These Dogs Are Getting A Second Chance On Christmas

It's a Christmas miracle for these formerly stray dogs in Eastern Europe

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Areal 'Live' Dog Shelter is so special because it is located in Moldova, the poorest country in Europe. Functioning solely on donations and people's kindness, this shelter has seen some amazing rescue stories just in time for Christmas. While these photos aren't glamorous, I hope you will find them uplifting and heart-warming!

Irene

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This serious lady is Irene. She was hit by a car and left on the side of the road for SIX days before being taken to the shelter. Luckily, nothing was broken and after just four days, Irene started walking, albeit with a little swagger.

Heart + Red

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Who are these two swanky gentleman? Heart, the German Shepherd, was abandoned after his own died. He was saved in the nick of time from being cruelly put to death by the dog catchers. At the shelter, he met his BFF Red, and the two have been inseparable ever since.

Sasha

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This little girl used to live near a car park, where locals would occasionally leave her food. One day, an inattentive driver ran over her back legs, leaving her permanently paralyzed. She was rescued and taken to the Shelter and funds have been raised by to buy her a bespoke trolley to help her walk again! Sasha should be cruising around the Shelter by Christmas!

Sunshine

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This is the newest addition to the Shelter, little miss Sunshine.

Shura

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This is Shura. Life hasn't been too good to this gentle soul. When Shura arrived to the Shelter, it appeared someone had beaten Shura and in an act of unbelievable cruelty, had cut off her nipples. Despite all the terrible things that have happened to her, Shura loves and trusts people, licks their hands, wags her tail and loves all the puppies who live at the Shelter!

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There are no animal welfare laws in Moldova, nor is there any management of the stray dog population. If caught, these dogs are taken to the death camp ‘Necropolis’ where they are beaten and mistreated before being brutally killed by means of a metal pole or poisoning. The Shelter Director, Natalia and her small dedicated band rescue these dogs and work tirelessly to find them loving homes. The shelter has been fortunate to find support internationally, not from big organizations, but everyday heroes, like Debbie from the UK, and Angela from Canada, who run the Shelter's Facebook page (Areal Moldavian stray dogs rescue) and fundraise for animals' food and firewood to keep these lovely babies full and warm (gofundme.com/Shura-Shelter-Help)

If you would like to help, the Shelter has a gofundme page titled "Shura's Story & Live Shelter Appeal"