Profile information
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Host is looking for help immediately
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Host rating
100 %
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Last replied
2 Aug 2026
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Reply rate
96.5 %
Usually responds within 1 day
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Feedback
51
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Email verified
Badges (4)
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Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks
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Details
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Description
We are looking for reliable and independent volunteers who can take care of our shelter whenever Conny is staying at our second shelter in Trincomalee.
You will never be left on your own without preparation. Before taking on this responsibility, you will receive thorough training so that you feel confident with all daily routines and know exactly how to care for every animal.
There will always be 3–4 volunteers at the shelter, so you will be working as a team. Conny will also always be available by phone if you have any questions or need support.
Because of this role, volunteers take on a little more responsibility than at a typical Workaway.
Some of our animals have special needs, and your daily tasks may include:
Giving medication.
Expressing the bladders of our 5 disabled cats, who need this care several times a day.
Monitoring the health and well-being of the animals and keeping us informed if anything changes.
Our shelter is home to 5 dogs (including one very old senior dog) and 17 cats. Five of our cats are disabled and require extra love, patience, and special care.
Accommodation
Private bedroom.
Shared bathroom, kitchen, and living room.
Breakfast is included and consists of bread, eggs, seasonal fruit, water, coffee, tea, butter, and jam.
One scooter is available to rent if you would like to explore the area during your free time.
We are looking for kind, responsible, and committed people who are happy to take on a little extra responsibility in exchange for a truly rewarding experience. If you love animals, are willing to learn, and want to make a real difference, we would love to welcome you to our shelter.
Important Information: it is highly recommended to have a scooter driving license and be willing to rent a scooter or share one with other volunteers. -
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Light maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
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Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
There are many things you can learn from the animals and with the animals.
Flexibility, self-confidence, and exploring a different way of living are some of the things you can experience here. -
Help
Feeding, medical treatment, cleaning, going for walks, spending time playing with cats and dogs, giving them showers, dog training, taking videos and pictures, helping with social media, loooots of cuddling.
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Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Intermediate
Spanish: Intermediate
Indonesian: Beginner -
Accommodation
Balapitiya: My house (a small, private shelter) has 3 volunteer rooms. Volunteers live together with me, 5 dogs, and 17 cats. The area is peaceful and less touristic. The beach is reachable within a 10-minute walk. There is one surf school nearby, and we are close to the turtle rescue center. The cats live with us inside the house, and the dogs mostly stay outside. Please do not expect a hotel – it is a local house with many pets.
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What else ...
Balapitiya has a really good infrastructure. You can easily take a bus to Ambalangoda, Bentota, or Galle, for example, and explore more of the south coast.
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A little more information
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Internet access
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Limited internet access
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We have pets
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We are smokers
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Can host families
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Can host digital nomads
We have a very good wifi at my in Balapetiya house. If there are no powercuts, then you can work 24h online.
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How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
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My animals / pets
Host ref number: 646983347412
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+23
Feedback (29)
16 Jul 2026
Left by Workawayer (HIROSHI) for host
First of all, I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to volunteer here, I'm truly glad I came. The scheduled 3 weeks flew by, and I was reluctant to leave. It was wonderful to see Conny who wholeheartedly loves and lives alongside dogs and cats with various backgrounds in action. At the shelter, work procedures were clearly written out
… read more
7 Jul 2026
Left by host for Workawayer (HIROSHI)
Moshi did a great job! He was very patient with the animals and they loved him a lot. Moshi is very reliable and helpful. We had a really peaceful time togehter with the animals.
7 Jul 2026
Left by host for Workawayer (Giovanni & Candelaria)
Giovanni & Candelaria are big animal lovers! They are really into it and cared with love for the dogs. Our communications was good and they did a great support to our dogshelter. Thank you!
13 Jun 2026
Left by Workawayer (StellaSNova) for host
I had a beautiful 3 weeks helping at Connys place in Balapitiya. Conny is a great host and cares very deeply about the animals. I really bonded with a lot of the animals and was so sad to leave. the area is beautiful and I made some beautiful friends in my 3 weeks there. The heat and humidity can sometimes make the days feel a little extra hard
… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+23
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(4.7)
Communication:
(5.0)
16 Jul 2026
Left by Workawayer (HIROSHI) for host
First of all, I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to volunteer here, I'm truly glad I came. The scheduled 3 weeks flew by, and I was reluctant to leave. It was wonderful to see Conny who wholeheartedly loves and lives alongside dogs and cats with various backgrounds in action. At the shelter, work procedures were clearly written out
… read more
7 Jul 2026
Left by host for Workawayer (HIROSHI)
Moshi did a great job! He was very patient with the animals and they loved him a lot. Moshi is very reliable and helpful. We had a really peaceful time togehter with the animals.
