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Help us at our street dog rescue sanctuary in Pignataro Interamna, Italy

Italy
Favourited 955 times
Last activity: 24 Apr 2024

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Host rating
100 %
Last replied
14 Apr 2024
Reply rate
90.1 %
Usually responds within 7 days
Feedback
47
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Availability

2024

Min stay requested: at least 1 month

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Description
[PLEASE NOTE: WE ONLY TAKE VOLUNTEERS FOR MINIMUM 1 MONTH STAY — the work is pretty easy, but it takes a little while to get to know the dogs, which is an essential part of the work 🤩

Our rescue journey started almost 5 years ago in Turkey, when we set up and established our street dog rescue sanctuary on the south west coast of Turkey . Over the past 5 years we have rescued and rehomed nearly 500 dogs but our time in Turkey has come to an end and we have now relocated to Italy, where a small sanctuary is being established to further continue our work with dogs 🐾
We will have around 65 dogs in total and the focus will be on their well-being and enrichment and of course to find them their own furever families across Europe and the U.K. 🤩
We are located in Lazio Province, close to the historic town of Cassino, an area rich in history and of course the famous Italian culture with its warmth and welcoming people 🤩
We are about an hour from both Rome and Naples and only 3 hours from the Adriatic coast. Surrounded by nature and beautiful mountains the sanctuary has the most amazing setting !
We have welcomed a huge international group of workaway volunteers in Turkey and look forward to the same rich mix in Italy 🤩
Our main language is English, but German and Italian is also spoken and we are more than happy to assist in helping improve anyone’s English language 😅
If you are crazy about dogs and love slobbery kisses and cuddles every day then please come to volunteer with us 🤩
We will be very happy to host those with a broad skill set but as there is also some decorating and diy needed, those handy in these areas will be more than welcome 🤩
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Language practice
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
This part of Italy is hugely historic and has the fabulous MonteCassino perched on the top of the hill … a working monestary well worth a visit ! Rome and Naples are just a hour away and there is a great train service from Cassino … it’s difficult to find any cultural chasms in Italy !! There is an amazing cafe street culture and of course amazing local produce to sample !!

Sara loves cooking and is always keen on making new dishes– if you like cooking, be sure to be able to explore that a lot! We often carry out some gardening and maintenance work as well, so it could be an opportunity to learn that for those who are interested.

Of course, most importantly, you'll learn a lot about dog language, behaviour and care!
Help
Caring for dogs is an essential part of your visit, so experience is good but a love of animals is more important. Though we can be flexible depending on circumstances, our daily routine (which is shared among everyone) is usually:

- cleaning the areas and feeding the dogs in the morning;
- checking on them in the afternoon, making sure they have water;
- walking them in the beautiful area that surrounds the sanctuary;
- putting them inside the depots to sleep.

There are also some extra tasks, such as taking dogs to the vets, bathing them, giving treatment to those who need it, basic cleaning in the main house, a bit of gardening or maintenance. When dealing with so many dogs it's hard to set specific times for work — apart from the morning work, which is always basically the same, during the day we do the tasks in different times.

Please note that for this kind of work it's essential that you are fully *comfortable with dogs*, specially knowing it's a big group of them! The work also does require a bit of "weight lifting", such as picking up bags of food, dogs, water tanks -- nothing too strenuous though! Our pups are early risers, meaning so are we — work starts when the sun is up, but then that also means we get the main tasks out of the way pretty early!
Our expected work schedule is 3 to 4 hours a day.

We're looking for people that are CRAZY about dogs, that will enjoy spending quality time with them and will be truly dedicated to the work. You can be sure our permanent staff will always be giving 150% of themselves too (:
Languages
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Italian: Beginner
This host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
We have 2 double bedrooms for our volunteers, currently there is 1 big shared bathroom but renovations in early 2024 will add a bathroom to each bedroom ! Everyone is welcome in the kitchen and we provide all the food – mostly vegan/vegetarian, but other food can also be available occasionally and you are free to cook what you wish. Sara cooks amazing food, specially vegan, but not every night — sometimes we have just DIY dinners too 🤩
What else ...
We are in a rural part of Lazio close to the border with Abruzzo, so plenty of opportunity to explore in your time off … the local villages are typically Italian with more major cities and towns easy to reach and explore ! The mountains are close by so if you like climbing or hiking then it’s perfect 😅
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
We have space outside and inside the Sanctuary to accommodate campervans
Can possibly accept pets
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
About 3-4 hours a day, 5 days out of 7

Host ref number: 275484126677

Feedback (26)

27 Nov 2023

Left by Workawayer (Lotta ) for host

I really had amazing and unforgettable five weeks in Palamut! Sara, Mike, Lotte and Joe were very welcoming and made my first workaway experience better then I had imagined!

