2025: A Year of Building Dreams, Saving Lives, and Growing Together

​As the sun sets on 2025, we find ourselves reflecting on a year that was as challenging as it was rewarding. This year at Sava’s Safe Haven was defined by a massive leap forward: transitioning from dreaming about a better future to physically preparing the ground for it.

​From the moment we first stepped onto our own land and watched the first truckloads of gravel arrive, to the final adoption of the year, here is the journey we took together.

🏗️ Breaking Ground: The New Shelter Project

For years, we have envisioned a sanctuary that offers more than just safety—a place designed for healing, comfort, and long-term sustainability. In 2025, that dream became a reality.

The Big Purchase (March): Thanks to an incredible outpouring of support and generous donations, we finally purchased the land for our new shelter. This was the result of years of saving and the shared belief of our global community.

The Blueprint (May): We watched our vision come to life on paper as our architect finalized the plans. These designs focus on modern welfare standards to ensure every animal has the space and environment they need to thrive.

Protecting the Future (May – July): Groundwork is rarely glamorous, but it is vital. We delivered over 100 truckloads of gravel followed by massive amounts of sand to level the land. This critical step raised the surface to prevent flooding, ensuring the site remains safe and dry for the next phase: erecting our perimeter fencing.

🎓 Education & Advocacy: Planting Seeds of Change

We know that rescue alone isn't enough; we must change hearts and minds. This year, we prioritized community outreach to tackle the root causes of animal suffering.

World Stray Animal Day (April): We hosted a local event with over 400 children and 50 adults. Working alongside the Animal Police, we educated the next generation on the importance of preventing unwanted litters. By teaching children about the responsibility of pet ownership, we are building a more compassionate Romania.

A Visit to Branistea (October): To celebrate World Animal Day, we visited a school in Branistea. Alongside officers from the Galati Police Animal Protection Bureau, we talked to students about animal protection laws and the daily empathy required to care for a pet.

The Romania Animal Welfare Summit: Sava’s was honored to attend the annual summit organized by ASPA Bucharest and SACHE Association. This gathering brought together national organizations and international speakers to strategize on how to elevate animal welfare standards across the entire country.

🌍 Expanding Our Global Family

Our mission is fueled by international collaboration. This October, we were thrilled to welcome a new volunteer team from Finland to the Sava’s family. Their passion and expertise further expand our network into Northern Europe, opening even more doors for our rescues.

🐾 82 Hearts, 82 Homes: Our Global Adoption Impact

While 2025 saw a global decline in adoption inquiries, our international teams worked with more grit and determination than ever before. We refused to let a slower market stand in the way of our rescues finding the love they deserve. Through tireless home-checking, networking, and campaigning, we are proud to share that 82 dogs successfully transitioned from shelter life to warm beds and loving families.

Here is how our global network made a difference:

Germany: Leading the way in our relocation efforts, our German partners arranged travel and forever homes for 36 dogs. The efficiency and dedication of the German team remain a cornerstone of our success.

Here are a few:

United Kingdom: Our UK team worked wonders this year, securing safe passage and placements for 17 dogs. These lucky pups moved into a mix of permanent adoption homes and vital foster spots.

Here are some of them:

France & Belgium: Our French team collaborated to ensure 12 lucky dogs started their new chapters. Their specialized approach to finding the right match for each dog's personality has been life-changing.

Here are some of the lucky pups:

Finland: Our newest team made an immediate and incredible impact! In their first year as part of the Sava's family, they secured homes or foster placements for 9 dogs.

Here are a few of them:

Romania: Local adoptions are a vital sign of changing attitudes toward rescue animals. We are overjoyed that 6 dogs were adopted locally, staying right here in Romania with their new families.

Some of the lucky dogs:

Canada: Reaching across the Atlantic, we collaborated with a partner charity to transport 2 dogs into specialized foster care, proving that no distance is too far for the right home.

Behind every one of these 82 success stories is a dog that now knows the comfort of a soft bed and the kindness of a human hand. While we celebrate these victories, we also remember the many dogs, puppies, and kittens we rescued throughout the year who were less fortunate. To the ones who didn't survive despite our best medical intervention: we carry your memory into 2026 as we continue to fight for every life.

💌 A Final Message of Thanks

As we close the door on 2025, our hearts are full. We want to thank every volunteer who works behind the scenes—the fundraisers, the home-checkers, the transporters, and the digital advocates.

To our supporters, old and new: You are the backbone of Sava’s. Without your donations, the land would still be a dream and those 87 dogs would still be waiting. We hope you will stay by our side as we move into 2026 to finish what we started.

Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and peaceful New Year. ❤️

🏡 Join Our Mission in 2026: Foster or Adopt

As we look ahead to a new year, our goal is to increase that number and see even more tails wagging in their new homes. But we cannot do it without you.

Whether you are in the UK, Germany, France, Finland, or right here in Romania, you can change a life. Fostering is one of the most powerful ways to help; it provides a "bridge" for a dog to learn what life in a home is like while they wait for their forever family. It saves lives by freeing up space at the shelter for the next emergency rescue.

Could you open your heart and home to a Sava's dog in 2026? Please reach out to our teams in your respective country to learn more about the adoption and fostering process. Let’s make 2026 our most successful year yet!