Samana animal care experience

Thanks to the Fundacion Aldes de Paz for bringing me such an enjoyable, memorable volunteering experience. Working on a farm was definitely one of the best experiences in my life.

The Dominican Republic is a very beautiful Caribbean country. It is well known for its blissful beaches. The Foundation is located in Samana, which is wild and verdant, with coves, bays, waterfalls, mountains and awe-inspiring views – there is lots to explore. It is such a pity that local animals are suffering. Because of low education and tradition, people in the DR believe dogs and cats carry diseases. Also, dogs disturb people’s lives such as barking at night or seeking food in trash cans, so there are lots of street dogs in Samana. Julia and Sebastian (two sweet and thoughtful staff members from the foundation) introduced me to a farm owner Kim at the first day I arrived in Samana. Kim is also a defender of animals. She takes in street dogs, takes care of sick and poisoned dogs and also teaches locals how to take care of their animals.

There are lots of things I could do on the farm: clean and maintain the farm equipment, provide clean water and feed animals, learn how to observe the health condition of horses, pigs, dog etc. But most of the time I just played with dogs. Giving them attention and making them trust humans is very important. There are 30 young healthy dogs on the farm, one of my jobs is training the dogs with some simple orders, correcting their behaviors for when they get the opportunity to be adopted in a big city. I love animals. And I believe that a sustainable future for the planet can only be achieved if both animals and people are part of the solution. My journey in Samana was short (only 2 weeks), but it was meaningful and helpful. Also, I had a good time with other volunteers who worked on other projects, I enjoyed the local food and the beautiful landscapes. Finally, I want to thank Julia and Sebastian for helping to make my trip safe, comfortable and meaningful.