Rewards

It doesn't get any easier. More dogs are being dumped. El Refugio is full to bursting. There's never enough time or money. Some of the cruelty seen every day beggars belief. How can they call themselves human, these people?

But then and then and then ... I think of Fabienne and Dirk and Ton and everyone who works so hard, day in and day out, at the Refugio, in Holland, Belgium, Spain and many other countries. As a helper or manager, as a student helper, a volunteer, a fundraiser, a foster parent, and adopter.

I think of the kindness, the courage and the tireless devotion. And above all the love. It's not done for reward, it's done out of love but there are rewards. The reward of seeing the results - the happy dogs and their loving new owners. So, here are just some of these stories. Just a few.  There have been over 13,000 other happy endings over the last decade or more. What an amazing achievement.

 Beloved Bombardonneke - now Lola - on holiday with her adoring family. She had a terrible start in life but she won everyone's heart and she'll always be so very special to many of us.

Juani. Tied to a tree until she gave birth then thrown onto the streets. She was terrified if you even looked at her. So neglected  you could smell her a mile off. Love and patience turned her from this... 

... to this bright-eyed happy dog. She has been reserved and soon will be on her way to Holland.

Beautiful three-legged Golfito, who had been confined to a tiny cage, is now the happiest dog in the world. He goes on holiday with his a lovely family and he is even allowed to sleep on the bed.

This is Skippy, formerly Fritske. Poor little thing found it hard to adjust and it wasn't easy for his new bosses; he was their first shelter dog. But they had patience and fell in love with him. They say he's the world's best cuddler! Just look!

Aiko, formerly Philemon has been in his golden basket for six month now. He's such a happy special dog who loves everyone and is generous with sharing his toys and his food. He has become a real water rat and loves to swim. His family adore him.

Bonzo on arrival at El Refugio. He was so frightened and in shock. He was one of the 20 dogs that belonged to an old woman. She beat them to keep them in order but still cared enough to hand them over when she became ill.

Now look! Bonzo has become Wammes and has been with his loving adoptive family for three months. He's changed from a timid dog to a darling with a huge heart. He loves driving with his family. He's still a bit frightened of big dogs but his best friend is Alissa, an 8-month old kitten.