For as long as I can remember, one thought has stayed with me: “since I know that every living being is first of all a soul, how could I tell souls apart? And could I ever say that one is more valuable than another?”

As I grew up, this question took shape and became: “How can people decide that one soul (their own) is more valuable than any other soul?”. I have asked many people this question over time, even people close to the divine, and the answer never explained the supremacy of the human soul in a way that would give it the right to decide over other souls.

That is how I chose, 10 years ago, to help these souls, and I wish all those grumblers who shout “why don’t you help people” would understand that I have a special affinity for animals, and that I wholeheartedly wish those with an affinity for people would put it into practice, rather than lecture others while sitting comfortably in front of the TV.

I joined the Arca lui Noe team in 2012 and…
…I like to greet the dogs I meet and smile at them… and I don’t mind if not all of them answer;

…Every animal I meet gets a name from me – despite their owners, but in full harmony with… nature;

…I like to believe that if I wish hard enough, I’ll meet dolphins at the seaside (a proven and photographed fact!);

…I strongly believe the best names for cats are medicine names (try to dispute their effect… clinically proven!).

I have been with Arca for a few years, and every time I am asked “What can a volunteer do?”, my answer is: “What can’t they do?!”.

Time has shown me that the bonds created between those who volunteer at the shelter and the dogs we care for are stronger than we could hope for when we first cross the shelter’s threshold.

My name is Mónika and I have always contributed to animal welfare, at first passively (through donations or other actions), but lately I started to feel it was not enough, so I chose to join the association.

Because of a few isolated cases, animals in Romania have started to be treated even worse. Because of those same isolated cases, the situation in Romania has gone back about 10 years when it comes to community dogs and abandonment. I can’t do very much, but I try everything in my power.

For as long as I can remember, I loved petting animals of all sizes. Looking at them was never enough; I was happiest when I could sit next to them, hug them and forget about time.

I joined the Association almost by chance, and at the end of my first day of volunteering I went home with a freshly sterilised puppy in foster care. And so began the avalanche of joys, adventures, hopes and a few tears that make my days more beautiful, my joys richer and my soul calmer.

I didn’t think I needed another source of energy, but now I wouldn’t trade for anything what my foster kids give me.
Still thinking about it? I’m telling you, you have nothing to lose!

Year after year, Mrs Neli puts in an immense effort collecting, centralising and submitting the tax redirection forms.