Give Disabled Dogs Lifelong Care In New Shelter

We are very excited to share with all our GlobalGiving supporters that we have signed the final paperwork for the purchase of land for the TOLFA Shelter. This 3.25 bigha site, which is just over 2 acres, is conveniently located near our existing hospital. 

We are absolutely thrilled! This moment has been many years in the making; it represents something we have dreamt of for a long time - a permanent, safe home for animals who need lifelong care. It will become not just a shelter but a sanctuary for the dogs under our care who cannot return to the streets due to disability, age or trauma. 

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our supporters for making this momentous step in our story possible. 

As TOLFA’s founder, Rachel Wright, said, "The purchase of the new shelter land is one of the biggest steps forward in TOLFA history. The huge positive impact it will have not only on our shelter animals, but the street animal population as a whole cannot be overstated. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has made this dream a reality." 

There are so many stories to tell about the dogs in our care who will benefit from our new shelter. One such dog is Smudge, whom we rescued as a puppy after he was reported with a hind leg problem. We discovered that he had a hernia pressing on his nerves and muscles, which made it appear as though he was partially paralysed. Our doctors assessed him and devised a treatment routine that they hoped would reduce the hernia in size, as surgery was deemed very high-risk due to its location. Thankfully, the hernia did shrink, and today, aside from having slightly bowed back legs, Smudge is a picture of health! He's just under a year old and hangs out with his 'classmate' Lucy, who he will definitely share a space with at the new shelter. 

We simply have to share the heartwarming story of the lovable Jaan, who will also find her home in one of our dog gardens. Jaan is truly a miracle dog. She was discovered completely collapsed on the street after being struck by a vehicle. Although she had no outward signs of injury, she clearly had brain damage and was displaying neurological symptoms. Jaan was unconscious for several days after being rescued, which was a worrying time, and we did everything we could to care for her. Thankfully, she gradually began to regain her bodily functions. And with our ongoing love and support, along with the expertise of our rehabilitation staff, we helped her learn to eat, drink, and walk again. 

 It is incredibly rewarding to see Jaan transformed into a joyful dog who embraces life. While she may still be a bit absent-minded at times, making her release unsafe, we know that she will thrive in the secure and caring environment that our new shelter will offer. 

Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts.