Animals played an important role in our lives, with their help we learned to we see those around us, listen more and help more, that's why we want to share what we have learned with the children from Dumbravă and at the same time, to help the animals around us.
Patrocle’s Friends is how we care for the animals at Dumbrava while also working to reduce abandonment in the community.
Our work has two equally important sides: rescue, treatment and recovery for animals in danger, and sterilization campaigns for dogs and cats in nearby communities, together with education about why spaying matters.
We cannot rescue every unwanted puppy or kitten, but we can help the animals that reach us and prevent future suffering through sterilization, education and community involvement.
Every rescue takes resources, time and space. Sometimes the hardest decisions are the ones where we have to choose how we can help responsibly.
Our work does not begin or end with adoption. We try to prevent suffering before it starts, care for the animals that come into our care and build healthier relationships between people and animals.
Free or low-cost campaigns for dogs and cats in the area, so abandonment can be prevented before it starts.
In many months, sterilization helps more animals than we are able to rescue directly.
Sterilization campaigns: booking, transport or organization, sterilization, recovery and return home.
See sterilization campaigns
We take in animals that are in danger, sick, abandoned or injured. After consultations, treatment and surgeries, we work patiently with them until trust can return.
Meet the rescued animals
We look for suitable families and support responsible adoptions. Some animals live at Dumbrava, while others are cared for in foster homes, where they receive safety, treatment, socialization and daily attention until they are ready for the next step.
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Children in Lizuca’s Friends sometimes join walks, feeding and socialization. This is how they learn responsibility, patience and empathy.
See Lizuca’s FriendsAt Dumbrava, I saw animals receive patience, care, and a real chance.
Dumbrava volunteer, 2024
Every few months, it feels like everything decides to happen at once. A broken van, a leaking water pipe, unexpected veterinary visits, a kitten we couldn’t save, a newborn that now depends on us, and Roxy’s physiotherapy in Cluj. None of these problems can wait, but neither can the children, seniors and animals who rely on Dumbrava every day.
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Three years ago, the decision was easy, saving Baba's life was the only option. Today, at around fifteen years old, the question is much harder: **how long should we keep going?** Sometimes the kindest decision isn't about helping an animal live longer—it's about helping them live their remaining time in peace.
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Babesiosis nearly took Thor from us before we even had the chance to know him. Today, he is a gentle giant, loved by children and always ready to be part of whatever is happening around him. But a stubborn leg wound continues to send us back to veterinary clinics in Cluj. Thor has come a long way since October 2025, but he still needs help to reach the finish line.
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For a few years, Felix was just a stray cat being fed by kind people. Today, he is one of Dumbrava's longest-running medical cases. A story about stomatitis, long-term care, wet food, and the reality that rescue doesn't always end when an animal survives. 🐾❤️
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From new kitten rescues and veterinary visits to children’s activities, therapy sessions, senior gatherings, and the launch of our Duolingo challenge, last month was another busy one at Dumbrava. Here’s a look back at everything we accomplished together, thanks to the support of our volunteers, donors, and community.
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Three years ago, the decision was easy, saving Baba's life was the only option. Today, at around fifteen years old, the question is much harder: **how long should we keep going?** Sometimes the kindest decision isn't about helping an animal live longer—it's about helping them live their remaining time in peace.
Read
Today we brought to Dumbrava four four-week-old kittens. The difficult part wasn’t rescuing them, it was making sure we could do it without putting the other animals at risk. A reflection on rescue, responsibility, and why sterilization matters.
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From Children’s Day preparations that doubled our expected attendance to rescuing 14 abandoned animals in a single day, May was full of moments that tested our resources and strengthened our community. Here's what happened at Dumbrava lui Patrocle in May. 🌳💚
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April was a month full of involvement, emotion, and hope at Dumbravă. From community events and activities for children and seniors, to sterilizations, rescues, and inspiring recovery stories, every day reminded us how much good we can build together. ❤️🐾
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Rescue dogs don't always arrive as the perfect companion people imagine. Some come with fears, habits, or experiences from a difficult past. Before adopting, it's worth asking yourself whether you're ready for the dog you get, not just the dog you hope for.
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