Why you need to know about Luke Rowles incredible fox rescue
A group of men mercilessly taped the mouth of a scared fox, which the 15-year-old child was holding. Luke Rowles was that boy.
That terrible incident didn’t start Luke’s story, but it brilliantly showed the brave attitude that would define his family’s goal.
Luke’s family moved to Bulgaria in 2007. They couldn’t just stand by after seeing how brutal the situation was for street dogs, who are often abused, ignored, or worse. Tony and Diane started RSDR, or Rudozem Street Dog Rescue, because they were inspired by their son’s friendship with a feisty street dog named Ranger.
Luke’s family had only recently moved to Rudozem, Bulgaria, when he was 15.
One afternoon, Luke saw something that no young person should ever have to see: a bunch of guys thrashing a wild fox without mercy. After breaking into a neighbor’s henhouse, the attackers taped the poor animal’s mouth shut, preventing it from crying for help.
Luke stepped in without thinking twice about his safety. He told the attackers that if they didn’t stop, he’d do the same to them. Then, with nothing but determination and charity, he picked up the scared fox and ran home to his mother, Diane Rowles.
Diane remembers that day very well. Luke’s face was full of astonishment and terror as he brought the bloody animal inside their house. She washed the fox’s wounds carefully and helped it get better. But Luke still had work to do.
Luke carried the fox deep into the woods, far away from danger, and let it go once it was well enough. Even though the fox had been through a lot, it was able to run free again.
The Dodo says that Luke and his family have subsequently saved hundreds of lost dogs and cats from the streets. Many of these animals have found loving homes in the Netherlands, the UK, and abroad.
The Rowles family’s brave mission to save and care for Bulgaria’s stray dogs and cats has not been easy.
People in the area are still fighting against it.
Even though the family was always dedicated and saved many people, they nevertheless experienced criticism from townspeople and officials. They were running into problems with their aim of building a safe, official refuge for the animals they saved.
The Rowles worked hard for years to get their shelter in Rudozem registered, wanting to make it a permanent home for dogs and cats that really needed it. However, in 2020, following years of optimism and diligent work, they received the disheartening news that their official registration was not possible.
Despite the denial of the shelter’s registration, the Rowles family continues to care for the animals they have saved. Many of these dogs and cats will never find a permanent home, but today they have a secure place to stay—a true sanctuary where love and care are everywhere.
The shelter isn’t just a place for these animals to stay; it’s their home. For the Rowles family, these creatures are more than just pets; they are family.
You don’t have to be in Bulgaria to help. Follow RSDR on Facebook to see their most recent rescues, heartwarming changes, and news about their goal to create a new shelter for even more animals in need.
RSDR’s Instagram has some beautiful pictures and videos of fellow survivors. Their work is truly amazing, and every share gives animals who really need it hope.
The Rowles family has been going through some tough times lately, and they might need a little extra help.
On April 1st, the hospital admitted Tony, one of the shelter’s founders, in extremely poor condition. Tony had a significant heart operation, which, thank God, went well. His recovery will likely take a long time, and it is yet uncertain when he will be ready to go home.
Thank you so much to Luke Rowles for bravely saving the fox and to the whole Rowles family for always being there to protect and care for animals in need. We are all inspired by their bravery and dedication.
