A Tribute to Diva ....

With Fabienne - Diva, the first dog saved

She was the pioneer, the pathfinder.  This little puppy, cowering in misery at the back of a filthy cage was destined to spearhead a movement that grew to become ACE, one of the leading rescue organisations in Spain with a vast organisation in Holland and Belgium. But when Fabienne first set eyes on Diva, El Refugio was still a killing station where every Friday, at 6 o'clock, all the dogs whose ten days were up were killed.

Fabienne was powerless to stop it for this was 1999, right at the beginning of her work. It was years before she was in a position to take over the premises and turn it into the haven and refuge that it is today. All she could do then was take photographs and send them to people and go round the town, trying to persuade someone, anyone, to save some of them.

That began to change with Diva, the breakthrough dog. Without asking (she knew what the answer would be) Fabienne simply took her in the middle of the night and drove away. She drove through the night. To Antwerp. Without stopping. Just before they arrived she tied a big bow round Diva's neck. Then she rang the bell. Her sister Caroline opened the door - and fell in love.

Adored by her family

The whole family fell in love with Diva. For thirteen years she brought them joy, companionship, friendship, laughter. They loved their Diva. And she loved them.  She died on 26th December. They are heartbroken. Devastated. And very proud. For Diva led the way. The first of many thousands of dogs that have followed her. The pathfinder.

In her diary Fabienne says " Diva, may many dogs follow. May we have the strength and possibilities to go on like this for a very long time, with you in our hearts. Sweet family, I wish you strength in this great loss. We know how it feels. How much you will miss her."

Beloved Diva

In tribute to Diva, here are some of the dogs that followed her to loving homes, to golden baskets. There must be well over 13,000 'Happy Endings' - there is only room here for a few representatives. Among the sadness, the anger and impotence we often feel, it's good to remember the success stories - the lives saved, the wounds healed and the happiness of our beloved dogs and the joy they bring to their new, loving  families.

In her diary Fabienne tells the story in her own eloquent words. And you can read her family's owwn moving tribute to Diva here.
                
Beloved Bombadonneke - home at last                                    Reina Sofia - had nearly given up

                  
Jorine with Huggy Hardy and Chica                    Brave Golfito

Nemo

             
             Happy Cookie

Ineke's lucky darlings

                                  
           Handsome Solex                                                        Cloudy - rescued from the street

  

                                    

                                    Bernado - without words
                                                 
The happy dogs below were adopted in Holland during December 2012. Even more dogs were adopted into Belgium and other countries in Northern Europe. Last year the beagles rescued from the laboratory went all the way to the USA. Like the dogs above these are just a very small but representative sample of over 13,000 dogs rescued, saved and loved since 1999. You can see more on the Dutch and English blogs.

Heartfelt thanks to Fabienne for her courage, determination and persistence, to Dirk for his constant support and to every single person who has contributed over the years, in whatever way. And thank you to Diva, the pioneer. We'll never forget you.

Many thanks to Ineke for the beautiful collage.