Over the past weekend, volunteers from the Bulgarian National Union and KUBRAT YOUTH took part in the construction of a new private shelter near Vratsa, where more than 300 rescued dogs cared for by Plamenka Kalinkina will eventually be housed.

For years, she has devoted her life to rescuing and caring for hundreds of stray animals on her own. Today, she faces the need to relocate them to a new site and build a shelter that will provide them with better and safer conditions, as she has been harassed and threatened by local residents and Roma people.

Before the volunteer initiative, we issued a call on social media to everyone willing to help. Unfortunately, despite the strong public interest in animal welfare, no one responded or chose to dedicate their time to physical work.

Nevertheless, we from the Bulgarian National Union and KUBRAT YOUTH managed to form a group of volunteers from Sofia, who actively participated in the construction of the future shelter on Saturday and Sunday.

The work was intensive and varied. The volunteers helped drive in and level metal posts, install and reinforce fence panels, carry out welding work, tie the fencing with wire, and complete many other construction and installation tasks needed to create a safe place for the animals.

In just two days, we managed to build 170 metres of fencing—an important step towards completing the future shelter.

For us, this was not merely physical labour. It was a cause.

We are convinced that the way animals are treated is a measure of a society’s humanity. When people like Plamenka dedicate their lives to rescuing hundreds of animals, they should not be left alone in this struggle.

The Bulgarian National Union and KUBRAT YOUTH will continue to support initiatives that bring real benefit to society and give a chance for a better life to those who cannot defend themselves.