I think I would only repeat the other feedbacks by saying that it was a 11/10 experience but its true.
The dogs (!!!), Mike's humour, the street feed, the sun, the late… read more

(Excellent )

27 Oct 2023

Left by Workawayer (Fabian) for host

Everyone who is reading this can stop sarching because YOU FOUND IT! This is the perfect workaway. Especially perfect for a first workaway expierence.
I was staying at the sanctuary for 5 weeks and it was just an amazing time. Sara is just the perfect host and always makes sure everyone is alright. I will miss all the people i met there and all… read more

(Excellent )

18 Apr 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Andrew)

Andrew spent around 7 weeks with us in total and was a great asset to the team and the sanctuary ! He made such a positive impact in just getting on with things, without even needing to be asked. He was amazing with the dogs, taking time and making the effort to get to know them and in return got a huge amount of love and affection back !
He is… read more

(Excellent )

26 Mar 2023

Left by Workawayer (Andrew) for host

I spent in total about 7 weeks, which is in the heart of a beautiful olive-growing valley a walk away from two villages with shops and a drive or walk and bus from the coastal town of Kalkan. In addition to the care for the dogs which has been described, I found little odd maintenance jobs to do, sitting in the sun (surprisingly mild winter for… read more

(Excellent )

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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)

Cultural exchange:
(4.8)

Communication:
(5.0)

27 Nov 2023

Left by Workawayer (Lotta ) for host

(Excellent )

27 Oct 2023

Left by Workawayer (Fabian) for host

(Excellent )

18 Apr 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Andrew)

(Excellent )

26 Mar 2023

Left by Workawayer (Andrew) for host

(Excellent )

29 Dec 2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Michelle)

Michelle was simply invaluable. For two months she dedicated every waking moment to the dogs — not only did she learn everything super fast, she quickly started to proactively pick up the tasks we hadn't had time for and helped us improve the running of the sanctuary in so many ways. She's smart, strong, has amazing attention to detail — on top of… read more

(Excellent )

15 Dec 2022

Left by Workawayer (Giovanny ) for host

After two months of being in the sanctuary, I just have to say thanks.

Thanks for letting me be part of the sanctuary for a sort of time. Thanks for the dedication and unconditionality with the dogs (Sara, Sam, Joe, Mike) 👏

This experience inspired me to see how a normal family dedicates their lives to helping and rescuing dogs, without wait… read more

(Excellent )

15 Dec 2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Giovanny )

Giovanny was the guy that came to change the whole volunteer dynamic we had at the moment. After a few months of not getting enough dedicated people, he arrived with such enthusiasm and genuine will to help that helped get the team back on track, inspiring the new volunteers to be as involved and caring as he was! Throughout his whole stay (we… read more

(Excellent )

15 Dec 2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Matthew)

It was Matthew's first volunteering (he committed to 3 months and stayed strong haha) and he arrived as a shy young lad, but soon started opening up and became everyone's little brother haha

He was funny, sweet and super affectionate to the dogs. In his first days we could tell he wanted to help but didn't quite know how to — the important is he… read more

(Excellent )

15 Dec 2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Christopher)

Chris was one of those volunteers that end up extending their stay, and specially at the time it really helped us have some stability and someone reliable to count on. He always promptly picked up the extra work in the morning when we were understaffed and that helped us a lot! He was experienced with shelter work and very comfortable with the… read more

(Excellent )

28 Oct 2022

Left by Workawayer (Christopher) for host

This summer I spend 8 remarkable weeks in the sanctuary and had a really good time! As it was summer and temperatures were really high during the day most of the work took place in the early morning with cleaning the depots, poop picking and feeding and in the evening when it's finally time to go on walks in the nearby areas and closing the dogs… read more for the night. As always when working with living beings and especially this wonderful dogs, you can never be sure what the day will bring, but for sure you will not get bored. Help is always needed, whether it's going on vet trips, cooking, making sure the dogs get fresh water in the afternoons, brushing them so they aren't too hot or just spending time with the dogs, cuddle them, play with them and give them the attention they deserve.

