It showed a 15-year-old boy, covered in blood, cradling a terrified fox whose muzzle had been cruelly taped shut by a gang of men. That boy was Luke Rowles.

Luke’s story didn’t start there, but that heartbreaking moment perfectly captured the fearless spirit that would define his family’s mission.

In 2007, Luke’s family relocated to Bulgaria. Shocked by the harsh reality facing street dogs — often abused, ignored, or worse — they decided they couldn’t just stand by. Inspired by their son’s bond with a scrappy street dog named Ranger, his parents, Tony and Diane, founded RSDR — Rudozem Street Dog Rescue.

The fox story

When Luke was just 15, his family had only recently moved to Rudozem, Bulgaria.

One afternoon, Luke witnessed something that no young person should ever have to see — a group of men mercilessly beating a wild fox. The poor animal’s muzzle had been taped shut, silencing its cries for help as it was kicked and dragged after invading a neighbor’s henhouse.

Without hesitation, and without a second thought for his own safety, Luke stepped in. He confronted the attackers boldly, warning them he’d do the same to them if they didn’t stop. Then, with nothing but determination and kindness, he scooped up the trembling fox and rushed home to his mother, Diane Rowles.

Diane remembers that day vividly — the shock and horror etched across Luke’s face as he carried the bloodied animal into their home. She gently cleaned the fox’s wounds and helped it recover. But Luke’s mission wasn’t over.

Once the fox had healed enough, Luke took it deep into the forest, far away from danger, and released it back to freedom. The fox, despite everything it had endured, found the strength to run free once again.

According to The Dodo, Luke and his family have since rescued hundreds of forgotten dogs and cats off the streets, many of whom have found loving homes across the Netherlands, the UK, and beyond.

The Rowles family’s journey to rescue and care for Bulgaria’s forgotten street dogs and cats has been nothing short of heroic — but it has not come without struggle.

Ongoing resistance from locals

Despite their unwavering dedication and countless rescues, the family faced ongoing resistance from locals and officials alike. Their dream of creating a safe, official shelter for the animals they saved was met with repeated roadblocks.

For years, the Rowles fought tirelessly to register their shelter in Rudozem, hoping to secure a permanent haven for dogs and cats in desperate need. But in 2020, after years of hope and hard work, they were told the heartbreaking news: official registration was not possible.

But the Rowles family continues to care for the animals they rescued long before the shelter’s registration was denied. These dogs and cats, many of whom will never find a forever home, now have a place to call safe — a true sanctuary where love and compassion fill every corner.

For these animals, the shelter isn’t just a refuge — it’s their home. And for the Rowles family, they are more than just animals; they are family.