27/09/2026
What a loss. I first became aware of Nowzad circa 2006 when I started pet sitting. Back then I focused on dog sitting and was in full admiration of Pen Farthing. I have followed their work since then. The 2021 pull out of Afghanistan by international troops and the Taliban take over of the Afghan government was troubling, and while my thoughts were with the innocent citizens, the animals and Nowzad mission was foremost on my mind.
Since then Nowzads work also include Ukraine and Romania.
The entire team at Nowzad sends our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of Allison Condon and Rachael Harvey-Purkiss - the two devoted British animal rescuers who tragically lost their lives alongside eight precious dogs in a devastating road collision in Romania.
They were undertaking a journey driven by compassion — transporting rescued dogs toward safety and loving homes. To lose dedicated rescuers and animals in such a sudden, heart-breaking manner is a tragedy felt deeply across the global rescue community.
Tragedies like this are a painful reminder of the sheer vulnerability and risk involved in animal rescue and evacuation work. Beyond the headlines, the reality of getting animals out of danger and across borders — whether from conflict zones or crisis points — demands such physical and emotional sacrifices that few ever see.
The exhausting, non-stop driving, operating on minimal sleep to keep transport timelines tight, and minimise stress for the animals on board.
Unforgiving infrastructure and unknown roads, often in harsh weather or through regions with minimal support systems if something goes wrong.
Navigating bureaucratic delays, changing regulations, language barriers, and lack of local support in certain countries adds hours of friction and mental exhaustion to every leg of the journey.
The constant weight of responsibility — knowing that innocent lives depend entirely on getting every detail right — creates an environment of continuous high stress.
When you see a rescue animal safely arrive at a shelter or step into a new home, it is the result of endless hidden hours, grit, and extraordinary risks taken by individuals who refuse to turn away from animals in need.
Allison and Rachael embodied that unflinching commitment. They stepped up when animals needed a lifeline, and their selfless dedication will never be forgotten.
Please join us in keeping their loved ones, and everyone grieving this profound loss, in your thoughts.
Rest in peace. Together forever over the rainbow bridge.
(Photo from Ukraine, not of the van used by Homeward Bound)