The accommodation was the best I have ever experienced in a workaway project, every volunteer has his/her own room with private bathroom - I even had a nice balcony with a great view. The same goes for the food - whatever food we wanted, we could simply write on the shopping list. Most of the food was vegetarian and during the time I was there, we took turns cooking. Even if I wanted a snack in between, I could just prepare something on my own.

In their free time the volunteers can go on walks, spend time at the pool (!) and even use the car if it's not needed for the dogs and arranged beforehand. Like this I was able to explore the surroundings, go to Saklikent canyon and to beautiful Patara beach. One time we even took some dogs to the beach and it's so heart warming to see the dogs enjoy being in nature, the water and the whole trip, that I would definitely recommend this to future volunteers!

The people who work and live at the sanctuary dedicate their entire lives to the welfare of the dogs, often putting their own needs second. Working with the dogs on a daily basis, watching and listening if there is a fight between two or more dogs (which doesn't happen often, but still needs to be watched out for), the dogs barking at night and many organisational and sometimes interpersonal challenges make working at the sanctuary challenging at times. But what the people there and also future volunteers get in return is unconditional love and affection from the dogs, is the knowledge of having saved many of them from certain death as an abandoned puppy, an injured street dog or a dog abused and disappointed by humans. As a volunteer, for a limited time, you can do your part to ensure that the dogs continue to live as good a life as they can in this sanctuary, thanks to the valuable work of the people there.

I enjoyed my time there very much, postponed my departure several times and can only recommend a stop there to anyone who has a big heart for dogs. Thank you for a wonderful time!

(Excellent )

25 Jul 2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Sebastian & SANDRA PATRICIA)

Having Paty and Sebas here was a breath of fresh air, specially in the time we had a shortage of staff and extra load.

They are both really lovely, smart, kind people that were always willing to help and were amazing at finding out themselves how to do it. Our pooches loved them and were very happy to get all the extra cuddles! Paty & Sebas had… read more

(Excellent )

24 Jul 2022

Left by Workawayer (Sebastian & SANDRA PATRICIA) for host

My wife and I went for one month and extended our stay one week more.

What we will write in this review has a small summary: they love dogs.

When you go you will meet a group of people (almost permanent volunteers) that have quited other possibilities in their lifes in order to help and even serve dogs. After all it is a sanctuary. This amazing… read more people will know every dog, their stories, their moods, how much they eat, the way they behave with other dogs, how they like to meet new people and what a volunteer has to do to be friends with the dogs. We learnt a lot about dogs, their behavior, how to introduce a new person, how to feed them and give them medicine, when and how to take them for walks and even how to split dog fights. But the most important we learnt is what service means. They are there for the dogs, and do recall incredible things for them, for example, they can't take in every dog in turkey because of the limited space, so every day one of them will drive the car and give street dogs food and fresh water, check their health and take them to the vet and give their daily medicines, if this is to street dogs, then you can imagine how they treat the dogs in the sanctuary.

Describing all of the obove has a purpose, to help new volunteers realize that if they go, you are doing it for the dogs. You will have to wake up before the sun rises, otherwise is too hot, you will have to clean poo and pee, you will have to feed and check the dogs for any weir behavior, health problems, or anything that can be affecting the dogs wellbeing. The work starts early and finish late, at 9 pm. You will have free time during the day, but if you are there for the dogs, you will always find ways of helping, such all the permanent volunteers do. It can be very very hot in the summer, and the dogs often barks all night long.

My wife and I loved the experience. We try to learnt as much as we could, we tried to get new responsibilities, so the permanent volunteers could take a day off after 3 months of not having days off. We were there for the dogs, we were there for learning about dogs, and we were there to learn what service means.

We encourage everyone that love dogs and want to change dogs life's to experience here. You for sure will find like minded people, and lots of love from dozens of dogs.

I miss all the dogs! And or course the people.

Thanks for saving that many lifes. Thanks for the opportunity. We hope we can come back one day.

Patty and Sebas!

