Couple spend honeymoon helping dogs in Bosnia

A COUPLE have spoken of their moving and heartbreaking experience after spending '˜a working honeymoon' helping stray dogs and cats in Bosnia.
Julie Betterton-Trew helps Ava the dog in BosniaJulie Betterton-Trew helps Ava the dog in Bosnia
Julie Betterton-Trew helps Ava the dog in Bosnia

Julie Betterton-Trew and Adrian Trew tied the knot at Hayling Island Baptist Church.

And instead of jetting out to an exotic seaside location, they flew out to the former war-torn country.

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Julie was inspired after hearing on Facebook about the work of Milena Malesevic, who helps save animals from the streets of Bosnia.

Stray dogs and cats are considered vermin by some in the country and ‘dog catchers’ are called in to either kill them on the spot or take the animals away to a compound where they are killed.

Julie, 45, a former NHS secretary, of Wheatlands Avenue, Eastoke, said: ‘Being in Bosnia was an eye-opener and very heartbreaking seeing so many unwanted puppies, dogs, kittens and cats on the streets of Sarajevo and Zenica.

‘Imagine your precious pet never having a home, living in fear daily, not knowing whether the man or woman approaching them wants to help or kill them. There were so many to see – it broke my heart.

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‘I was intimidated by a man because I was feeding some of the street dogs as they are seen as vermin.’

Julie Betterton-Trew and her husband Adrian TrewJulie Betterton-Trew and her husband Adrian Trew
Julie Betterton-Trew and her husband Adrian Trew

Julie has set up her own charity, the Sasha Animal Foundation. Last week she raised £350 by holding a concert at the Royal British Legion on Hayling Island.

The money will go towards helping rescue animals in Bosnia and the Chaldon Animal Sanctuary in Surrey, which helps rehome them. For more information email [email protected].

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