The Story of Fiery Ognyana
Injured Ognyana being transported safely on the animal stretcher donated to Animal Rescue Sofia at ICAWC through SNIP International. Photo credit: Animal Rescue Sofia
Unfortunately, it is not unusual for an animal rescue organisation to find animals abandoned at its door or even thrown over the fence. However, finding a big black dog lying in a pool of blood was a shock for the staff and volunteers of Animal Rescue Sofia (Bulgaria) when they arrived at the shelter one morning.
They took the dog in immediately and she was given emergency treatment to save her life.
Ognyana at the veterinary clinic. Photo credit: Ivanka Patterson for Stardust Pictures
While she was with the vets, the management decided to check the shelter’s security cameras to find out what had happened. It was heart-breaking to watch on the film a car stopping, its door opening, and the dog being thrown out. The car left immediately, and as the poor dog panicked and ran after it, she was hit by another car. Even that didn’t make the dog’s owner turn back for her.
The vets found that her hips and pelvis were broken, and it was not sure she could ever walk again. Thankfully Animal Rescue Sofia saw her will to live and decided to give it a try. She needed a powerful name to help her defy the challenges ahead, so she was named Ognyana – fire and ice – and it worked, as the following morning she was up on her paws and wagging her tail!
Happy Healthy Ognyana. Photo credit: Indre Vilkaite
Over the coming days and weeks, Ognyana improved both physically and psychologically. She developed a strong bond with one of the dog carers, who couldn’t help falling for her charm and ended up adopting her. Ognyana lives now happily in her new family with two other dogs.
A happy end for a tragic story!
We thank Animal Rescue Sofia for sharing this story with us. It is an excellent example of how our equipment donations really make a difference to animals in need.
HOW WE CAN HELP YOU
Advice
SNIP International was founded in 1996, and ever since, we have accumulated our knowledge base on animal welfare and on TNR. The small but dedicated team of SNIPi volunteer trustees are all experts in their fields, willing to transmit their knowledge for the benefit of animals.
We have gathered a lot of practical advice in our FAQ section, with links to sources of further information. If needed, you can contact us for non-urgent advice, and the SNIPi team members will reply to you within their possibilities (time constraints).
Connections
Having worked with animal welfare groups all over the world for a long time, we know many of them. Please check FAQ / Useful links and if necessary, contact us by email.
TNR Grants
Between 1996 and 2024, SNIP International distributed over 2,300 pieces of equipment to 96 countries, benefiting 681 animal welfare groups worldwide.
SNIP International is no longer donating equipment but is now giving out monetary grants to animal welfare organisations to help them in their TNR efforts outside the United Kingdom. Animal welfare organisations can apply for grants worth £ 2,000 each. The next application deadline is 30 September 2025.
For more information, please visit our grant page