During our visits to animal shelters across Madeira, one place left a particularly strong impression on us: the Santana shelter.
Not because of modern facilities or large teams.
But because behind the care of 76 dogs stands mostly one person.
Angela.
When we arrived, the shelter was loud with barking, excitement, and energy. Dogs jumped against gates, desperate for attention and curious about the visitors entering their space. It felt overwhelming at first, until we started speaking with Angela.
“You work here by yourself?”
“Yes,” she answered with a smile.
And somehow, throughout the entire visit, she never stopped smiling.
That was perhaps the most surprising part of all.
Because caring for 76 dogs alone is not simply feeding animals. It means cleaning kennels, washing blankets, organising food, monitoring behaviour, helping with rescues, responding to emergencies, and making sure every single dog receives attention every day.
It is physically exhausting work.
But when we asked Angela how she copes with it all, her answer was simple:
“When you love the animals, you just do what you have to do.”
The shelter itself is surrounded by beautiful nature, with a levada nearby and enough outdoor space to allow the dogs moments outside their kennels. However, like many shelters in Madeira, the reality is that dogs continue arriving faster than homes can be found for them.
Some kennels currently hold multiple dogs, not because anyone wants overcrowding, but because there are simply too many animals needing help.
As Angela explained honestly:
“They just keep coming.”
During our visit, we helped walk every single dog.
And something incredible happened.
When we first arrived, the shelter felt chaotic with barking echoing everywhere. But after the dogs had their walks, time outside, and opportunities to sniff and explore, the entire atmosphere changed. The shelter became calmer, quieter, and more peaceful.
It was a reminder that many shelter dogs are not asking for much.
Sometimes they simply need movement, stimulation, affection, and time outside their kennels.
One of the biggest needs at Santana shelter right now is more volunteers. Not only to help physically walk the dogs, but also to assist with visibility and social media so more people can learn about the animals waiting for homes.
Animal welfare work often depends entirely on community support.
Without volunteers, donations, foster homes, and people willing to give their time, many shelters would struggle to continue operating at all.
At Madeira Friends, we believe it is important to highlight not only the challenges shelters face, but also the people quietly dedicating their lives to helping animals every single day.
Because behind every rescue space are individuals carrying enormous emotional and physical responsibility, often without recognition.
To Angela, and to everyone helping at Santana shelter:
thank you for continuing to show up for these animals every single day. ❤️
