Sava’s Safe Haven is a family-run animal shelter in Galati, Romania. Since 2012, veterinary technician Alexandra Sava has worked alongside relatives and friends to care for dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits in need.
Every holiday season, the family prepares a special holiday event for the pets in their care.
They gather donated toys, treats, food, and supplies from all over the world, and pile them into Santa’s sack. On Christmas Day, Sava’s father or brother dons a festive red suit complete with fluffy white beard, and delivers the gifts to the delighted dogs.
“We do this because some of the shelter animals are here for over 6 years,” Sava told the Good News Network. “Unfortunately due to various reasons their chances of adoption are low, and they deserve to feel the spirit of Christmas!”
Unfortunately, Romania is notorious for its large stray dog population. Even the animals that are kept as pets are not treated as beloved companions like they are in other areas of the world.
Dogs are often kept chained without proper food, shelter, or veterinary care. The problem is further compounded by the fact that people rarely spay and neuter their pets.
Sava’s Safe Haven is currently home to about 270 animals awaiting adoption. Many will live out the majority of their lives at the shelter. That’s why Sava and her crew go out of their way to make the animals feel special – especially around the holidays.
“We make our best to save animals and offer them a better life in our shelter until they find their home,” says Sava.
This year’s Christmas celebration will not take place until Christmas Eve, but the folks at Sava’s Safe Haven have documented the heartwarming highlights from the past 6 years. All of the videos can be viewed on their website.
Check out the 2018 festivities below and be sure to follow the shelter on Facebook or Instagram to see this year’s adorable footage!
In addition to offering shelter, love, and care to the dogs of Romania, the Sava family also organizes community outreach programs. They provide spaying and neutering services as well as food and veterinary care to animals living in poorer villages.
You can help support the Sava’s Safe Haven mission and ensure that the dogs in their care have many wonderful holidays to come by making a donation or virtually adopting a dog.
H/T to The Good News Network
Featured Image via Sava’s Safe Haven/Facebook
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