The world sees a stray. We see a ray of Bulgarian sunshine waiting to light up your home.
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The world sees a stray. We see a ray of Bulgarian sunshine waiting to light up your home.
Shaggy Dogs is a dedicated, volunteer-powered team giving stray dogs in Bulgaria a second chance at life. We provide full medical care, rehabilitation, and socialization before finding them loving families, mostly in Germany and the UK.
Veterinary Care
Exams, vaccinations, spay/neuter, diagnostics, and medicines: getting dogs healthy and ready for you.
Socialization
With socialization of dogs, we build confidence and good habits — socializing dogs so they’re ready for family life.
Transport
We promote dogs for adoption, handle paperwork and microchips, and organize transport in Europe.
Feed hope!
Our Mission
We are driven by the belief that every dog’s struggle is a temporary chapter that deserves a happy ending. We face the challenging realities for dogs in Bulgaria, where the lack of resources means many strays are left vulnerable to illness, injury, and neglect. We fund extensive veterinary care, work through trauma with dedicated socialization, and ensure that every dog understands the comfort and routine of home life. This process guarantees that the dogs arriving in Germany and the UK are not just survivors, but well-adjusted companions ready to enrich the lives of their new families.
From a full belly to full health
Bruno
35 cm / 9 kg / 1,5 years old
Lara
40cm / 12kg / 2 years old
Adele
60cm / 25kg / 3 years old
From a crowded shelter to a smooth adoption.
Temporary foster care is truly transformative. It allows our dogs to recover in peace, learn basic house rules, and become accustomed to human kindness. This warmth, socialization, and one-on-one attention is impossible in the shelter. If you can open your home for just 1–3 months, you provide the best possible solution for a dog awaiting their international adoption. We cover all food and vet costs, and we will find the perfect match for your home and schedule.
Stephanie, Foster Parent in Munich
Our international network
built on compassion
The heart of Shaggy Dogs is a collective effort, requiring dedication at every step. Here, you’ll find reflections from the volunteers who prepare our dogs for their new start, and the happy adopters who complete the journey. Their stories are the living proof that rescue is the most rewarding choice.
Founder
“My heart is a permanent resident of this shelter. Every beat seems to pulse with the anxiety of the new arrivals and the gentle, steady hope of the long-term residents. We celebrate the tail wags like they’re major holidays and mourn the inevitable losses like family. It’s the only way to ensure every single dog knows, without a shadow of a doubt, that they were seen, they were valued, and they were fiercely, unconditionally loved.”
Shelter Volunteer
“I’ve learned more about loyalty and forgiveness from these dogs than I have from a lot of people. They teach you what truly matters. They look past your flaws and only see the kindness in your hand, offering acceptance without a hint of judgment.”
Shelter Volunteer
“Fostering isn’t easy – you know that goodbye is coming the moment they arrive. But you realize that your purpose isn’t to keep them; it’s to prepare them for their best life.. Letting go is often the most loving thing you can possibly do.”
Shelter Volunteer
“People call us heroes, but the dogs are the true heroes here. They endure everything and still manage to throw you a hopeful glance.”
Shelter Volunteer
“I always say the dogs are the best therapists. You can’t worry about your own problems when you’re focusing entirely on earning a head tilt and a soft nudge.”
Shelter Volunteer
“I carry two things home every day: a lot of dog hair, and the overwhelming feeling that I made a real, tangible difference in a deserving life.”
Do You Have a Little Extra Room in Your Heart (and Home)?
gain a lifetime of gratitude
You provide the love; we provide the food and vet care. A short-term commitment makes a lifelong difference for a dog escaping the streets of Bulgaria. Give a dog the warm, gentle start it deserves.
Copyright © Shaggy Dogs 2025. All rights reserved.
Stephanie
Foster Parent