight into the dogs' personalities, behaviour, and temperaments, which is crucial information for successful rehoming. For example, we can determine how the dogs interact with children and cats, making it easier to match them with suitable families who have similar environments.

While the shelter is a safe place for dogs to escape euthanasia, it is not without its challenges. As with any private shelter, funding and resources are limited, which can sometimes result in overcrowding, particularly during times of influx when dogs are rescued from the streets or brought in from high-risk situations. Additionally, extreme weather conditions can sometimes pose risks for the dogs, especially during the cold Romanian winters. Despite these challenges, Nicol does everything in her power to ensure the dogs are well cared for. They receive regular meals, veterinary care, and the attention they need to heal, both physically and emotionally.