7 Jul 2026
Left by host for Workawayer (Giovanni & Candelaria)
Giovanni & Candelaria are big animal lovers! They are really into it and cared with love for the dogs. Our communications was good and they did a great support to our dogshelter. Thank you!
13 Jun 2026
Left by Workawayer (StellaSNova) for host
I had a beautiful 3 weeks helping at Connys place in Balapitiya. Conny is a great host and cares very deeply about the animals. I really bonded with a lot of the animals and was so sad to leave. the area is beautiful and I made some beautiful friends in my 3 weeks there. The heat and humidity can sometimes make the days feel a little extra hard
… read more
12 Jun 2026
Left by Workawayer (Pia) for host
I had the Best experience at the Dog Shelter. It was so much fun to be around all the animals and I also got to Meet so many great people. I actually stayed longer than originally planed because I liked it so much and leaving the animals was also very difficult. I got to learn a bunch of new things which was also very fun and I am truly greatful
… read more
27 May 2026
Left by host for Workawayer (Cristina)
Christina worked with us at our animal shelter as a volunteer through Workaway, and we were very happy to have her as part of our team.
She was always dedicated to the animals and genuinely cared about their well-being. Christina was reliable, motivated, and willing to help wherever support was needed. She carried out her tasks responsibly and … read more
She was always dedicated to the animals and genuinely cared about their well-being. Christina was reliable, motivated, and willing to help wherever support was needed. She carried out her tasks responsibly and … read more
25 May 2026
Left by Workawayer (Cristina) for host
He pasado casi 3 semanas en este refugio de perros y gatos y ha sido una experiencia intensa y muy interesante. Recomiendo venir a todo el que adore compartir su día con estos animalitos y que quiera aprender como manejar a los discapacitados. Dependiendo de la cantidad de voluntarios que haya, el trabajo es más o menos intenso y complicado. Me
… read more
24 Mar 2026
Left by host for Workawayer (Skye)
Skye came to our animal shelter through Workaway to help, but unfortunately the experience was very disappointing. She stayed for about an hour and then left without saying anything or giving any explanation. She did not communicate any concerns on site, so we had no chance to address any potential issues.
In a place like an animal shelter, … read more
In a place like an animal shelter, … read more
18 Mar 2026
Left by Workawayer (Eline) for host
I volunteered at Conny's shelter for about two weeks. Conny is an amazing person and I honestly don't know anyone that is more devoted to animals than she is. I've had such a good experience and I couldn't recommend it more! :)
12 Mar 2026
Left by Workawayer (Lola Marie) for host
I spent about a month with Conny and the animals in balapitiya and it was such a great experience! I had my own room and a lot of free time, the animals were amazing and I met so many nice other volunteers! Conny really loves all of her animals and puts a lot of work into making everyone feel at home! I would really recommend to come here, thank
… read more
23 Feb 2026
Left by Workawayer (Luisa) for host
I stayed with Conny in Balapitiya for around 2 weeks and had a really good time. It was lovely to be around the cats and dogs 24/7 and I fell in love with them immediately. The work is easy and when you're more volunteers in the house you can split it so it's not a lot of work per day. When you love animals and you are ok to live with them and you
… read more
27 Jan 2026
Left by host for Workawayer (Julie)
Julie was fantastic during her time here and exactly what we needed: flexible and reliable. She took great care of the dogs, performed her duties very conscientiously, and even came back for a few days. We and the dogs had a wonderful time with her. Julie you are very welcome to come back anytime again!
27 Jan 2026
Left by host for Workawayer (Samantha & Craig)
Sam hat sich so engagiert und hart gearbeitet. Während meiner Zeit in Deutschland, wurden oft Welpen vor dem Tor ausgesetzt, kranke Hunde mussten versorgt werden- es war eine besonders intensive Arbeitszeit für die freiwilligen Helfer. Dank Sam, wusste ich, dass die Tiere gut versorgt sind. Sie war mit ihrem ganzen Herzen für die Hunde und Katzen
… read more
29 Jul 2025
Left by Workawayer (Samantha & Craig) for host
Volunteering at the Dogs & Cats Care in Trincomalee was one of the most meaningful and beautiful times of my life. I spent one unforgettable month there and learned so much, it awakened a deep passion in me to help animals even more in the future.
