ANIMAL-LOVER Traceyanne Smith has adopted two puppies from Romania after stories of cruel abuse made her feel "physically sick".
The 36-year-old from Arnold said she was disgusted when she heard tales of pups being gathered at "kill shelters" in Bucharest and injected with lethal antifreeze.
The mum-of-three already had two dogs at home but was so distressed by the stories that she adopted two more – Ellie and Elsa.
The pair were brought to the UK by Nottingham rescue charity One Paw At A Time, at a cost of around £400 per dog.
Ms Smith said: "I had no idea this sort of thing was going on. It made me feel physically sick. It doesn't bear thinking about what antifreeze can do to dogs."
Now Ms Smith, of Howbeck Road, wants to raise awareness of the work of One Paw At A Time, which also helps unwanted dogs in the UK.
Founders Shaun and Shane Duffin have full-time jobs but spend their spare time travelling to Romania to rescue dogs.
Ms Smith said: "It's brilliant what they do. Bearing in mind their jobs, the passion and commitment they show is unbelievable.
"I was so upset at the stories that I even donated a piece of furniture for Shaun and Shane to sell to raise money."
Daughter Lauren, 15, said she and brothers Jack, 13, and Charlie, five, had "absolutely loved" having mongrels Ellie and Elsa around to join the other family pets, Barney and Lola.
She added: "I think it's amazing what the charity has done to save them from Romania."
Civil partners Shaun, 28, and Shane, 27, of Borrowdale Close, West Bridgford, started One Paw At A Time in March.
So far they have rescued 20 dogs from Bucharest – visiting three times and persuading the shelter to let them bring them back to the UK. But Shaun, assistant manager of Maidenhead Aquatics, Edwalton, said funding was a problem.
"The donations keep us existing," he said.
"The more people that know about us, the more we can carry on what we are doing – and that is fewer dogs getting put to sleep.
"Per dog, it costs around £300 to fund vaccinations in Romania and then transport them to the UK.
"When you are back, you then need to spend around £100 more for further vaccinations, neutering, microchips and further medical costs. That's not to mention time spent trying to find a suitable home."
The charity is holding an awareness day at Asda in West Bridgford today. It will feature activities including bag packing, tombola and children's colouring as they look to raise funds – and take details for possible future adoptions.
For more information about One Paw At A Time, visit onepawatatimedogrescue.co.uk
