A Tale of Rescued Souls: The Animal Sanctuary of Sri Lanka

Eleanor
3 min readJul 31, 2023

18 Years of Compassion and Growth

Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka, there exists an animal sanctuary that began its humble journey 18 years ago with just three dogs. Founded by a compassionate European woman, the sanctuary serves as a haven for abandoned and vulnerable animals, embodying a philosophy of kindness and compassion towards all living beings. The owner, a devoted vegan, not only cares for the animals but also cooks for all the volunteers who offer their help.

A Tale of Two Brave Souls

During my time at the sanctuary, I had the privilelge of witnessing the incredible bond between humans and animals. One emotional incident involved a small puppy, not more than a month old, left outside a hospital in a box during a pouring rain. The puppy was suffering from parvovirus, a life-threatening condition. I took the puppy under my care, providing comfort and solace in my arms, as she refused to sleep unless she had human contact. I had her sleeping in my arms from the day she arrived to the day i left.

Alongside this heartache, there was a tale of resilience and friendship. A three-legged puppy, brimming with boundless energy and friendliness, captured everyone’s hearts. Due to her healing wound, she had to be separated from the other animals. To keep her spirits high, we housed her in a room with her feline friend, forging a heartwarming bond between the two. Their adorable cuddles spoke volumes about the power of love and companionship across species.

An Ever-Growing Family

The owner’s dedication and unwavering commitment have transformed the sanctuary into a haven for over 150 dogs and 60 cats. Her selfless efforts have not only saved countless lives but also given many animals a chance at a brighter future. Part of her noble mission involves sending as many of the animals back to Europe as she can, where they have the prospect of finding loving forever homes.

A Personal Connection

My days at the animal sanctuary were filled with purpose and joy. Caring for the dogs became a labor of love, and each walk and moment spent with them brought boundless happiness.

Volunteering at this animal sanctuary was a life-changing experience that reinforced the importance of kindness. The sanctuary’s journey from its beginnings to a thriving haven stands. to be show the incredible impact that a single individual can make when fueled by passion and compassion for all living beings.

In the midst of Sri Lanka’s beauty and kindness, this sanctuary serves as a beacon of hope, touching furry lives, and making a difference, one paw at a time. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this extraordinary journey, knowing that even though some battles may be lost, the war against suffering and neglect will be won through acts of love and understanding.

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Eleanor

A solo female traveler, with a craving desire for adventure, 22 countries so far, Current country: India