About Houssein

My name is Houssein Hamze, and I have been rescuing and caring for animals in Lebanon since 2006.

My journey began during the war, when a dog saved my life. One night, he barked relentlessly outside my home. When I went out to see what was happening, a bomb struck the very room where I had been sleeping. That moment changed everything. I made a promise - to dedicate my life to protecting animals, just as one had protected me.

I founded Mashala Shelter in southern Lebanon as a safe haven for stray, abandoned, and abused animals. Today, the shelter is home to around 200 dogs, as well as several horses, donkeys, and even wildlife species. Despite war, economic collapse, and political instability, I have never stopped. During bombings and conflict, I stayed behind to protect my dogs - traveling from village to village to feed and rescue those left behind.

The challenges are enormous. In Lebanon, animal shelters receive no government support and rely entirely on personal effort and donations. Yet, even with limited resources and difficult conditions, I remain committed to this mission - guided by faith, compassion, and determination.

For me, animal rescue is not just a responsibility - it is a calling. Every day, I feed, treat, and comfort the animals in my care. They are my family, my strength, and my purpose.

In 2025, Houssein Hamze received international recognition for his tireless work. He was nominated for the Golden Globe Award by World Wide Vet, and thanks to thousands of supporters, he is now among the top ten finalists voted for worldwide. This nomination is a powerful acknowledgement of his dedication, compassion, and the life-saving mission of Mashala Shelter.