We can't let the strays and those at Ivana's shelter starve to death!

1. In North Macedonia, Ivana is almost out of kibble to feed the countless dogs cared for by her association, both at the shelter and on the streets: they will starve if no one intervenes! 

“Just in the last month and a half, we've had 7 purebred labradors surrendered to us. These were all dogs that were adopted during the lockdowns, that owners no longer want… On the streets too, we're seeing an increase in abandonment. In total, we look after over 185 dogs, divided between the shelter, the street and the city's rubbish dumps. Their numbers are growing, and feeding them all is becoming increasingly difficult.

We're running out of kibble; in fact, the stock is so low that it will be completely gone in just a few days. What's even more troubling is that the kibble we do have isn't the best quality. Dogs suffer from malnutrition, many are losing weight and getting weak because of it. I hate to say it, but lately some of the strays haven't made it due to not having enough to eat... it's heartbreaking.

The imminent kibble shortage also means we’re turning away animals in need simply because we don’t have the resources to feed even one additional mouth… It's a pain that's hard to describe. Every night, the anxiety of not being able to feed the dogs keeps me awake, the weight on my chest is so heavy! All I can think of is getting through this kibble crisis and this campaign is literally our only hope to overcome it.”

2. The dogs are hungry, they are losing weight visibly and fights are legion... Ivana fears a catastrophe if this campaign fails!

“The kibble we have now is not of good quality, and the repercussions on dogs are clearly visible. They're losing more and more weight, and every day their immunity is weakening. If the situation continues as it is, they'll fall ill one after the other... It's a heartbreaking prospect. 

I've also noticed an upsurge in fighting. It's as if the stress of hunger is driving them to fight... Some stray dogs have already succumbed, and I fear that others will suffer the same fate if they don't get the kibble they need.  The mere thought that these fights could escalate keeps me awake at night!

In this tense environment, with no prospect of being able to renew our kibble stock, we're not able to continue rescues at the moment either. More dogs are roaming the streets, eating all kinds of harmful substances to survive, out of desperation... Knowing that so many dogs are suffering or dying without proper nutrition affects me enormously. Only this campaign can help!"

3. Ivana has tried everything to obtain kibble, but to no avail; only this campaign will enable her to feed the dogs!

"I have tried everything to find enough kibble for the dogs, I turned to everyone: social media, fundraisers and so on. I even tried to approach local businesses, thinking they might contribute, but that door closed before it really opened. As for my friends and family, bless them, they've done what they can, but it's just not enough to meet the scale of the need.   

I feel like I'm going in circles. Here, the government doesn't help animal protection organizations at all, with anything. And to top it all off, the price of kibble has skyrocketed since the pandemic. Every time I look at the rising prices and our increasing indebtedness to our suppliers, the weight on my shoulders gets a little heavier.

I feel like I've knocked on a thousand doors and shouted from the rooftops. I've cast such a wide net.  And yet, here we are, in a more critical situation than ever when it comes to kibble... The thought of not being able to provide for the most basic needs of the dogs under my care despairs me, and saddens me more than anything...”

4. Ivana isn't asking for money, only kibble to prevent the dogs from starving.

“Feeding these animals is honestly at the heart of everything we do. Without a stable supply of kibble, it's like the whole operation comes to a standstill. I can't stress enough how crucial it is to the health and well-being of every single dog here. It's not just about filling their bellies; it's about preventing illnesses, and when we rescue a new one, giving them that vital nutrition that sets them on the path to recovery.

Having enough kibble also changes their behavior in such a positive way. You’d be amazed how much calmer and less aggressive they are when they know they’re going to eat regularly. It's like a safety net for them. As for the strays, without regular kibble, they often end up eating things they shouldn't - stuff that can be harmful or even deadly…

Being in this line of work, there's a deep sense of responsibility I feel. These animals rely on me, and at the heart of it all is that basic necessity - food. Kibble is like the foundation; it's what allows us to keep going, to save more lives, and to give these animals the care and love they so desperately need.”

5. Kibble is the cornerstone of Ivana's actions, and the base of the unbreakable bond she shares with the dogs she rescues.

"The mission I've undertaken in caring for these animals means everything to me. Every day, when I see their eyes light up with trust and affection, it gives my life a purpose, a real meaning. Every time we save an animal, every time we bring it back from the brink, I feel a deep sense of accomplishment. No two dogs express their gratitude in the same way, and every bond I share with them is irreplaceable.

Even on days when it feels like the world is against me, I'm never really alone. Dogs are my comfort, healing me like nothing else can. Just being close to them, feeling their warmth, gives me a sense of inner peace.

Of course, knowing that this mission also has a positive impact on the community, that our actions can make a real difference, only amplifies the joy and happiness that comes with it. In this sometimes chaotic world, it's this promise, this connection with animals, that keeps me grounded.”

6. If this campaign succeeds, Ivana will not receive any money but 1800 kg of kibble, delivered from Animal Webaction's logistics platform in Macedonia.

Animal Webaction has a logistics centre in Macedonia which enables us to intervene quickly and deliver kibble.

7. Campaigns launched on Animal Webaction often fail.

When a campaign fails, Animal Webaction cannot deliver the products. The beneficiary doesn't receive anything and the buyers are refunded. 

8. In Macedonia, neither the state nor the population wants to help the abandoned dogs. A lot of animals are left to die outside, there is no care for them.

If you know of a foundation or NGO that could help Ivana, please invite them to contact us so that we can put them in touch.

If you represent an animal protection foundation or NGO, please help Ivana's dogs, contact us and we will put you in touch!

If you want to come to Ivana's shelter to help her or if you want to send her directly some kibbles or a check, contact Ivana via Facebook (note: direct help is under your own responsibility).

9. If you make a purchase on Animal Webaction, it will be protected by our guarantees.