Brady was ready to go home

Brady with Fabienne saying goodbye.

Fabienne writes ...

"They know. They know when something's about to happen. The night before they leave, they are washed and dried nicely. And there he is, ready to fly off. This is our Brady, whom we call Witteke or Crocky. And this is his story.

When he got attacked by another dog in the Refugio, we made up our minds quickly. "Come on boy, you're coming with us."  And so he became part of the Fabienne and Dirk Gang!

A big dog, another big one, a small one, a very small one and Goodness, heres another one and pretty little lady dog. 'Gosh, it's great here', you can see him thinking. 'I can run around and go for walks and maybe get some scraps from the table.  I enjoy playing and cuddling, I do growling too, but they understand me here.'  

What a sweet dog! I had never been so taken by a dog. After all the misery he'd suffered he became a really great family dog, social with everyone. And then he discovered the cats! 'Female cats? 
Females? They have cats here? Two of them - in the kitchen!' They are unapproachable, two tough ladies who do not want to be messed with and if needs be a hefty thump will clarify the message! Witteke dared to go much further, he would actually try to eat their food, but it only took a week for him to learn that that will not be allowed.

One night Ruby, our tough kamakaze cat (as we call her!) was in the hall. All dogs decided to challenge her. She stood her ground, ears flat against her head. 'So come on guys! Who dares?'  'I do!' said Witteke, after which a violent confrontation followed: yowling and hissing and a very serious discussion ensued and then Witteke quickly came to sit between our legs. 'Look at this! See what that cat did!  God, what a mean cat. Look, she scratched me!'

Yes, Witteke learned his lesson. After a week and a half he treated our kamikaze Ruby with respect giving her a wide berth, pretending not to see her. Our ancient Shiva, now 23, he also respects now. The old ancient lady only has to give him a look!

He gradually regained his confidence and was really happy at home with us. You could see that Witteke originally came from a good home, which he missed really badly and had given up hope of seeing again when dumped in the killing station. But now with us he has recovered his spirit.

And then came the day he was to fly to his new home. We took him to the airport. He had a scared little face and looked really sad. It breaks your heart, but you know it's best for him. We have so many dogs and there are many who are still waiting to come and recover with us. And that's the way it goes. Swallowing and swallowing and holding back the tears.

Happiness, little man, all of us wish you much happiness. We will never see you again, but every time we say goodbye some of you stays in our hearts. We often think of our foster babies. That is how it is. Each one leaves an impression on your heart."

We wish you happiness, little man.

All ready for the big adventure.

A proper ticket and everything!