MIUARA Dog Rescue is a heartfelt project still in its very first steps. Its name brings together Miu (me) and Ara, the founding duo, and reflects the spirit of a shared dedication to giving street dogs in The Gambia a safe place where they can receive food, shelter, and medical care.
Our idea began to take shape during our trip to The Gambia in November and December 2025, when we quickly realised how dire the situation is for dogs, especially in the urban areas around Banjul, Serekunda and Kololi. As in many southern countries, there is little to no government support, and the communities, already weighed down by their own struggles, are simply overwhelmed.
Dogs have always held a special place in my life, especially since I adopted my greatest love, Maddox, back in 2013. He passed away in September 2025, leaving my heart shattered and my soul empty. Throughout all the years we shared, he taught me the true meaning of unconditional love, loyalty, and deep companionship.
Maddox was not only my best friend, he was also the soul behind the idea, and the reason that later grew into MIUARA. After he passed, a good friend told me that “Maddox had now made space for me to let grow something new”. Those words touched me deeply and, in a way, gave me the strength to move forward.
Knowing that every street dog out there, just like Maddox once was in his early days before I adopted him, longs only for warmth, safety, affection, and love, humbles me in the deepest way. It takes so little to make an animal happy, and yet they give us back so much more in return. Dogs truly are humans’ best friends, and yet it is, sadly, humans who so often abuse, neglect, and abandon them.
Because daily struggles, poverty, and migration dominate life in The Gambia, animal welfare is often pushed aside. This is where our hearts are, and where we want to make a difference. Through sterilisation, we aim to gently and sustainably reduce the number of stray dogs, while our awareness campaigns will encourage local communities to look out for sick, starving, or abused dogs and let us know when help is needed.
In May 2026, we will return to The Gambia to take the next step toward our dream, searching for suitable properties to rent or purchase for our future shelter. We imagine a place where dogs can finally feel safe: a secure, fenced outdoor area to relax and play, with cozy huts for shade and rest, a food and water station, and a climate-controlled indoor area filled with beds and comfort. Our vision also includes a quarantine room, a small medical area, and storage space for food and supplies.
Our goal is to be ready by December 2026 to begin our work, while building relationships with local veterinarians and community members.
Of course, all of this comes with costs. We are currently developing a solid and transparent initial concept so we can begin as soon as we secure the right location. We will also be launching a fundraising campaign as soon as everything is ready and will keep you updated with videos, photos, and news, mainly on our Instagram page.
We hold on to the hope that, despite, and perhaps because of the gap between Europe and Africa, the dogs of beautiful Gambia will not be forgotten. We hope to find many kind people who believe in us and support this project of the heart, because without your help, it simply won’t be possible.
Our mission is to give dogs the care and love they deserve, and in return, they will give us more than we could ever imagine!
Because saving even one dog means one less suffering on the streets ❤︎
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