It was easy to understand why a picture began trending on Facebook a few years ago. It featured a blood-covered 15-year-old boy holding a scared fox whose muzzle had been brutally taped shut by a group of males. Luke Rowles was that boy.
Although Luke’s journey didn’t end there, that tragic incident encapsulated the bravery that would characterize his family’s purpose. Luke’s family moved to Bulgaria in 2007.
They decided they couldn’t just watch helplessly as they were horrified by the terrible reality that street dogs frequently endure—being mistreated, ignored, or worse. His parents, Tony and Diane, established Rudozem Street Dog Rescue (RSDR) after being moved by their son’s relationship with a tough street dog named Ranger.
Luke intervened without hesitation or concern for his personal safety. He firmly faced the assailants and threatened to do the same to them if they didn’t stop. Then, with just kindness and resolve, he picked up the quivering fox and ran home to Diane Rowles, his mother.
Diane had clear memories of that day, including the fear and astonishment on Luke’s face as he brought the bloody animal inside their house. She helped the fox heal by gently cleaning its wounds. Luke’s quest was far from over, though.
Luke carried the fox far into the forest, away from any threat, and returned it to freedom after it had sufficiently recovered. The fox found the strength to run free again in spite of everything that had happened to it. Since then, Luke and his family have taken hundreds of abandoned dogs and cats off the streets, and many of them have found loving homes in the Netherlands, the UK, and other countries, according to The Dodo.
Although it has not been without hardship, the Rowles family’s quest to save and care for Bulgaria’s abandoned street dogs and cats has been nothing short of extraordinary.
The family encountered constant opposition from both residents and authorities in spite of their continuous commitment and innumerable rescues. They encountered numerous obstacles in their quest to establish a secure, authorized refuge for the animals they rescued.
The Rowles put forth a lot of effort over the years to register their shelter in Rudozem in the hopes of securing a long-term home for needy dogs and cats. However, in 2020, following years of perseverance and optimism, they received the devastating news that official registration was not feasible. Long before the shelter’s registration was rejected, however, the Rowles family was still providing care for the animals they had saved.
Many of these dogs and cats will never find a forever home, but today they have a safe haven where compassion and love are present everywhere. The shelter serves as both a haven and a home for these animals. Furthermore, they are more than just animals to the Rowles family—they are family.
To have an impact, you don’t need to be in Bulgaria. To see their most recent rescues, touching makeovers, and updates on their efforts to construct a new shelter for even more animals in need, you may follow RSDR on
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Visit RSDR’s Instagram to view the incredible images and videos of other survivors. Their work is truly inspirational, and each donation gives animals in dire need of hope hope. The Rowles family would benefit from a bit more help because they have been going through some tough times lately.
On April 1st, Tony, one of the shelter’s founders, was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Fortunately, the significant heart operation Tony had was successful. It’s yet uncertain when he will be able to go back home, though, and his recuperation process is anticipated to take a while.
We are very grateful to Luke Rowles for his courageous fox rescue and to the whole Rowles family for their ongoing commitment to helping and rescuing animals in need. We are all inspired by their dedication and