Three Germans help out at dog sanctuary

Coming to Malta at the peak of summer for a week and spending six hours a day cleaning at a dog sanctuary is not what many would describe as the ideal holiday.

But that is what three German women were eager to embark upon - to spend a week at the Abandoned Animals Association's sanctuary in Luqa.

"After spending from 10 a.m. to 3 or 4 p.m. at the sanctuary cleaning and feeding the dogs, we also found time to go to the beach and visit some of the attractions, Mdina included, on your beautiful island," the three agreed.

Nina Diesendahl, 27, from Essen and Janine Heinemann, 24, from Bremen were here last January helping at the dog sanctuary, but Wiebke Schoon, 25, from Wittmund was here for the first time.

All three have dogs as pets back home. Ms Schoon took two puppies back with her when they ended their stay, yesterday.

Ms Kiesendahl said that back home it was not so easy to do voluntary work at a dog sanctuary.

"In Germany, the dog population in such sanctuaries amounts to 20 or slightly higher; nothing to compare with the large number in Malta's sanctuaries. Those taking care of dogs here need a lot of assistance and support... and, therefore, our plan to come to Malta and to fork out money to cover travel expenses was motivated by the belief that our contribution was needed and that it would be appreciated," she said.

The three plan to return.