Conny has built something truly special. Her love for animals is endless, and you can feel her heart … read more
Conny has built something truly special. Her love for animals is endless, and you can feel her heart … read more
27 Jan 2026
Left by host for Workawayer (Fabienne & Moritz-Miguel)
Fabienne and Miguel were volunteering, while I have been in Germany. They have been taking care nicely for my animals and all went smoothly. I am most happy that our disabled dog Ravi will be adopted from their family! Ravi is a dog with special needs and they quickly understood how to handle him. I am so happy for Ravi! I can really recommend
… read more
23 Dec 2025
Left by Workawayer (Fabienne & Moritz-Miguel) for host
This was our first Workaway experience, and it taught us so much. Working with the animals is fun, but also (emotionally) challenging and tiring. Most of the animals have disabilities, so you shouldn't be put off by tasks like emptying their bladders and treating wounds. We quickly fell in love with the animals and adopted Ravi to our home in
… read more
7 Jan 2026
Left by Workawayer (Magdalena) for host
I volunteered for a week at the dog shelter in Trincomalee. It’s truly incredible what Conny and the team have created there for the animals.
It’s hard not to fall in love with the dogs – they are such soft souls who ask for love and attention and are simply lovely.
The volunteer house gives you the chance to recharge and rest, you can schedule … read more
It’s hard not to fall in love with the dogs – they are such soft souls who ask for love and attention and are simply lovely.
The volunteer house gives you the chance to recharge and rest, you can schedule … read more
17 Dec 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Katerina)
Kat was an amazing help here at the shelter. She was very eager to learn and quickly picked up all tasks. She was able to express the bladder of three cats as well as one dog and always handled the animals with great responsibility and care.
She was always motivated, reliable, and extremely helpful. She even went to the vet twice and supported us … read more
She was always motivated, reliable, and extremely helpful. She even went to the vet twice and supported us … read more
28 Nov 2025
Left by Workawayer (Mateo & Olivia) for host
This was our first Workaway experience, we stayed with Connie for 3 weeks at the Balapitiya location and we quickly fell in love with the animals. It was clear to see how much Conny loved and cared for the animals. During a our stay we fed and cared for the injured cats and dogs and did lots of dog walks! Connie made sure we had some days of to
… read more
31 Oct 2025
Left by Workawayer (Luke & Aimee) for host
We volunteered with Conny for over four weeks and really enjoyed our experience. During this time, we helped her relocate from Weligama to Balapitiya — a huge but rewarding effort. Daily tasks included walking and feeding the dogs, cleaning the cat house, topping up food and water, and mopping a few shelters. The work took around 2 hours in the
… read more
11 Aug 2025
Left by Workawayer (Mia) for host
My apologies for such a late feedback!
I stayed with Conny for 2,5 weeks in June, and it was a perfect first workaway for me. The animals are wonderful and being really well taken care of by Conny. She was in Germany for the first part of my stay, but communication over WhatsApp was great and the other volunteers gave me all the information I … read more
I stayed with Conny for 2,5 weeks in June, and it was a perfect first workaway for me. The animals are wonderful and being really well taken care of by Conny. She was in Germany for the first part of my stay, but communication over WhatsApp was great and the other volunteers gave me all the information I … read more
3 Aug 2025
Left by Workawayer (Nina) for host
I had a great month with Conny and the animals. The experience was fun, meaningful, and sometimes a bit challenging - when we had to manage things on our own (with another volunteer) while Conny was away – but it was all part of the adventure.
The animals are just amazing – I would've taken them all home if I could! Each volunteer has a private … read more
The animals are just amazing – I would've taken them all home if I could! Each volunteer has a private … read more
25 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Kieran)
Kie was responsible for my animals after a short training period, together with other volunteers, as I flew to Germany. He quickly understood the work and always asked immediately if anything was unclear. Kie is very communicative and easy to get in touch with. He took care of things very responsibly and independently and I hardly got any
… read more
8 Feb 2025
Left by Workawayer (Kieran) for host
I was part of a small team who looked after Conny's house and animals while she travelled with a dog to Germany. We knew beforehand that we would be working independently, and we were provided with a budget (which was extended) to cover the cost of our breakfasts and additional animal needs.
The workload is fair, but as with any animal related … read more
The workload is fair, but as with any animal related … read more
25 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Claire)
Claire is a great volunteer! She really loves animals from all her heart and is taking responsability quickly. Claire helped a lot with house work too and recognized always if somewhere is work to do, quickly. Her main focus are the animals and the support. I really enjoyed working together with Claire.
