LUCA’s LEGACY

This fundraiser has been created in memory of Luca, also known to his friends as McWaggs or the Professor, who sadly crossed the rainbow bridge on 26th August 2020.

This sweet boy did not have the greatest start in life. He and his siblings were found abandoned in Romania in July 2014. They were around 2 months old. The pups were rescued and cared for by Ioana of Ioana’s Ark. With the help of another wonderful charity, Paws2Rescue, a home was found for Luca and he travelled to the U.K. to begin his new life his with loving pawrents, Anna and Mat. 

Luca settled into his new life and enjoyed the luxuries that all pooches deserve; a warm bed, cuddles on the sofa, ham and treats, beautiful walks and trips to castles around the U.K. No one looked more handsome in a bow tie than McWaggs, and the stories of his hilarious adventures earned him a huge following on Instagram under @professor_lucas_mcwaggins 

After being unwell in August 2020, Luca was taken to the vet to be checked over and was found to have a torn abdomen, believed to be a hernia. This was suspected to have been caused by a trauma from Luca’s time in Romania, or he could have been born with it. The tear had gotten bigger over time, resulting in Luca’s symptoms becoming more severe. Luca was taken into surgery but despite the surgeon’s best efforts, his body could not accept the surgery and the trauma was irreparable. Devastatingly, Anna and Mat lost their beloved McWaggs. 

It is clear from the outpouring of love and sadness in the days after Luca’s passing that he made a huge impact on everyone he met (both in person and virtually). We cannot think of a better way to honour this loving, sweet boy than by helping other dogs in need. 

Anna and Mat have chosen two charities they would like to support with any donations made in memory of Luca. The Professor has 2,085 followers on Instagram. Imagine what a difference could be made to the lives of so many pooches in need if everyone donated just 1 £, $ or €. All donations will be split between the two chosen charities. 

IA is a registered non-profit organisation consisting of Ioana and a small U.K admin team. IA rescues and provides shelter for the stray dogs of Romania. They neuter, microchip, vaccinate and rehome rescue dogs into the U.K, Germany and across Europe. 

Paws2Rescue is a U.K. registered charity that works to relieve the suffering of dogs around the world, with a focus on Romania, by supporting partner charities and rescuers to provide shelter, food, bedding and veterinary treatments. They also help dogs to find loving homes in the U.K. and across Europe. 

Why Romania? 

The Romanian stray dog policy is to capture, hold and kill. The conditions in the public shelters are simply horrific. Paws2Rescue and rescuers like Ioana work to improve conditions, expose the shelters and rehome these beautiful animals that deserve so much more.