Many have either lived in kennels or survived on their own, making it difficult to adapt to domestic life. Understandably, foreign rescue dogs sometimes struggle in new homes due to past traumas, which may include hunger, harsh treatment, or isolation. Such experiences make them fearful of routine household noises, human touch, or even daily activities, as these are entirely foreign to them.
One of the shelters we visited housed multiple dogs in kennels within a large warehouse, where noise levels were overwhelming. Due to a lack of volunteers, the dogs received limited exercise, and the stress from noise and confinement was evident. Many dogs went days without a proper walk or time in the exercise pens, despite the volunteers' best efforts.
I spent time handling a few of the dogs and formed a special connection with Reina, a female German Shepherd Dog who was found beside her deceased guardian. She had been brought to the shelter, where she seemed scared and stressed.
Rescue and Rehome and CyDRA are two shelters that stood out positively. In all shelters, the passion of volunteers and staff is palpable, but in these two places, they go above and beyond to help dogs transition into new lives. These shelters focus on not only rescuing but also rehabilitating dogs to help them adjust to safe and supportive homes, away from lives marked by isolation, lack of resources, and constant fear. Their superior facilities also reduce stress, making these shelters particularly impactful and deserving of support.

Another highlight for me was the enriching conversations we had about dogs, the rescue world, and even life in general. These discussions were invaluable for learning, and unwinding with some cocktails on a beautiful beachfront helped us decompress from some of the more intense experiences.

What I Learned: I learned things that I could use in my studies, which was one of my main goals for the trip. The experience reinforced the importance of creating the right learning environment for each individual dog. We did Freework and scent work with several dogs, each responding differently.

Working in a shelter setting presented challenges, with distractions, noise, and the sheer excitement of being outside their kennels. This experience highlighted the importance of foster homes in rescue work and suggested that smaller facilities may better serve the dogs’ needs.
Seeing firsthand the differences in cultural attitudes toward dogs and animals in general was eye-opening. In some places, dogs are seen more as working animals or property than companions, with less attention to their daily well-being. These cultural differences reminded me of the importance of adopting a global perspective when addressing animal welfare.

The most significant takeaway about these dogs' needs was understanding the profound impact of trauma on them. Matching them to the right homes and providing adequate rescue support is essential but challenging due to limited resources.

On a personal level, I learned the value of focusing on positive aspects in difficult situations. This mindset motivates me to achieve more. Additionally, I recognised the importance of persistence, both in rescue work and in life.

Changing things may take years or even generations, but giving up would only guarantee no progress.

Current Rescue Situation: The rescue situation is dire everywhere, not just in Cyprus. I read about rescues in Romania, where countless stray dogs are collected, held in public pounds for two weeks, and then euthanized if private shelters lack space. Even puppies face this fate, which is devastating.

Witnessing the reality of shelter conditions and confined dogs left a lasting impression on me, far more impactful than seeing these issues in photos or videos. This experience has strengthened my determination to do more for dogs in need. It highlighted the global nature of the issue and the need for more public education and political support to create meaningful change.

Concluding Thoughts: There is a general need for greater awareness of responsible dog guardianship and the recognition of dogs as sentient beings with distinct needs. On a personal level, I feel inspired to deepen my involvement and work more directly with dogs, as that is where my passion lies.

If you plan to visit Cyprus, be prepared—it is tough, and seeing these realities can be hard. Don’t shy away from showing your emotions; it’s okay to be vulnerable. Some experiences may be difficult, but they are undoubtedly worth it.