(Excellent )

18 Jul 2022

Left by Workawayer (Agathe) for host

It was definitely one of the best experiences that I have ever lived. People in this shelter are so welcoming, generous, caring. And most important : they behave so well with the dogs. Always adjusting according to the personnality of each dog, being very patient with the difficulties they face, wondering how they could do better for their… read more

(Excellent )

17 Jul 2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Agathe)

We rarely receive volunteers for less than a month and we're so, so glad we made Agathe an exception — she stayed for only 3 weeks, but most definitely made them count!

She was one of our most involved & hands on volunteers, with the huge plus of having training in dog behaviour. Agathe was always observing the dogs and trying to show us how to… read more

(Excellent )

17 Jul 2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Joabe)

Sometimes it happens the volunteers arrive and realize how much different it is to be with dogs in a home and being with big groups of them in a sanctuary. We definitely noticed Joabe was a bit "shocked" and not that comfortable at first 😂 But from day 1 he was decided to work hard on it, didn't measure any efforts to befriend the dogs that were… read more

(Excellent )

1 Jul 2022

Left by Workawayer (Joabe) for host

My stay was simply incredible! I wasn`t very familiar with dogs when I first started, but I learned a lot about their behavior and it felt good knowing I was improving their lives. The work is not necessarily glamorous (most of it involves cleaning after the dogs and making sure their homes are clean and well-kept), but it is gratifying.… read more

(Excellent )

23 Jun 2022

Left by Workawayer (Amanda) for host

Our stay was the most heartwarming experience. It was inspiring to stay with Sara, Mike, Sam, Joe, and Jesse; people who dedicate so much time and love to dogs in need. Living and working in the sanctuary gives you an interesting perspective on life in rural Turkey, especially seeing the kindness and sacrifices of those who work in the veterinary… read more

(Excellent )

1 Jun 2022

Left by Workawayer (Katarzyna) for host

I stayed in the Sanctuary for a month and it was a wonderful time of my life. Sara, Mike, Joe and Sam made me feel comfortable. They were very caring and always checked if I need anything. Sara everyday cooked delicious dinners. They are great people with noble goal to rescue dogs. I was lucky to meet other volunteers who were great people as… read more

(Excellent )

16 Mar 2022

Left by Workawayer (Tom) for host

I spent around 2 months at the sanctuary over 2 seperate stays from last September to January. This place is a real find and offers an amazing oppurtunity to both learn about how to care for dogs and to simply relax away from life's worries and stresses.
Sara and Mike are excellent hosts that made me feel welcome and part of the family straight… read more away. Sara is an amazing cook and lovely woman that will always looks after you. Mike is equally as kind and so dedicated to the work- often driving from Turkey to as far as Scotland to make sure dogs are rehomed smoothly. Also a good lad for the beers- top geezer. I was also lucky enough for my trip to co-incide with Carol, Sara's mum. Another awesome cook and fantastic host!
Sam and Joe run the day-to-day morning tasks down in the deopts and have reached a peak balance of making the work fun and relaxed, whilst also making sure that everyone does their best and the dogs are properly looked after. Both do their best to make sure everyone is happy and that staying at the sanctuary feels natural and like being at home. Sam might be te most competent person I've ever met and has such a passion for looking after the doggies. I loved hanging out with Joe during and inbetween 'work' and has funny chat. an amazing couple.
Perhaps my favourite part of my stay was how nebulous the difference between working' and not working became. as the defining goal of the sanctuary is to make sure every dog is looked after, caring for the dogs, feeding and playing with them, walking them etc. became something that just happened naturally, without any real pressure to be in one place, or do one thing at any one time.
The sanctuary itself is far from the nearest town, but in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains and close to an awesome beach.
I loved my stay at the sanctuary and miss the people, the lifestlye and especially the beautiful dogs everyday.
Maybe obvious, but only apply if you love dogs, because they are everywhere!
I was lucky enough to be at the sanctuary at the same time as so many beautiful people, who i treasure having met. Maya, Jana, Connor, Belen, Wanda, Mark, Beth, Jesse, Tim, Viktoria and Max- much love!
i love seeing how all the dogs are doing on Facebook, and cant wait until I come back- or to whereever the doggy family relocates to next.
Much love, Tom (Rudy's dad)

(Excellent )

23 Oct 2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Tom)

Tom is the type of volunteer that will not only add to the project involved, but also the whole energy of the place and the group;

He's a very calm and easy person to be around, who you can tell loves doing what he's doing. Tom was also very proactive in the moments we need him (weather we had 3 volunteers or 6, he was there to pick up whatever… read more

