The shelter, while a necessary refuge for these abandoned animals, struggles to provide even the most basic care. Over the course of the past year, our group of students has visited the shelter twice, and each time, we have been confronted by the harsh realities the animals endure. The overcrowding is evident—small enclosures packed with dozens of animals, many of them visibly malnourished and sick. Food and water are not plentiful, and the shelter’s limited resources simply cannot meet the needs of all the dogs. But the real problem is the poor state of health the poor creatures are in. Taken off the streets after years of neglect, they are worm-infested, sick, and traumatised. There is only a vet assistant on site, barely able to cope with the daunting range of issues, and no medicine available. The shelter does not have a contract with any of the thriving vet clinics in the area, because, as the vet stated, the law does not allow for any pro bono work if the veterinarian is not fully employed by the local council. This leaves the shelter in a vulnerable position, as they simply cannot afford the medical treatment the dogs desperately need.

Despite all of these challenges, the emotional weight of the situation is perhaps the most difficult to bear. During our visits, it became clear how much the dogs long for human interaction. Their hopeful eyes, wagging tails, and desperate cries for attention speak volumes about the neglect they’ve endured. It’s heartbreaking to see them so eager for affection, a basic need that they are denied on a daily basis. The little time we spent playing with and comforting them only underscored how badly they crave companionship and care.

PICTURE: Personal archive. Image: Mihaela Raceala.

What struck me most is how this shelter’s struggles mirror a much larger issue in Romania: the overwhelming stray dog population and the lack of resources, funding, and infrastructure to address the problem. The shelter's staff, though dedicated, is stretched thin, and the number of stray dogs far exceeds the shelter’s capacity. The lack of public awareness, coupled with insufficient support from local authorities, only makes the situation worse. The government’s reluctance to address the issue head-on has resulted in a continuous cycle of neglect, overcrowding, and poor living conditions. The unsanitary conditions in the shelter and the poor health of the animals present a significant health hazard, both for the dogs and for the people who interact with them. The shelter’s very survival depends on community involvement, which is sorely lacking. Donations, volunteer efforts, and public education about animal welfare are critical to making any meaningful change.

One of the few solutions for these animals is the large-scale adoption programs that have been successful in other European countries. Countries like Germany, France, and the United Kingdom have taken in many of the dogs from shelters like this one. Through these adoption efforts, animals that would otherwise face a grim future are given a second chance at life in loving homes. The dogs at the Alexandria shelter are microchipped and sterilized, yet due to their poor health, they remain in a precarious state. Even if they are adopted, their future remains uncertain unless they receive proper veterinary care.

PICTURE: Personal archive. Image: Mihaela Raceala.

The shelter’s situation is a constant reminder of the dire need for systemic change. Until local authorities recognize the scale of the issue and take meaningful action, these animals will continue to suffer. However, despite the overwhelming challenges, there is still hope. If the broader community steps in to help—whether through adoption, donations, or volunteering—there is a chance to create real change. These dogs deserve a better life, and it is up to us to ensure they get it. The staff from “Mircea Scarlat” National Pedagogical College has already started an action in partnership with the School Student Council and the Erasmus coordinators and participants in order to gain some pillows, blankets, and other useful objects for the dogs. Moreover, we have already contacted the local authorities, who, despite not answering our calls and messages, perhaps due to the busy holiday season and the elections taking up so much of their time, cannot evade indefinitely our determination to spark a change.

As we left the shelter that day, the images of the dogs lingered in my mind. Their eyes, full of longing and hope, will not be forgotten. They deserve more than just a chance to survive—they deserve a chance to thrive. And it is up to us, as a society, to ensure that they get that chance.

PICTURE: Personal archive. Image: Mihaela Raceala.