Happy Birthday A.C.E.

Happiness looks like this and makes everything worth while. These sweet faces are some of the lucky ones who found their golden baskets in Holland in December 2011 and January and February this year.  This not all the dogs who were adopted as others went to loving families in Belgian and Denmark and other countries. And yes, they are lucky and they are truly deserving, but it isn't just a question of luck. None of this would have happened without immense effort and hard work, heartache, sorrow sleepless nights and rugged determination. And love - so much love for these and all the other darlings who are still waiting for their golden baskets. 

Thank you Fabienne and Dirk, everyone working or helping at  El Refugio and all the other shelters, to the loving adopters, the amazing foster parents, to all the volunteers and the students, in Spain, Holland, Belgium, Germany - and throughout Europe . I saw on the A.C.E. Facebook page that you've just had your 12th anniversary, or is it 13th. These sweet faces represent just some of the latest ones who now have a secure and loving future, thanks to your love and care. 

A special thanks to Ineke Jongeleen, who is responsible for the wonderful Dutch blog. It is she who put together these splendid collages - it must have taken ages but was well worth it as you can see. 

  

In February 2012 these lovely dogs got the chance they so deserve

The new year gave these sweeties a new life in January 2012

Christmas wishes came true for these little ones who were adopted in December 2011