Volunteer Experience Report at Finca Noah (Berni, Kaj and Alexandra)

A week at a very special place – my time with Animal Police

We had arrived.
My friend Berni, our Chihuahua Kaj and I stood before a large gate and it quickly became clear: this is not just talk. This is where work gets done. Before we had even properly arrived, we witnessed a heavy enclosure structure being moved from A to B through everyone's combined effort. Everyone pitched in. It was one of those moments when you immediately feel that this place is run by people with heart and conviction.

So our first welcome didn't come from the people. A cat, a donkey and a horse greeted us curiously. I was honestly already quite happy at that point 😀.

And then we heard the dogs.

And there was Farah in front of us.

Now things got serious. I had been incredibly looking forward to this moment. At the same time, I had great respect for integrating Kaj into an existing dog pack.

Farah just looked at me and said: "I know my dogs" and her manner reassured me.

In hindsight, everything actually seemed quite simple.

Eloi, the pack leader, accepted Kaj and we could start the getting-to-know-you phase quite relaxed. While the dogs found their dynamic, things moved along remarkably quickly for us humans too. A quick hello, a few handshakes and we were right in the middle of the team. Then we got straight to work painting the aviary. It had to be finished that Sunday, which meant we worked on into the darkness with headlamps, because the next day the straw roof construction was beginning.

Farah, Nadine and Juan, along with the helpers and volunteers, welcomed us immediately. Everyone had an open ear for questions alongside their tasks, a good tip or simply a helping hand. It was this special feeling of openness, trust and shared mission.

And so began a week full of work, learning and encounters.

Every morning and evening I got to care for the cats and in the afternoons I went for walks with the dogs. At the same time, Berni helped in the stable and cared for the horses and donkeys. After that, we all cleaned the grounds together from sheep, dog, chicken, goose and deer droppings. Brooms, rakes and manure carts became our constant companions that week.

Only once all the animals were cared for and we had eaten something quickly did we continue with building up this special place.

And yes – I wasn't aware beforehand of how many muscles and bones exist in my body and especially how they can all hurt at the same time.

We painted, carried stones, laid tiles and even built a small treehouse. Physical work, real teamwork and at the same time incredibly fulfilling moments.

And in the midst of it all, there were always these beautiful little moments: pausing briefly to pet the dogs Mrs. Meier or Jack, or playing with the cats for a moment while cleaning. These moments connected everything.

Sometimes it was a real challenge for me to stay focused on the work. Because everywhere there were animals, encounters and stories. At the same time, that was exactly why I got up with so much joy every morning.

This week charged my batteries in a very special way.

Through people who dedicate their hearts to animals.
Through a pack that shows what solidarity means.
And through a place where something grows every day – for animals, for people and for the future.

Thank you Nadine, Juan and Farah, and the whole team, and of course all the animals for this unforgettable week. Looking forward to seeing you again soon.

Berni, Kaj and Alexandra March 2026