A few years ago, a powerful photo went viral on Facebook — a 15-year-old boy, covered in blood, cradling a fox whose muzzle had been cruelly taped shut. That boy was Luke Rowles.
Luke’s brave act captured the spirit behind his family’s mission. In 2007, the Rowles family moved to Rudozem, Bulgaria, and were shocked by the abuse of street animals. Inspired by Luke’s bond with a stray dog named Ranger, his parents, Tony and Diane, founded Rudozem Street Dog Rescue (RSDR).
Shortly after moving, Luke witnessed a group of men beating a fox. Without hesitation, he intervened, rescued the injured animal, and brought it home. After healing, the fox was released back into the wild — a symbol of resilience and compassion.
Since then, the Rowles family has rescued hundreds of dogs and cats, many finding homes in the UK and Netherlands. But their journey hasn’t been easy. Despite years of effort, local resistance blocked the official registration of their shelter in 2020.
Still, the family continues to care for animals others forget — offering love, safety, and a forever sanctuary.
You can support RSDR by following them on Facebook or Instagram, sharing their stories, or donating to their cause. Recently, they’ve faced new challenges — co-founder Tony Rowles underwent major heart surgery in April 2025. Though successful, his recovery will be long, and the family could use extra support now more than ever.