Sicily Animal Shelter

Animal shelters basically don't exist in Sicily, there is however one not too far from Naval Air Station Sigonella where we are stationed because it is privately run through local volunteers. The shelter is called: associazione "mi fido di te". Located in Scordia, Province of Catania Italy. They currently have 25 dogs most of them found as strays, which is not uncommon around here because spaying and neutering isn't a standard procedure, it doesn't happen. These dogs live outside in cement houses and wire fencing inclosures which were handmade by the volunteers. Some of the dogs are currently being treating for cancer, leishmania, and scabies. Arriving at the shelter, I've never seen anything like it. There are no words for what I felt. These people are so amazing for what they do. All the dogs, considering what they have, were happy and playful with tails wagging. If it weren't for these kind hearted volunteers, these dogs would most likely be dead. The people who volunteer there do the best they can with the resources they have but this isn't like the states and help isn't easy to come by. They are in desperate need of supplies and will be grateful for anything they can get! Since my husband and I will be stationed here with the US Navy for the next few years, we plan on doing as much as we can for these babies but we cannot do it alone. Any little bit helps, even if it's only sharing their story. 

Items they're in need of:
food
k9 advantix
drontal plus dewormer 
bedding
sheets
towels
garbage bags
dish soap
sponges 

Remaining projects we hope to accomplish: 
1. smooth out the concrete enclosures
2. fix fencing and doors/locks

Projects completed:
✔️ created a channel for drainage 
✔️ laid down gravel
✔️ built a storage shed
✔️ built dog houses
✔️ lastly we were able to buy a gas pressure washer which is a huge help when cleaning the enclosures and for  sanitary purposes


Diana killed the bever toy

Diana playing with her big brother Stud


Sweet Lacey the day she was picked up!

Getting a bath! 

Zac and Lacey on day one!

















I can't thank you enough for all the hard work you guys did! We've made huge progress because you!!! 

Lunch after a morning of hard work!!!



















Food! 

Lots of donations! Thank you!

Mowed some lawns in return for K9 Advantix!



Applying K9 Advantix to all the dogs!


Finally a sink!


Finally a storage shed! It's beautiful! 

Thank you!

Finishing Touches 


Micol, Charles, Jerry, Keith, myself and Nino!!


Delta Night Owls!

Prepping the ground for stone




Building shelves 


Thank you everyone for the donations! 


Thank you all, the shelter looks amazing!







Building a base for a storage shed!
Day one: Clearing out the old prep area!


Leveling the ground


By the end of day 1, landscape fabric was laid out and the fence was redone

Our project managers, they approved our work! 

Day two: sand

Leveled and tamped 

Laying the stone

This was a 2 day project with just myself and my husband working. It was well worth it because now we can get started on building a proper storage shed! Big thank you to Keith Welch, Charles Brackin, and Jerry Bailey for reaching out and volunteering to build this shed! 

Awesome group of volunteers! Thank you all for your hard work and help!










Mark weed whacking away


Testing the gutters for drainage

David and Zachery taking turns chiseling away stone

Couldn't do these projects without the volunteers! 




This is a morning after it had rained.



This is why we need to get these enclosures fixed and a dranage channel built, it all depends on funds and the resources. 





Thank you to everyone who has donated food and bedding and to Charming Rat Rescue for sending the gaint bag of Pedigree!!!! 



Thank you Ashley for coming out with us and helping!

Me giving the doggies some love!

Since the shelter is on an orange field we get to pick some! Sicilian oranges are the best you will ever have, hands down!!

This makes me feel good, the residents of base came together and donated this food! 

This stuff is not cheap but worth it, especially with the sandflies! 



The only storage area which is also a future fix up project.

We were able to at least clean up, haul out stuff that had collected, and sweep.

Each week I bring all the bedding to the laundromat to wash.











The dogs keep getting out where this hole is









RIP sweet girl! 





So sad, RIP!