Years ago, I had a dream. My dream was to put an end to animal suffering in my hometown, especially to help the homeless, abandoned, and abused dogs find the love, respect and appreciation they deserve, and place them in forever homes. Little by little my dream is becoming a reality. I haven’t saved all the stray dogs in my community, but I’m getting there. I have an amazing staff and supporters who continue to help me along the way.

Last night, I woke up frightened. My heart pumping fast, hands shaking, tears in my eyes. I dreamt about my Printz (my first beautiful rescued dog, saved from death). He was all wet, full of blood, alone, in need of help. I could see him but this time, I couldn’t help him at all. I could read in his expressive eyes his hunger, pain and despair. It was more like a nightmare.

Being on their own, dogs like my Printz have freedom but they are so exposed to risk of injuries, abuses, diseases and starvation. Stray dogs are dependent on us as much as we, humans, are on them…once we get to know and love them! My Printz, alone, in my dream represents all the dogs I couldn’t save, the dogs who died alone in misery and silence. I woke up feeling depressed, but somehow, I knew I had to turn this nightmare into a positive thing…and that’s why I decided to tell you about it.

I was able to wake up from my nightmare, as all of you have. But these dogs can’t. Not unless we help them!

Christmas is the time of year when people celebrate and express the most sincere human emotions: generosity, kindness, compassion, love, appreciation. But we must remember that Christmas is not only for people…

From time to time, the memory of Printz comes up (this time it came in the shape of a dream) to remind me of my mission and the overwhelming plight of the homeless dogs in Romania. My dream for this Christmas is to end the nightmare these dogs relive each day. Even if it’s just for one day.