... a dream for the dogs, a dream for everyone involved. This is Dog Day, the day when everyone comes together. Team Spain and Team Holland - a joyful re-union for some, a wonderful first meeting for others. When everyone can see the results of all their hard work, the smiling faces of the adoptive families, the healthy, sparkling eyes of the dogs.
Many had been rescued from filthy overcrowded cages in the killing station, or discovered peering out with fearful puppy eyes from a cardboard box dumped in front of the Refugio. Or rescued from a busy highway or from terrible neglect and cruelty. Now they run free, dashing about, bursting with energy knowing they have that thing they always longed for but thought they'd never know. A loving home.
This was my first Dog Day and I'm finding it hard to put my feelings into words. They are just completely inadequate to describe the experience and the emotion. The re-unions - with Fabienne and Dirk and so many others. Meeting new friends, formerly known only through emails and the blogs and Facebook. Seeing so many great people with their much loved dogs.
In spite of problems with water, with funding, with the recent danger and devastation of the fire everyone stays strong. Supporting each other, helping each other with one common purpose. To save the dogs, to love them and find them happy and wonderful homes. Dog Day was a dream of a day - the weather was brilliant, everyone had a great time - and all the hard work preparing and setting it up resulted in raising over 9,000 Euros to help towards drilling a new well.
There's a lot more about Dog Day on the ACE Charity Facebook page including stunning photographs far better than the ones I took (displayed here!)
Thank you to everyone. And my special, heartfelt and sincere thanks to Ineke and Rineke who took such great care of me, drove miles to bring me to and from the airport and to their homes and to Dog Day. They welcomed me with such kindness and entertained me so generously. You gave me a wonderful four days and memories for ever.
Relaxing at the cafe. Catching up with friends.
Fabienne with beloved Bombadoneke
Dirk and friend
Marjolijn, Rineke, Elvira
Have we won the lottery? Ineke, Peter, Lizzie, Yazzie and Bono
Jorine with Hardy and Chica, together again at last.
More lottery tickets. Ernst, Marjolijn, Sailor and Rabito
Beautiful Lisa with her proud young owner
Neil with gorgeous Golfito
Grant and Forsyth and companion - putting on a brilliant show
Nothing like a nice grooming to make a dog feel special
"Ready for my close up, Mr DeMille" - the photo tent was very popular
A wonderful day but a bit tiring for a chap - time for a little nap.
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