(Excellent )

8 Mar 2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Amber)

The day we introduced Amber to the dogs, we finished and she went straight back in every depot to cuddle them all again. And that's how she was the whole two months she stayed with us, absolutely all about the dogs! Which is definitely the most important thing we could want from our volunteers 💛

Besides giving them proper quality time, she was… read more

(Excellent )

7 Mar 2022

Left by Workawayer (Amber) for host

Incredible experience!
This was my first workaway and I think I picked the best place to start! I stayed for almost two months but it felt longer and not in a bad way. I almost forgot what my life was like before going. It's so amazing to be surrounded by dogs and by other people who love animals all day every day. It's quite nurturing to the… read more

(Excellent )

9 Jan 2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Belén )

Belén came here in the perfect time, almost as if it was meant to be. The way she fully understood and looked after Emma was so important in the time she was here! Their connection was beautiful to see and I think Emma will always remember her 💛 Belén was also a mom to all the house dogs, specially with all the constant kind help with Mia (our… read more

(Excellent )

9 Dec 2021

Left by Workawayer (Belén ) for host

Este ha sido el mejor voluntariado que he hecho en mi vida 🤗
La cercanía con el equipo fue increíble, el apoyo constante, la comunicación y el cariño me hizo sentir en casa durante el mes y medio que pasé junto a ellos😍
Me enamore de los perritos y me enoje con los humanos por las malas prácticas que los hicieron sufrir tanto, pero el lugar es un… read more

(Excellent )

24 Nov 2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Conor)

Only reason why his trip being cut short wasn't too sad was because he left a bunch of his stuff here to come back for it haha

Conor is totally a hands on kind of guy, very skilled and proactive, genuinely helpful with any sort of task — from all sorts of DIY to heavy lifting to cooking! Tasks we had been procrastinating for ages, he promptly… read more

(Excellent )

3 Nov 2021

Left by Workawayer (Maya) for host

I don’t even know how to begin writing this… I had the most amazing stay, more than I could ever have wished for! When I read the Workaway profile something about it felt like this was the place I needed to go and I’m so happy I did. I stayed for 2 months and I wish I could’ve stayed much longer. I felt more like the dogs and people became my… read more extended family and I felt so at home.

I was welcomed by Sara with open arms and she was the most amazing host. She was there both to have a laugh with and also to talk about more serious things. Sara is so open, warm and lovely to be around and she makes you feel like you’re not a guest in the house but more like a part of it. Her cooking is amazing and I enjoyed making food together with her or just keeping her company in the kitchen while she was making some of her delicious vegan meals. Sara is such an inspiring woman, I admire her drive, courage and positive energy towards everything and her deep love for all animals. You don’t meet a spirit like hers every day.

Mike is really doing some of the heavy lifting in the sanctuary being the person who gets all the dogs to their forever homes. Although being on the road through Europe day in and day out and then coming back to the sanctuary to stay for a week or so, where he then fixes everything that needs fixing and helps around wherever it’s needed, he never complaints! It is so admirable how driven he is, and it really shows how much he loves all of the dogs. You can really feel the difference when Mike is away and when he’s home. He really lightens up the sanctuary with his always positive energy and he makes everyone feel so comfortable and welcome. He is like the steady anchor of the sanctuary and such a big and important part of it.

Sam and Joe are the ones you get to work closely with while you’re staying. They have so much kindness in them and I feel so lucky to have met both of them! They really made an effort to get to know me and make me feel at home. Coming as a new volunteer you can feel very confused and a bit awkward in the beginning, but Sam and Joe really make an effort to help you get into the rhythm and are happy to explain the same thing over and over again without getting the slightest bit inpatient haha. I admire how they keep a positive mindset and make time to give love to ALL the dogs, never putting themselves first. I miss seeing them every day and working with them as well it was such a joy! They don’t put any pressure on you to do what isn’t comfortable for you or ask you to do more than required, but seeing how much of themselves they give to the dogs everyday makes you want to do the same.

And last but not least the around 110 doggies of course need to be mentioned. I don’t know how to put into words how much the dogs gave me, I fell in love with each and every one of them. All of them have a story, a personality, a certain bark, special places they like to be scratched, likes and dislikes - they’re not “just” dogs they are just as much a person as any human being, but opposite to humans their love is so unconditional and pure. Being around so many dogs just made my love for dogs grow even stronger and I figured out I love being around animals much more than humans haha. My heart breaks just from writing this because I miss all of them so much, and if I could jump on the next plain to Turkey just to see all of the doggies again right now I would.

