Hello, we are three foster carers on Réunion Island who take in rescues independently because the local animal charities are completely overwhelmed.
Currently, we each have at least one dog that isn't covered by a rescue (in addition to our own dogs), and we are covering all their vet bills ourselves.
We already make use of free neutering vouchers and microchipping for around £35 (as often as we can). To get them fully ready for adoption, we still have to pay for Snap tests, vaccinations, and endoscopies (in the best-case scenarios).
We are looking to set up a group of sponsors to join Delphine, our only contributor at the moment, to whom we already owe so much, if only for her trust in us. In this group, there will be regular photos and videos of the dogs in their daily lives and updates on their medical progress. We will answer all your questions and provide vet bills as proof if necessary. We will set up online fundraisers to make tracking and transparency easier.
It is perfectly possible to arrange for the dogs to be sent to mainland France, which is often the preferred option due to a lack of local adopters.
We have chosen to help them and are putting in every resource we have. However, we need help, which could make all the difference. Faster support means we can take in more dogs.
In our neighbourhood, there are many feral litters, and having only managed to stop "two", it’s just not enough. Abandonments are also frequent, and we take them in whenever possible. It is heartbreaking to have to accept that we cannot do more.
Being united to make our daily work easier is a real plus, and if our actions can lighten the load for the local rescues, they would be more inclined to help us find an adopter or assist with the final administrative steps once we have done the legwork.
We are already in contact with some very good charities, and we want to create a climate of trust and transparency between everyone involved in the cause. Our goal isn't to stroke our own egos, but to keep animals safe and reduce the number of litters from both pets and feral dogs. Even though they are our best friends, letting them roam free causes damage that can be serious or even fatal.
Mass culling is not the solution we want, but unfortunately, a lack of resources and empathy means it is the one often used... One female is responsible for about ten puppies a year, and one male can father dozens of litters. They multiply quickly, but significantly reducing the numbers isn't just a pipe dream. With only the three of us, it isn't really achievable... but we will try for as long as we can!
We won't save them all, but if you could join us and help find a life of dignity for as many as possible, we would be truly grateful and proud to be able to count on one another!
Thank you for reading and for your invaluable help.
