Projects Abroad, Newsletters from Romania

While I spent the majority of my placement at a small animal veterinary hospital to gain more experience in a clinical setting, I nonetheless observed the multi-faceted role that veterinary clinics play in a country greatly influenced by the presence of domestic and feral animals alike. Within the first week of my placement, a dog came in with a deep laceration alongside its flank; the laceration was caused by a stray dog in the neighborhood, so the cut needed to be properly treated with antibiotics to prevent the spread of bacterial infection.

Mmmm... food. There is a list of favourite treats to be found in Romania, from sweet to savoury. The most popular I have found is Mamaligia cu Branza (or Polenta with cheese). Made of boiled corn meal topped with cheese, the description doesn't sound appealing, but trust me it's good stuff. Other dishes to be tried are Sarmale (small pastries from a local chain called Fornetti), and Ciocolata Calda (a wonderfully thick hot chocolate, usually topped with whipped cream).

A group of volunteers arrive every morning at 9 o'clock at Sacele Hospital, for a new day of work. As usual, the main activities are: changing diapers, wet sheets, bathing the babies (if needed), and feeding the babies. They then go with them to the Hospital's playroom where the babies have a chance to play with their favourite toys and games.

In mid October, a Canadian veterinary volunteer from Kitchner, Ontario arrived in Brasov completely oblivious to the fact that she would shortly be falling in love. Placed at ‘Millions of Friends’ a local dog shelter, Laura Nutt spent her days assisting vets with the care of approximately 800 dogs housed at the shelter. Her role involved assisting with procedures, prepameals, and caring for hundreds of abandoned animals (including a house full of cats). It wasn’t long before she found love in the form of a young puppy named Marianna. Laura felt an instant bond...

The Junii Festival parade took place in Brasov on April 15, continuing a tradition dating back centuries. Consistently held on St. Thomas's Day (the first Sunday after Easter), the festival, lead by the seven brotherhoods of Junii, commemorates the spring season and the rejuvenation of nature. The brotherhoods, originating from the old Brasov district of Scheii, practice their time-honoured rituals and customs for weeks preceding the highlight of the festival: an elaborate display of Junii men dressed in traditional, colourful costumes on horseback through the town square.