Curcanul was rescued in February 2023 from a filthy apartment, where he lived in captivity alongside four other dogs. None of them had ever been outside. They were kept in a dark room, with no air, no light, and no chance of ever feeling grass under their paws. Although the woman who had gathered them meant well, she unfortunately failed to provide what dogs truly need: freedom, play, and real love.
Curcanul was one of the most affected: suspicious, aggressive, deeply scarred by years of isolation. He was brought to the Speranța Shelter with serious doubts about his adoptability. And for a time, those doubts were justified. The other dogs were adopted rather quickly. He remained. Silent. Alone. And despite all efforts, distrustful.
Because we didn’t give up on him, he was included in the “Messengers of Hope” program, through which we aim to give a second chance to the most difficult-to-adopt dogs. In the first months, Curcanul made small but consistent progress: he learned to walk on a leash, to accept being touched, to remain calm around people. He discovered grass, park smells, and city sounds.
His outings outside the shelter visibly transformed him. He began exploring – timidly, but curiously. He slept in a house, met cats, attended events with large crowds, and genuinely enjoyed the company of children. During this time, a Romanian family living in England noticed him and started following his progress. They visited him, spent time with him, and named him Hugo.
Hugo began to respond to his new name and adapted to a reality he could never have dreamed of. The final big test was at the Cotroceni Bazaar, an event with thousands of people, where he behaved impeccably, interacting effortlessly with people, dogs, and even cats. He was ready.
In October 2024, Hugo was officially adopted. The family in England, who had followed his journey step by step for months, decided he was the one. They prepared his documents, set up their home, and a few weeks later, Hugo left the shelter and Romania for good – heading home.
Today, Hugo runs free in a real garden, surrounded by love and patience. He is now part of a family that respects and adores him, that understands his past and has offered him a future.
His journey from “an impossible-to-adopt dog” to “a happy dog in England” is living proof that when you don’t give up, miracles do happen. Curcanul no longer exists. But Hugo… Hugo is alive, curious, and loved. And he is living the most beautiful version of his life.
Curcanul has been given a new chance thanks to your generosity.
Your donations can help us save other innocent souls.
Speranța Foundation was founded in 1996 and, for more than two decades, we have done everything in our power for the welfare of our silent friends, especially for abandoned and suffering dogs.