When I came to the sanctuary, I didn’t really know how it would be, but it exceeded my expectations in every way possible! The warmth, kindness and love I received from both Sara, Mike, Joe, Sam and of course all of the dogs made me feel like I wanted to give so much to the sanctuary, and I feel that I got so much in return as well. I can’t even put into words how thankful I am and I’m already looking forward to coming back and seeing everyone again!!!   

And a couple of tips when you go: bring A LOT of clothes that can get dirty and ruined, more than you would think. Don’t bring anything white that you like, because you won’t be able to wear it anyways haha. Don’t count on bringing home the shoes you’re planning to work in. When you get introduced to the dogs for the first time it’s a good idea to wear something that covers your arms and chest a bit, that will make the chances of getting a lot of scratches smaller. Be patient with the dogs that are a bit frightened and may seem scary in the beginning, they just need a bit of time and you will get as close to them as everyone else.

(Excellent )

29 Oct 2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Maya)

We knew Maya would be different when two of our wariest dogs straight away loved her — I'm talking dogs who usually spend days only barking or running away from new people, just jumping up on her for a cuddle first time they see her.

Since the beginning she wanted to fully understand the rhythm of the sanctuary, not only of what we asked her but… read more

(Excellent )

13 Oct 2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Jana)

Jana only stayed with us for 3 weeks, but she was so adaptable and keen on working with the dogs that she made her stay pretty worth it!

She's genuinely super sweet, amazing with the dogs - they loved her -, not fussy about anything, cooks delicious vegan food (also pretty creative with what she has available in the kitchen), and very kind —… read more

(Excellent )

13 Oct 2021

Left by Workawayer (Jana) for host

the only thing I regret is that I didn't stay longer, so (as also written on their profile) i would recommend everyone to stay at least one month, because it gets better and better the more you get to know each dogs character and get specially attached to certain ones. in the beginning it was sometimes a challenge for me, just overwhelming all the… read more

(Excellent )

11 Sep 2021

Left by Workawayer (Oğuzhan & Ecem) for host

On the first day we came, we said, where did we come from? But then we met the dogs and we formed a wonderful bond. We rested mentally during our time there. That part was really good because we stayed away from stress the whole time we were there. It is a place to stay for at least 2 months because it takes 2 weeks to bond with dogs. The job is… read more

(Excellent )

9 Sep 2021

Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host

Dear Sara, Sam and Joe,
first of all I’d like to thank you all for having me the past 5 weeks. It’s truly been the most amazing time. I knew I’d fall in love with every single dog, but I didn’t expect to also have such a good time with you guys. Thank you Sara for cooking the absolut best vegan meals, even when we had over 40 degrees outside.… read more

(Excellent )

9 Sep 2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Abdulrahman)

What can I say about Abdul ?! Only that he is a fabulous young man who was such a fantastic volunteer with us !! He had never had any experience with dogs before but his calm and kind attitude was just amazing with them all 😍 he has a natural affinity with dogs and they all loved him ! He was a great team member and we all enjoyed his company ...… read more

(Excellent )

7 Sep 2021

Left by Workawayer (Abdulrahman) for host

no words could explain this incredibly amazing experience!

I planned to stay a month, but i ended up with fascinating six weeks!! the people were really nice with me and the other volunteers, Sara is a great woman who leads this sanctuary and of course she is an amazing cook, even though she is vegan but she cooks non-vegan food as well!!. Joe… read more

(Excellent )

9 Sep 2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Amy)

Amy was a fabulous volunteer with us ... it was a total pleasure having her with us but most of all she loved our dogs and they loved her !! She took time to get to know them all but definitely had her favourites 😍 She was a great help and fitted in so well with everyone ... we were very sad to see her leave but we hope she will come back again… read more

(Excellent )

7 Sep 2021

Left by Workawayer (Amy) for host

This sanctuary is an amazing place to be. There’s a beautiful villa-like house, a pool, beautiful nature and sunsets. Of course those aren‘t the most important things though.
What really stood out was the generosity and kindness of Sara, Joe, Sam and Carol (Mike was gone most of the time I stayed there). Sara’s food is just as incredible as… read more

(Excellent )

2 Jun 2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Finn & Radostyna)

Hosts: if he writes to you, do not hesitate accepting Finn!

