Help at our dog shelter and experience life in rural Sicily!

United Kingdom

5

I stayed at the Shelter for 3 weeks and had an amazing time caring for the dogs and meeting some amazing people. The owners Franco and Nelly are lovely and very welcoming. Each Sunday they make a free Lunch for the Volunteers where you can get to know them better. The work is physical and can be tiring if it is hot, but other than that it is quite easy once you get into the routine of things. I'd say if your wanting to see the cities and sites of Sicily, this wouldn't be for you. It's more about connecting with the dogs, people and nature around you. The scenery is beautiful!

11 months ago

Australia

5

Volunteering at the organization was a unique and beautiful experience. The work was physically demanding but so enjoyable and rewarding. I loved spending time with the dogs and providing the care they deserved. Working with the other volunteers and meeting Franco was such a highlight. I am so inspired by the work Nellie, Franco and the rest of the team have put into this shelter. Franco was very respectful of work hours and days off. Sunday lunch was also my favorite (Franco's cooking is legendary). The accomodation was cozy and humble. I will be back ❤️

12 months ago

Greenland

5

I loved volunteering at the organization! Nelly and Franco were wonderful, you could tell they have poured their heart and soul into the dogshelter. The dogs were such sweethearts. The work was physically demanding, but worth it. The volunteer house was humble, but charming. I enjoyed my time there with my fellow volunteers. I recommend renting a car while staying there, so you can experience the rest of Sicily on your days off! I would definitely recommend volunteering there ❤️🐶❤️

12 months ago

Slovakia

5

This place is an absolute gem! This was my second time at the shelter and I cannot get enough. The work is meaningful every step of the way, even though can get physically demanding (however Franco's delicious pasta bakes will boost your energy and mood :)). Nelly and Franco are amazing and deeply appreciate every bit of help. The connection with the dogs and the chance to unplug from the world (as the shelter is at a remote location) made me feel truly fulfilled. If you're looking to make a positive impact, hard-working and not afraid to get your hands dirty, this is a perfect place for you!

12 months ago

Germany

5

Working at Rigugio the organization was my 1st volunteering experience, and despite a challenging start, I absolutely loved it! I quickly realized the importance of listening carefully to instructions for the safety of both myself and the dogs. It taught me to be responsible and vigilant at all times. Nelly and Franco were incredibly kind and supportive, always ready to lend an ear if anything went wrong. If you looove dogs, are hardworking, don't mind getting your hands dirty, and show respect to the hosts, fellow volunteers, and the dogs, then this opportunity might be perfect for you!

12 months ago

Lithuania

5

I had a great and everlasting experience at the dog shelter. Nelly and Franco are peaceful and helpful hosts. The surrounding environment kept me motivated and I spent my time caring for dogs with all my heart. I genuinely recommend young people who are determined and respectful to help this dog shelter community as much as they can. Since the work is not hard at all, we managed to do extra tasks to maintain a tidy and safe space. Lastly, I had a wonderful time socializing with the dogs:) Do not forget to adopt if you can!!:)

about 1 year ago

United Kingdom

5

My time at Nelly & Franco's shelter was so wholesome and enjoyable. If you love spending time with animals and dogs, working as a team and immersing yourself in nature then this will also be an enjoyable place for you. It is important to put the wellbeing of the dogs first and foremost, communicate and work well as a team. The work is physical but it is so rewarding and it's always an amazing feeling knowing you exerted yourself for a good purpose. I loved every single person and dog I met along the way and this place will always hold a special place in my heart ♥️

about 1 year ago

Slovakia

5

My volunteering experience was absolutely amazing! Nelly and Franco are wonderful hosts, they put so much love into this place. They always treated us like family, and if we needed to go somewhere, Franco was always ready to take us. The work itself is very physical, however, very rewarding! I will especially miss Zack who always wanted to play fetch or he'd spill a bucket of water to get our attention 😅❤️. The accommodation is simple and yet it's great. Living in the middle of nowhere surrounded by beautiful nature and dogs just brings peace to the soul. I will definitely be back soon!

over 1 year ago

Germany

5

I stayed for five weeks at the rifugio and this experience was just amazing. Nelly and Franco are two of the most amazing human beings I have ever met who give all their love, time and resources to those dogs. And so did I. It fulfilled me more than anything , thaught me responsibility and simply made me the most happiest I have ever been. The work is demanding but more than that: rewarding. I already miss all dogs, sitting on the terrace with nelly, driving to calatafimi with franco and the sunday dinners which made this truly feel like family. This is not a good bye, it's a see you soon!

over 1 year ago

United Kingdom

5

Words cannot describe how much I loved this experience. It was a pleasure to collaborate with Nelly & Franco as part of their project to care for the wellbeing of the dogs at their shelter. They put their heart and soul into this place to ensure the dogs are well cared for. They each have their own special and unique personalities which you will discover in your time here, and so much love to give ♥️ During my time here the highlights were walking them, giving lots of cuddles, Sunday lunch with Nelly & Franco, enjoying the beautiful views and meeting amazing people! Grazie mille 🙏 Tornerò!

over 1 year ago

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