• 7. August 2025.

• Tina

• Marko

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The Dog Who Changed My Life

For 5.5 years, I worked at a dog rehoming centre in the UK. It was more than just a job—it was a way of life. I learned about resilience, compassion, and the quiet strength it takes to care for animals who have been let down. I faced challenges head-on and grew more than I ever expected.

But as I reached 64, something stirred inside me. I felt the need to do something bold. To step outside my comfort zone. Not because I was unhappy, but because I wanted to do something brave—something I could look back on and be proud of.

So, I decided to volunteer abroad at a dog shelter. There were many to choose from, but I ended up at Farmica in Našice, Croatia—and what an amazing choice that was.

From day one, I was welcomed with warmth and kindness by the volunteers and staff. I started working the very next day and didn’t stop for six weeks. Being with the dogs never felt like work. Yes, it was physically demanding—cleaning, feeding, walking, and caring for nearly 180 dogs—but calling it “rewarding” would be an understatement.

I became attached to many of the dogs, but one stole my heart completely: Toma. He had suffered unimaginable cruelty at the hands of a human, yet he remained trusting and full of love. He stayed with me in the house during my time at Farmica, and we simply fell in love with each other.

I was originally meant to stay for four weeks, but I extended my stay to six—and even that didn’t feel like enough. Just two and a half weeks after I left, I returned to spend what may be Toma’s final days with him. That time was a gift—for both of us.

Dogs are extraordinary beings. They give love, trust, and loyalty so freely. And when they don’t, it’s usually for one of two reasons: they’re in pain, or they’ve been mistreated by a human. Toma reminded me of the immense capacity animals have to forgive and love again, even after the worst has been done to them.

People often talk about mindfulness and how powerful it is for mental health. I’ve come to believe that doing something you’re deeply passionate about—something that gives your life purpose and meaning—is mindfulness in its purest form. To be of service, whether to an animal or a person, is grounding. It pulls us out of ourselves and connects us to something bigger.

I’ve learned that true contentment and happiness come not from what we take in, but from what we give out.

I’m sharing this story in the hope that it inspires someone—maybe you—to volunteer. Maybe it will be at Farmica, or maybe somewhere else. But if there’s a tug at your heart, don’t ignore it. Be brave. Step out of your comfort zone. It might just change your life in ways you never imagined.

Authored by Tina Digby

Tina