Romanian dog rescue mission changes lives, says big-hearted Tain volunteer
A Highland care professional is channelling her passion for helping others by volunteering for a dog rescue charity in Romania.
Based in Tain, Jacqui Ferguson balances her role as quality improvement lead at Parklands Care Homes with regular trips to Romania, where she spends time as a volunteer with Barking Mad Dog Rescue (BMDR), supporting abandoned dogs who have been through unimaginable hardships.
The charity was founded by Hilary Anderson, who now lives in Insch, Aberdeenshire.
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BMDR cares for 350 dogs across three shelters, while also providing food for another 150 in the surrounding area.
The shelters are run by husband-and-wife team Ion and Aura Caineanu, and their daughter Gea Alixandru, with help from other family members and local people.
The dogs are rescued, treated for injuries or any illness, vaccinated, then cared for until they are successfully adopted, most often by homes in the UK and Germany.
Jacqui has just returned from Romania, having spent 10 days there in September. She has been volunteering with the charity since 2019.
“Volunteering with BMDR is very rewarding. Every day is different. Some days are full of positivity and some days can be tough,” she wrote in her Facebook diary.
During her trip, Jacqui helped rescue two healthy puppies from a woman who could no longer care for them. She said: “These pups are beautiful and healthy, and I have no doubt they will find their forever homes quickly.”
Some rescues are more challenging, though. She also described rescuing a gravely injured puppy found by the side of the road, too weak to move. Thanks to the efforts of local vets and the shelter team, the pup, named Esme, is now on the road to recovery after treatment for a dislocated elbow.
“It breaks my heart thinking about what that wee pup has been through, but we can’t change that. We need to focus on what can be done to change her life going forward,” Jacqui said.
The challenge is relentless. Last week, five sick puppies were abandoned by the roadside. Braving extreme weather, the charity rushed to rescue them before it was too late. “They are safe now but require a lot of medical treatment,” said Jacqui.
One of her favourite aspects of volunteering is spending time with the dogs in the shelter. She said: “The look of happiness on their faces when they realise you're coming in to see them, it’s such a special thing to do.”
Parklands Care Homes is showing its support for Jacqui’s efforts by donating £800 to BMDR, helping provide crucial supplies for the dogs.
Parklands’ managing director Ron Taylor, said: “We’re proud of Jacqui’s dedication to such a worthwhile cause. Her work with BMDR reflects the compassion she brings to her role at Parklands every day.”
To learn more about Barking Mad Dog Rescue and support their work, visit www.barkingmaddogrescue.co.uk