27 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Claire) for host
Conny is a wonderful, kind, courageous person who puts the welfare of animals in her care over everything. I stayed for a month and would recommend the experience to anyone who loves dogs and cats and is willing to turn their hand to anything that needs doing. The peaceful environment and beautiful beaches are an added bonus and a large part of
… read more
19 Oct 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Nicolò)
Nicolo did a good job at my small shelter. He took aswell care about my animals, together with the other volunteers, while I haven´t been there for a few days. He is an honest, uncomplicated person and you can relay on him. I whish Nicolo many great volunteer experiences!
29 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (Nicolò) for host
I stayed at Conny's place more than 2 weeks and I whish I could have stayed more. The work is not heavy or difficult you have just to learn quickly and remind some things but if you are in 2/3 volunteers is pretty quick too(1/2h in the morning and in the evening) and you have time to enjoy the rest of the day and organize even your days off. The
… read more
19 Oct 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Gjermund & Vilde)
Gjermund&Vilde visited me and create a great video of one of my dogs, to find a home for him. I can definitely recommend them to support with social media works. They have professional facilities and experiences. We had a good time together.
2 Oct 2024
Left by Workawayer (Gjermund & Vilde) for host
Conny is a wonderful person and she does a fantastic job for these animals. We were only there for one day and took photos and made a video for her social media, but could have stayed longer if it was suitable. Can recommend anyone who wants to make a difference and at the same time have a cool experience volunteering at Conny's place!
8 Sep 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Noémie)
Noemi has volunteered at my privat animal shelter for 3 weeks. She was self-confident in walking the dogs and she was working self-responsible from the beginning. She took care of the cats and dogs in a lovely way and ask always, if something was not clear. Noemi is a really pleasanat person and I was feeling comfortable, living with her in my
… read more
8 Sep 2024
Left by Workawayer (Rebecca) for host
My stay at the animal shelter was such a good time! it was amazing to see what Connie does every day for these animals.
You will fall in love very quickly, all the cats are so cuddly you never feel alone ❤️
Loved it!
You will fall in love very quickly, all the cats are so cuddly you never feel alone ❤️
Loved it!
15 Aug 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Carina & Tony)
Carina and Tony were taking care of my animals and my house, while I have been in Germany. We could´t meet in person, but I am really greatful for their help and support while I was not there.
8 Aug 2024
Left by Workawayer (Carina & Tony) for host
I stayed for one week at the animal shelter and had an amazing and eye-opening time taking care of the lovely dogs and cats. The work amount was fair (I shared the work with two other volunteers at the time) and I also enjoyed working as part of a team during my time there. We also had plenty of free time to play and cuddle with the animals and to
… read more
6 Aug 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Hannah)
I was feeling very comfortable, living and working with Hannah together. She took responsibility from the first day, was engaged and stood by my side. I was not in worry to leave Sri Lanka, to do my yearliy Germany-visit. I knew she gonne take care of my animals and my house in a very good way, together with the other volunteers. I would love to
… read more
6 Aug 2024
Left by Workawayer (Hannah) for host
I stayed at Conny's in Weligama for three weeks. At first, she was with us, showing us everything there is to do before she left for Germany.
I wouldn't want to miss this experience as my first Workaway opportunity. Conny is a great host who made me feel welcome right away with her friendly and calm demeanor.
During my stay, we took care of her … read more
I wouldn't want to miss this experience as my first Workaway opportunity. Conny is a great host who made me feel welcome right away with her friendly and calm demeanor.
During my stay, we took care of her … read more
17 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Faheem & Anne-Marie)
Faheem and Annie are great volunteers! They worked with me, when I was in a really difficult situation, trying to find a new place and being not in a good health situation. Even Annie got heavy allergical reaction to my cats, they didn´t stop helping me. They booked a room near by to go on volunteering, focusing on the dogwork. I am very greatful
… read more
24 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Faheem & Anne-Marie) for host
We very much enjoyed our time at Lokku's. The animals are all so loving and easy to get to know. It was hard work at times and could be exhausting in the heat but we quickly got into a routine.
Conny was in the middle of looking for a new location for the sanctuary and after 2 weeks of learning from her we were able to support her going away for … read more
Conny was in the middle of looking for a new location for the sanctuary and after 2 weeks of learning from her we were able to support her going away for … read more
30 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Georgia & Gabriella)
The time with Georgia and Bella was great. They learned all work so fastly and did it with such a lightness. They have a big heart for animals and were very engaged and good teamworkers. Thank you so much for your amazing help! I am happy to see you again soon!
20 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Georgia & Gabriella) for host
Conny and her team do absolutely incredible work for the dogs & cats inside and outside of her shelter. She has a heart of gold and cares so much about these animals, where unfortunately most of the locals do not. She makes a huge difference to all of the animals in the area.
