FOUR PAWS

🐾 Al’s Second Chance 🤍

Fluffy Al arrived at our clinic after a harrowing ordeal on the streets. He was one of several stray cats living near the home of the woman in Sofia who would ultimately save him. When she noticed the massive wound on his neck, she immediately tried to catch him—but for days he evaded her. Eventually, infection and exhaustion overwhelmed him, and Al finally allowed himself to be caught.

🏥 When Al arrived at our clinic, he was in poor condition—lethargic and severely disfigured by the infected wound. The area was highly inflamed, so our veterinarians began treatment immediately. They surgically removed the damaged tissue and placed a drainage tube, followed by antibiotics and daily bandage changes for about a week.

Thankfully, Al responded very well to treatment and the drainage was successfully removed. He continued visiting us for another week for bandage changes, and the results were amazing. The wound healed beautifully and soon disappeared completely under new, healthy fur. ✨

Today, Al has his forever home with the woman who rescued him and brought him to us, saving his life. We hear he has settled in perfectly—and has already trained his new family that treats are to provided constantly. 😸

#StrayAnimalCare #Bulgaria #CatsOfBulgaria

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19 hours ago | [YT] | 831

FOUR PAWS

Dog Sonny’s incredible story of resilience! 🐾

Working with stray animals, we often come across cases that stay with us - and the story of dog Sonny is certainly one of them! 💛

Sonny lives in a dog pack cared for by dedicated volunteers. When she disappeared for several days, they feared the worst. When she finally returned, it was clear something was terribly wrong. Her neck was filthy, her fur badly matted, and a foul smell immediately raised alarm. Unable to catch her themselves, the volunteers reached out for help. 🆘

When she was brought to our local partner in Moldova, Doctor Vet, her condition was critical. At the clinic, the team discovered a deep wound encircling her neck. During cleaning, they found a small piece of wire protruding near her ear - and carefully removed an entire length of wire from beneath her skin. Had it remained any longer, the infection could have led to sepsis. 💔

She received antibiotics, wound care, and intensive therapy for babesiosis - a dangerous tick‑borne disease that attacks the blood, kidneys, and liver - including an antidote and organ support throughout her eight‑day stay. 💊

Despite everything, Sonny remained calm and trusting. Day by day, her wound healed, her appetite returned, and her strength slowly came back!
Now, she has been released and reunited with her pack, where the local community continues to keep a caring eye on her. 🐶

A small piece of wire nearly cost her life but quick action by compassionate volunteers and our experienced partners gave Sonny her second chance! ✨

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1 day ago | [YT] | 872

FOUR PAWS

... This was supposed to be only an Instagram post, but we couldn't deprive our YouTube community from it, as we're sure you would love to see endearing drawings of our rescued bears too. ♥️

UK illustrator Billy Murphy has made the cutest portraits of our hibernating bears, as some are competing to be crowned the "2026 Sleepiest Bear". The sanctuaries shared each of the bear's likes and dislikes, as well as the most representative photo... and this is the result!

We hope you enjoy it just as we do. 🐻

To see the artist's work, and even more bears: billymurphyart.com/ or www.instagram.com/billymurphyart/

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1 day ago | [YT] | 868

FOUR PAWS

Animals are not cargo! 🚢🐄
Long-distance animal transport isn’t just stressful; it can put animals directly in harm’s way. Several ships carrying live animals to the Middle East are currently stuck at sea for extended periods, either entering regions affected by conflict or being forced to take extremely long detours to other regions, such as South America.


🔍 We’re monitoring this closely and hoping to prevent more animals from being sent into danger.


This is why sea transport of animals is so risky, and why we are asking the European Commission to call for an immediate stop to exports to conflict-affected regions. 🛑
Please take action now: tag the EU Commission and let them know you do not support sending animals into conflict zones.

1 day ago | [YT] | 1,223

FOUR PAWS

They deserve better! 🐄🐄💔
The cruel conditions that cows have to endure while being fattened for meat are unbelievable.
The natural life expectancy of cattle is around 20 years; however, in commercial beef farming they reach slaughter weight at just 18 to 24 months of age.
Under natural conditions, they spend most of their time grazing, covering several kilometres each day.
In intensive production systems, beef cattle are often crammed together on fully slatted floors, without bedding and without a separate lying area. Inflammation of the joints, hooves and calluses, as well as lameness, are among the most common visible diseases resulting from inappropriate animal husbandry.
A lack of enrichment and exercise, coupled with a diet that is not appropriate for ruminants, can lead to several behavioural and physiological disorders.
The high-density, often unhygienic indoor environments on fattening farms create ideal conditions for disease incidence and transmission, and consequently an increased need for antimicrobials.

