When Simon booked a holiday to Cape Verde, he expected sunshine, beaches, and maybe the occasional cocktail. What he didn’t expect was to spend one of the most meaningful afternoons of the trip at a small rescue centre… or to be reunited with a dog he hadn’t seen since she was a tiny puppy.
We sat down with him to hear the full story in his own words.
Q: So Simon, you had beaches, sunshine and relaxation waiting for you… What made you want to spend part of your holiday volunteering?
A: I wanted the trip to be more than just lying in the sun. Cape Verde is beautiful, but I knew the island had a huge stray dog and cat population. As an animal lover, it didn’t feel right to just walk past that. So we set aside an afternoon to go to a local rescue centre — and honestly, it ended up being the highlight of the whole holiday.
Q: For people who haven’t been, can you describe what the stray situation is like there?
A: They’re everywhere. And they’re incredibly sweet. All the wagging tails, and curious eyes… it doesn’t take long for them to win you over.
But life isn’t always kind to them. Some locals adore the animals and try to help, while others unfortunately see them as pests. And strays face all sorts of risks (neglect, poisoning, injuries from cars), and there’s no safety net unless someone steps in.
Q: Tell us about the rescue centre you visited.
A: OSPA Supporters Cats & Dogs of SAL is an amazing little charity. They rely heavily on donations from tourists and from supporters through their Facebook page. The team care for every animal that comes through the door. This means cleaning, treating, feeding, preparing paperwork for adoption abroad… you name it.
One thing I loved is that they welcome all volunteers with open arms. You [volunteers] can walk the dogs, play with them, sit with them. Even just making a fuss of them and showing some affection makes a massive difference to animal that haven’t had much kindness in their lives.
Q: And this was the moment you saw Ruby again?
A: Yes, and it completely stopped me in my tracks.
I first met Ruby back in 2019 when she was a tiny puppy. She and her littermates were living among the wave breakers at Bikini Beach in Santa Maria. Not the safest place for a bunch of pups. For people, Santa Maria is one of Cape Verde’s most vibrant and laid-back beach towns. And as you head closer to Bikini Beach, the vibe becomes a little livelier. You’ve got chill music in the background, lounges, and a beach club. Great for people, but not always safe for pups.
Shortly after I left that year, the charity re-homed all of them, and most eventually travelled abroad to new homes.
But when I walked into the rescue centre this time, there she was. Older now, but unmistakably her. It was Ruby. I just couldn’t believe it. You don’t expect to recognise a dog years later, but she looked up and it just clicked. Same eyes.
Q: Why did Ruby stay when the rest of her litter got adopted?
A: It definitely wasn’t because she wasn’t lovable; if anything, she’s one of the most affectionate dogs there is. She just bonded with one of the team members. You should see her when that person walks by – her whole face lights up.
For Ruby, the centre is home. It’s her safe place, and her family is there.
Q: The charity arranges international adoptions, too. What does that involve?
A: They handle the whole process: vaccinations, neutering, flea and worm treatment, microchipping, and the pet passport. Adopters only need to pay for the travel crate and transport. The charity does everything else.
They really make adopting from abroad straightforward and accessible, which means more dogs get the chance of a new life. It’s great.
Q: What impressed you most while you were there?
A: Without a doubt, the dedication of the team. They work in intense heat for long hours with limited funds, and yet they’re all still full of compassion for these dogs. Every animal is treated like they matter, because they do.
It’s inspiring. And humbling. And I feel really honoured that I got to be a part of that.
Q: What was it like leaving at the end of the day?
A: Harder than I expected. I walked away with a full heart… and very sandy shoes. But there’s comfort knowing Ruby and all the others are safe, cared for, and loved by people who are doing everything they can for them.
I left promising I’d return. And I will.
Q: What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering at a shelter abroad?
A: Do it. Don’t overthink it. You don’t need to be some kind of expert; just someone who cares. You’ll come home tired, emotional, and probably covered in dog hair, but you will never feel like your time didn’t matter.
And you never know… you might even meet your own Ruby.
A Final Word From Scratch & Patch
Stories like Simon’s remind us that rescue work doesn’t just change the lives of animals… it changes the people who meet them.
If you’re curious to learn more about amazing work of rescue teams, keep an eye on our Facebook page.
And to rescue workers everywhere: Thank you. 🐾❤️