We have learnt so much working with Conny. The work can be physically … read more
We have learnt so much working with Conny. The work can be physically … read more
16 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Ole & Rosa) for host
A true gem on workaway.
When we arrived, we weren't sure if we were up to the everyday tasks of shelter life.
But we soon realised that this place gives you the opportunity to surpass yourself and contribute something meaningful during your trip to Sri Lanka.
New challenges that seemed difficult at first soon became routine with the help of … read more
When we arrived, we weren't sure if we were up to the everyday tasks of shelter life.
But we soon realised that this place gives you the opportunity to surpass yourself and contribute something meaningful during your trip to Sri Lanka.
New challenges that seemed difficult at first soon became routine with the help of … read more
3 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Feminier) for host
I spent the best 2 weeks at Conny's home. The work was not too hard and so interesting. actually, the hardest is seeing the animal bad condition in the country, but Conny and her team do everything they can to help them and it's beautiful.
I advice you to go in this place , you won't be disappointed. dogs are really kind, and lovely. the place is … read more
I advice you to go in this place , you won't be disappointed. dogs are really kind, and lovely. the place is … read more
30 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Yasna)
I had a great, intense hard working time with Yasna! She was so engaged and helped me wherever it was possible. She did many night shifts, to feed milk to the very small puppies and even with having not enough sleep she had a nice humor, which helped us through many challenges. Yasna stood calm and clear, even in really difficult situations. It
… read more
30 Jun 2023
Left by Workawayer (Yasna) for host
I've had the absolute best experience volunteering at connys place!!! I learned so incredibly much and it is very inspiring to work together with conny as she is so hard working and cares so deeply about animals. The work that they do at her shelter is very important and impressive. Her passion for animal welfare is truly like no other. I felt at
… read more
5 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Alberto)
Thank you for the great time, working with us, Alberto! You have always recongnized, if I needed help and you were ready to be there immediately. You got not tired even to do unpleasant work and you spread always relaxed vibes. You took amazing videos and pics for our social media! Hope to see you again at lokkuś dogs and catscare.
5 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Elia96)
Danke für Deine tolle Arbeit! Die Tiere haben Dir sofort vertraut und Du hast Dich mit kreativen Ideen eingebracht. Mein Haus hat sich durch Dein Engagement stark verändert. Dank Dir gibt es einen "catwalk" und viele Regale und Hakensorgen für Ordnung und Überblick, um nur Beispiele zu nennen. Ich wünsche Dir noch viele schöne Erfahrungen mit der
… read more
13 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Elia96) for host
Thank you conny for this wonderfull time.
My initial plan was to stay only for one month but in total I stayed almost 3 months in this animal shelter.
We had funny moments but also sad moments that's how it works if you are working with sick animals.
Conny is doing her best to save all animals in need around her shelter.
She has a warm heart not … read more
My initial plan was to stay only for one month but in total I stayed almost 3 months in this animal shelter.
We had funny moments but also sad moments that's how it works if you are working with sick animals.
Conny is doing her best to save all animals in need around her shelter.
She has a warm heart not … read more
18 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Gina)
We had a great time with you Gina! Thank you so much for your amazing social media work and crowd funding support!!! Our animals enjoyed your care and love and I was feeling very comfortable, living together with you. I hope you will come back one day.
31 May 2022
Left by Workawayer (Gina) for host
I spent three wonderful weeks with Conny, her team and the animals.
Conny has a property with currently 13 dogs and 6 cats around which we took care daily. That means feeding, cleaning, playing, walking and of course a lot of cuddling! I had my own room. There are two rooms for Volunteers available. The bathroom is shared. Ten minutes walk from … read more
Conny has a property with currently 13 dogs and 6 cats around which we took care daily. That means feeding, cleaning, playing, walking and of course a lot of cuddling! I had my own room. There are two rooms for Volunteers available. The bathroom is shared. Ten minutes walk from … read more
19 Jun 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Theresa)
Vielen Dank für Deinen engagierten Einsatz! Ich wusste immer dass Haus und Tiere bei Dir in guten Händen sind. Deine gelassene Art war wohltuend für Mensch und Tier!
5 May 2022
Left by Workawayer (Theresa) for host
I spent almost two weeks at the shelter and it was an unique and unforgettable experience. The dogs and cats are amazing. Conny is an exceptional person who gives absolutely everything in her day to day life for them.
Conny is also an amazing host. She really makes you feel welcome from day one.
The work is more than fair and if you help each … read more
Conny is also an amazing host. She really makes you feel welcome from day one.
The work is more than fair and if you help each … read more
