In Arusha, a city near the world-renowned Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, there is just one haven for abandoned, abused and disabled dogs.
It is called Mbwa Wa Africa (which means ‘Dogs of Africa’ in Swahili) – our partner and the only registered animal shelter in a region covering 14,500 square miles (37,500 km²). The sanctuary is inundated with dogs in need, and the animals in its care desperately need your help today.
Home to over 100 abandoned, abused and disabled dogs, and with no help from the authorities, our partner in Tanzania is overwhelmed.
The shelter currently cares for 146 animals, including 30 dogs with permanent disabilities and special needs who may never find loving forever homes anywhere else.
Tanzania is a poor country and most people have very little money. Few people can afford to adopt animals, and even fewer will take on the intensive care a disabled dog requires. For these animals, the sanctuary is likely to be the only safe home they will ever know.
Mbwa Wa Africa is doing extraordinary work for dogs in Tanzania.
But right now, the shelter is struggling to cope with the rising costs of food and special medication for the dogs.
We visited the shelter recently and saw how incredibly happy their animals are. After experiencing little but abuse and neglect, they know that they are finally safe.
Dogs are rarely seen as pets in Tanzania. Instead, most are used as guard dogs – left chained up outside and left to suffer for days, weeks and months on end. When their owners no longer want them, the animals are cold-heartedly dumped on the streets and left to die.
Most of the dogs at our partner’s shelter were rescued mere moments from death, at risk of succumbing to starvation or suffering life-threatening injuries after being hit by cars and motorbikes. Others have suffered terrible abuse and cruelty.
For dogs like Tumaini, Phoebe and Ben, Mbwa Wa Africa is a vital haven – a space to recover from the horrors they have endured.
Tumaini was beaten mercilessly by a farmer after chasing a chicken when she was just a puppy, leaving her unable to walk properly and with permanent brain damage – but with the team’s love and care, she is now full of life and has so much love to give.
Phoebe was found emaciated and living in a storm drain, her spine broken, her back legs paralyzed and her front paws raw from dragging herself along gravel and dirt. Today, she lovingly mothers the shelter’s rescued puppies.
Ben was only 10 weeks old when he was hit by a motorbike, leaving his spine crushed. He has grown up at the shelter, his tiny wheelchair giving him the freedom to run once again.
These brave, wounded souls are just three of the 100+ dogs who rely on Mbwa Wa Africa – and the kindness of animal-lovers like you.
It costs around $2,600 (£1,950) every month to keep the dogs fed, sheltered and healthy. This might not seem like a lot, but in a country where the average monthly wage is just $150 (£113), this is a staggering sum, and the team is struggling to survive as donations dwindle and prices soar.
Any amount you give today will be truly life-changing for these dogs.
Please donate generously and help us give Mbwa Wa Africa’s rescue dogs the food, special medication and loving care they need to lead full, happy lives at their forever sanctuary.
As they say in Tanzania, Asante Sana (thank you!) – from the animals, and from all of us fighting to make their lives better.