#BetterFarmsHealthyFuture #OneHealth

📸: © Lukas Vincour | Zvířata Nejíme | We Animals Media

2 days ago | [YT] | 1,273

FOUR PAWS

Farewell, dear Rada! 🐻

Today, we’re saying goodbye to our beloved bear Rada, who passed away at the age of 34. 💚

Rada had been living with several chronic health conditions, including osteoarthritis in both elbows and severe degenerative changes in her spine. Five years ago, she was also diagnosed with a cutaneous sarcoma, a malignant skin tumour. At the time, we could hardly imagine we would be fortunate enough to have her with us for so many more years.

Last week, her caretakers found her lifeless in her den. Preliminary findings suggest cardiac disease as the cause of her passing. 🌈

Before her rescue, Rada endured a harsh life as a privately owned dancing bear in Bulgaria. Everything changed in May 2006, when she was rescued and brought to BEAR SANCTUARY Belitsa, which we run together with Fondation Brigitte Bardot. 🌳

Despite the trauma of her past, Rada blossomed into a true sanctuary star. She had never hibernated before her rescue, nor shown many natural bear behaviours. Yet, in her very first winter at the sanctuary, she began to hibernate—and from then on, she proudly followed her instincts like any bear should.

For the past 20 years, Rada has been surrounded by compassionate care, safety, and love. She was an absolute joy to look after, and her gentle spirit touched the hearts of everyone who knew her.

We will miss you deeply, sweet Rada. Thank you for letting us be part of your journey. 🌈💚

📸: © Hristo Vladev | FOUR PAWS

2 days ago | [YT] | 1,872

FOUR PAWS

Brittany Ferries is transporting baby calves - and no one seems to care 🐄🍼
Did you know that Brittany Ferries transports unweaned calves ,still dependent on their mothers, on the very same ferries used by tourists? While dogs and passengers enjoy their journey, these calves suffer on board from fear and hunger, as they are too young to use the drinkers provided ❌Tell them you care about baby calves and that this cruel practice must stop🚢 🚨.
If you’ve ever travelled with them, consider leaving a review to make your voice heard.

📸: © Ethical Farming Ireland , FOUR PAWS

3 days ago | [YT] | 1,352

FOUR PAWS

The illegal online puppy trade is nothing less than a wicked game played by unscrupulous sellers at the expense of unknowing buyers… and innocent animals. ❌

And do you know who’s in too? Meta platforms! Where this cruel trade continues to operate despite our many reports. ⚠️



A large-scale trade of puppies is in full swing, hiding behind misleading “cute pup” pictures: they breed and keep dogs often in despicable conditions and ship them all across Europe, usually without the necessary vaccinations and registration… while shelters are overflowing with deserving pets awaiting a new home. 🐕



➡️ We know that if you are reading this, you are just as much outraged by the appalling cruelty going on right under our eyes, and you can help us put an end to it!

Sign and share our petition to push Meta to take action against this cruel, illegal trade!

help.four-paws.org/en/stop-cruel-puppy-trade-socia…

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3 days ago | [YT] | 493

FOUR PAWS

Millions of animals are still suffering for fur in Europe. 💔

Every year, foxes, minks, chinchillas and raccoon dogs are born into captivity on fur farms across the EU. They are raised with one purpose: to be killed for their fur. 🦊

Investigations have repeatedly exposed the reality: animals confined to tiny wire cages, denied their natural behaviours, and ultimately killed and skinned for fashion products that are completely unnecessary.

There is no humane way to produce fur. The system itself is inherently cruel.
Yet millions of animals continue to endure these conditions across Europe. They deserve better. ✨

👉 Join the movement for a #FurFreeEurope and help end fur farming for good. Add your voice for a #FurFreeFuture now! www.four-paws.org/put-end-to-the-fur-industry

3 days ago | [YT] | 1,263

FOUR PAWS

🐶 Dog Smiley works wonders in children's hospital 🏥
Some moments with stay forever. 🇧🇬 During a visit to the haemodialysis department at the Prof. Ivan Mitev University Children's Hospital in Sofia, therapy dog Smiley brought warmth to a place where time seems to stand still.

Surrounded by the quiet hum of machines, children lay connected to tubes and cables, waiting for their procedures to end. Smiley moved calmly from bed to bed, offering gentle comfort. ❤️

One child, curled up and shivering, quietly asked if he could hug him — because he felt very cold. ❄️ With a nurse’s reassurance, Smiley gently placed his head into the child’s small hand. The child held him close, buried his face in his fur, and slowly began to relax. The machines kept humming. The doctors kept working. But in that moment, there was warmth. And then — a smile.

Smiley stayed until the procedure was over. A former stray dog, now offering comfort when it’s needed most — proving that sometimes the greatest heroes come from the most unexpected places. 🐾

#TherapyDog #AnimalAssistedTherapy #AnimalWelfare

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4 days ago | [YT] | 1,071