When he first arrived (to our surprise!) he was actually slightly scared of dogs and had never lived with one before... His choice to come to a dog sanctuary was based on his wish to leave his comfort zone and challenge himself while learning things. And gotta say, he adapted so… read more

(Excellent )

2 Jun 2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Caz)

We were so surprised to know Caz had never had a dog of her own before... she was just so naturally comfortable around them! That plus how hardworking and reliable she was, besides being a super sweet & gentle girl, made her an amazing volunteer that was a pleasure to host!

Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into helping us… read more

(Excellent )

8 May 2021

Left by Workawayer (Caz) for host

This Sanctuary is truly one of a Kind. Sara, Mike and Joe have created such a unique and beautiful space any one would be lucky to work here. The amount of animal centred love here is almost palpable and the whole team always ensure that the dogs get the best of everything. This place is pure doggy heaven with every waking moment surrounded in… read more

(Excellent )

18 Mar 2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Francesca & Jeffery)

Fran and JD were a great asset to our work here at the sanctuary, they worked hard and diligently and were very quick to learn ... they were also happy to pick up extra jobs to support me personally which was a great help in the running of the busy sanctuary ! They loved the dogs and looked after 12 young puppies we had recently rescued ... who… read more

(Excellent )

18 Mar 2021

Left by Workawayer (Francesca & Jeffery) for host

Sara and Mike made us very welcome in their beautiful home. The location and views are amazing. The dedication and time they give to rescuing and caring for the street dogs is inspiring. We loved caring for the dogs and the appreciation they showed us when greeting you made it all worth while. Saras cooking is amazing 10 out 10. She has inspired… read more

(Excellent )

22 Feb 2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Manon)

Manon and Louis were amazing workaways at our sanctuary, they worked so hard with all of the dogs and had such amazing empathy with them all .. Louis took twice as long to do his morning duties because he was cuddling and talking to the dogs !! They loved it ! They have been a great asset to our work here and I would highly recommend them to any… read more

(Excellent )

3 Feb 2021

Left by Workawayer (Manon) for host

What a fabulous experience with Sara, Mike, Jo, Josh and the others workawayers 😍😁 At the beginning, we wanted to stay just 3 weeks but we have decided to stay one month and half !! In fact, there are a lot of reasons to stay in Sara's house : very sympathic and warm people, a beatiful house with beatiful sunset every night, always delicious food… read more

(Excellent )

4 Jan 2021

Left by Workawayer (Gohier & Nicolas) for host

Oh my Days ! What a nice meeting we had in those 3 weeks staying with you guys ! Sarah, Mike, Joe and Josh, Jessy were our family during this time, sharing dog love, food (really good) and having discussions about every kinds of things. We had a lot a fun with you and were happy to give you that taste in Rockclimbing.
Thank you for having us for… read more

(Excellent )

3 Jan 2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Gohier & Nicolas)

It was such a pleasure to have Mathilde & Nico stay with us ... they contributed so much to our sanctuary & the dogs and to us personally ... especially to my son Joe and Jesse our other workaway ... I’m sure the new BBQ you all built will be much used !! ... nothing was too much trouble and we were very sad to see them go but I hope they will… read more

(Excellent )

17 Nov 2020

Left by Workawayer (Hannah barbe & Ari Daniel) for host

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(Neutral )

14 Sep 2020

Left by Workawayer (Samantha) for host

Could write forever about this workaway, but will try to keep it short haha So,

the only bad moment of my 5 months stay was leaving. Taking care of the dogs and sharing that time with Sara, Mike and their son Joe was one of the best experiences I've had. Sara is an absolute super human who's been doing a flawless work running the shelter, caring… read more

(Excellent )

20 Aug 2019

Left by Workawayer (Jean-Sébastien & Clémentine) for host

Fantastic experience !

Josh, Sara & Mike are truly kind, friendly and caring persons, it was a wonderful meet and we were sad to leave friends.
Their project is really beautiful and important because in Turkey the well-being of dogs isn't common, they turn street dogs into domesticated dogs by taking care of them and giving them a lot of love...… read more

(Excellent )

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Help us at our street dog rescue sanctuary in Pignataro Interamna, Italy

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