Sanctuary for abandoned and neglected dogs and cats in the mountain region of Vlaška Planina, Serbia

Details

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  Description

  We are a married, Polish Serbian couple, Maryla and Goran, who over 2 years ago changed our lives by moving from the city to a village.
  
  In August 2022, we embraced the opportunity to purchase a property in the mountain region of Vlaška Planina, Serbia. Captivated by its beauty, we moved in and dedicated ourselves to establishing our roots here. The property features an old house alongside clay and wooden outbuildings. As we renovate the old house, we prioritize preserving its original character while ensuring functionality for our needs.
  
  In our place we have simple living conditions yet it's work in progress. We use traditional fild toilets. We have water from our own well and also village water supply but recently due to long term drought the ground water level decreased so during summer we have only our well and we use water from it more restrictively. As the house is still renovated there is limiting sleeping space, especially when it's getting colder, so currently the best time to visit us is around summer.
  
  We live an enriching life in nature with our dogs and cats. We identify as artists, creators, and visionaries committed to making a difference. Our passion for transformation and self-expression has inspired the launch of our latest project. This project focuses on environmental exploration and conservation, creative activities, art therapy, intuitive performances, and forging deep connections within the local community.
  
  We are both vegetarians and healthy habits in life are important for us. Surrounded by a rich landscape with meadows, forests, and small fields, we have the opportunity to enjoy walks with beautiful views, in the fresh air. Along the way, we supplement our diet with mushrooms, plants, and fruits that nature gives us.
  
  Our home stands as a sanctuary for abandoned and neglected dogs and cats, number of which is changeable, currently housing 6 cats and 16 dogs (we expect 3 more very soon). Some of them are going to adoption. Each animal is cherished as a family, with the responsibility of their care demanding time, resources, and emotional investment. Despite the challenges, we celebrate the love and joy they bring into our lives. They also stay with us in the house.
  
  We aim to build a thriving network of inspiring relationships with like-minded individuals. By visiting us and helping with our daily tasks as well as this more unusual, you become part of our family and we will appreciate you greatly! Your support is vital in helping us continue our mission of creating a nurturing and sustainable environment for both humans and animals alike.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  Interests

  

  Van life

  

  Events & social

  

  Charity work

  

  Self development

  

  Vegetarian or vegan

  

  Sustainability

  

  Pets

  

  Culture

  

  Camping

  

  Mountain

  

  Dancing

  

  Languages

  

  Plant care

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Architecture

  

  Writing

  

  Performing arts

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  Carpentry

  

  Animals

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Hiking

  

  Music

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Art & design

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Nature
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  - We can share our knowledge and experience through workshops and individual sessions focused on art therapy, intuitive music, painting, and the Tzolkin—Mayan calendar system.
  - We can organize meetings with local villagers, allowing workawayers to explore a more authentic way of life in Serbia.
  - We believe that every person is a unique universe, and we are open to exchanging ideas, sharing experiences, and learning something new from one another.

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  Help

  There is plenty of work in our place, depends on what you like and can do. We split it into 3 general categories:
  1. Everyday routine
  a) around the house
  - cooking
  - cleaning
  - gardening
  b) around the dogs
  - feeding
  - walking
  - petting
  2. Renovation & innovation
  a) playing with clay and other natural materials
  b) improving the fence around the property
  c) repairing roof
  d) making solutions for water supply, collecting rain
  3. PR
  a) promotion in social media
  b) documentation f.e. video recording...
  c) help with organizing resources
  d) general help with knowledge in legislation & development

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Polish: Fluent
  Serbian: Fluent

  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.
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  Accommodation

  First sleeping option to dispose of person or a pair is a small camper van Peugeot J5. It is equipped with a sink, gas stove and fridge. Another option available is in the house, under the roof, Both are seasonal and require insulation and heating system to be useful also in colder months.
  We provide at least one meal a day, vegetarian or vegan dinner.
  We have a dry compost system and no running water in the house at the moment.
  We have water from a well and we collect rain water.

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  What else ...

  The village is on the border between civilization and wilderness. Nature brought us here. There are many routes and special places that we know and recommend to spend time walking and discovering. The nearest shop and the bus stop is 3 km away. We have a car, so we can take you there or to the city, which is about 20 km away, and to other special places.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

  • 

    Limited internet access

  • 

    We have pets

  • 

    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

  

  Macho

  

  Maca

  

  Eris

  

  Leo

  

  Bistra

  

  Mala

  

  Jerma

  

  Kiki

  

  Kapucina

  

  Kafetin

  

  Vena

  

  Nuna

  

  Hopi

  

  Mumi

  

  Milo

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