Despite all the problems ... this is why we do it!

It's always a struggle. But in the past few weeks we've had more than our fair share of difficulties - even more than usual. Fabienne's illness. Now the catastrophe with the water. And always, always a constant stream of dogs in mortal danger. In the killing stations. Risking death on the road. Starving in the streets. Dumped at our gates.

So it's always heartening to see dogs whom we rescued in the most dire and dreadful conditions. Who came to us in the most dreadful state - dirty, terrified, sick, injured, fearful, unable to trust humans  - to see these sweet souls find loving families who take them into their hearts and who will cherish them forever.

So despite all our difficulties we have much to be grateful for. So many generous donors, so many people rallying round to help - in El Refugio, in La Cala, in Holland, Belgium - everywhere. And so many wonderful families offering homes and foster homes to our precious dogs. These are the lovely lucky ones who were adopted in July.  Among them sweet Flup, who came to Fabienne in a dream, and dear Reina Sofia, so weak she gave up before she got to the gates and just lay by the cat's house where we found her.

So many happy dogs. So much to be grateful for. Much thanks to Ineke for the brilliant collage.

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