In some cases, people would love to give a home to a dog but it is not a feasible option. However, it is still possible to improve the quality of a dogs life by volunteering or being a sponsor at a local shelter. Such is the case with Edwina and Spy. While volunteering at União Zoóofila, Edwina fell in love with Spy and has been his Godmother ever since. On my way home from volunteering, I would often pass by them sitting on a blanket outside in the shade, having a picnic together. So I was curious to know how this friendship began. 

Edwina actually started volunteering in the cat section. But after some time began working in one of the dog sections, which is where she met Spy who has been in the shelter most of his 15 years of life. “He would be there in morning when I would arrive at 9am and he would just come running up and it was just beautiful…I grew to be very, very fond of him.” She then decided to be his Godmother and sponsor him. He was initially very overweight and Edwina had visions of them taking walks in Monsanto to improve his size. But on one of their first walks he fell down and, sadly, he couldn’t get back up due to the problem with his spine and joints, compounded by the weight issue. So they now take short walks together and he still managed to lose the weight, together with a more suitable diet.