A few years ago, a powerful image began circulating on Facebook, quickly capturing the hearts of thousands. It was hard not to stop and look twice: a 15-year-old boy, his clothes and arms stained with blood, was holding a visibly shaken fox. The animal’s muzzle had been tightly bound with tape, its eyes wide with fear. The boy in the photo was Luke Rowles.
While this single moment struck a chord worldwide, it was only a glimpse into a much deeper story — one defined by bravery, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to helping the voiceless. That moment with the fox didn’t start Luke’s journey, but it came to symbolize the fearless drive that would soon define his family’s mission.
The Rowles family had moved to Bulgaria in 2007, seeking a new beginning. What they encountered instead was a grim reality: stray dogs were everywhere, living in terrible conditions. Many had been abused, neglected, or simply left to suffer in silence. It was a heartbreaking sight — one that stirred something in the family. Luke’s bond with a stray dog named Ranger became the spark that would light a fire. Inspired by the love between their son and this street dog, Luke’s parents, Tony and Diane Rowles, decided to take action. They founded Rudozem Street Dog Rescue (RSDR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating Bulgaria’s forgotten animals.
The story of the fox occurred not long after the Rowles settled in the small town of Rudozem. One day, 15-year-old Luke witnessed a horrifying scene that no child should ever have to see: a group of men brutally attacking a wild fox. The animal had wandered into someone’s yard, possibly looking for food, and ended up in a henhouse. That was all the justification the men needed to inflict unimaginable cruelty. They had bound the fox’s mouth shut with tape, so it couldn’t make a sound, then began kicking and dragging it across the ground.
Most people would freeze. Some might walk away. But Luke did neither. He ran toward the men without hesitation, driven by instinct and courage. He confronted them, telling them to stop — even threatening to retaliate if they didn’t. It was a bold move for a teenager, but it worked. The men backed off. Luke scooped up the injured, terrified animal and rushed home to his mother.
Diane vividly recalls the moment Luke burst through the door, holding the bloodied fox in his arms. The shock on his face said it all. She helped clean the animal’s wounds, doing everything she could to stabilize it. For many, that would’ve been the end of the story. But Luke wasn’t finished. Once the fox was strong enough, he carried it deep into the forest — far from the town, far from danger — and released it into the wild. Despite the trauma it had endured, the fox found its footing and ran free.
That story alone is enough to show the depth of the Rowles family’s compassion. But it’s just one of hundreds. Since the founding of RSDR, the family has rescued countless stray dogs and cats. Many of these animals have since been adopted into loving homes across the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and other parts of Europe. Still, for every animal adopted, there are many more still waiting — some too old, too sick, or too broken by trauma to ever leave the shelter.
Despite the incredible work they’ve done, the Rowles family has faced relentless challenges. From the beginning, they encountered resistance from local officials and residents. Their dream of building a licensed, fully operational shelter was met with endless delays and bureaucratic roadblocks. For years, they fought to officially register their shelter in Rudozem. They wanted to create a secure, legally recognized haven for the animals they rescued — a permanent home where dogs and cats could heal, recover, and live in safety.
In 2020, after years of paperwork, meetings, and hope, they received heartbreaking news: their application to register the shelter was denied. It was a devastating blow. Still, the family refused to give up. Registration or not, they continued to care for the animals they had rescued, offering them a safe, loving environment. The shelter became more than a building — it became a sanctuary. For many of these animals, it is the only real home they have ever known.
The Rowles see these animals not as burdens, but as family. Each one has a name, a story, and a place in their hearts. The love and patience they show each animal is visible in every rescue, every recovery, every tail wag and purr of gratitude.
Even if you’re not in Bulgaria, you can still support their mission. RSDR regularly shares updates, rescue stories, and transformations on their Facebook page. It’s a powerful reminder that compassion knows no borders. Their Instagram is also filled with touching photos and videos — small windows into lives that have been changed forever.
Recently, however, the Rowles family has been facing another serious challenge. On April 1st, Tony Rowles — co-founder of the shelter and father of the family — was hospitalized in critical condition. He underwent major heart surgery. Thankfully, the operation was a success. But recovery will be long and difficult, and there’s no clear timeline for when he’ll be able to return home.
This is a time when the family needs support more than ever. Their work has never been easy, but they have always faced adversity with strength, grace, and humility. The Rowles family continues to put everything they have — emotionally, physically, and financially — into caring for animals that would otherwise be forgotten.
So here’s to Luke, who risked his safety to save a fox. To Diane, who never wavers in her care. To Tony, whose heart is as strong as his spirit. And to every member of the Rowles family, whose dedication and compassion continue to make the world a little better for those who can’t speak for themselves. Their journey is a reminder that one act of kindness can ripple outward — and sometimes, it’s that ripple that changes everything.
