Saif

Monday, May 23, 2016

Feeling at home!

We wanted to adopt a Galco and we had seen Saif on your site and he lingered in my mind. For hours and weeks I watched the film of him walking with a volunteer and it said something to me; "This dog is your forever friend", and so that was it!

In February my husband, son and I booked a ticket to come and pick up you up ourselves in Spain. Finally the day arrived and we could leave. We got to our hotel, filled with excitement. The next day was the day ..... we were on our way to the refugio.

Once there, we rang the bell, and the door opened ..... we were welcomed by one of the volunteers, once through the gate, we were amazed ....

So many dogs! Wagging, running and jumping, both sad and happy dogs who all asked for attention for a word or a pat. It was touching to see, my heart broke .... "In God's name, how can anyone dump all these dogs, how can they hurt them?" And then you suddenly realize that you are grateful that shelters like Ace exist, that still want to give a second chance to these poor defenseless dogs ......

And there you were .....our Saif your legs crossed and so relaxed, enjoying the first rays of sunshine .... ooooh and you were so beautiful !!

We were given the green light to meet with you. You were so scared, but all was soon forgotten ater we'd given you a couple of cookies and then you came to us to be petted. The ice was broken and you had gained confidence in us.We were bringing you back with us to the Netherlands, and we were also escorting two other dogs to bring them to their golden baskets.

Fabienne and her volunteer had arranged everything needed so that we could fly with the dogs, we  did not have to do anything but retrieve the benches at the luggage pick up in the Netherlands. Once at the airport we were met by more ACE volunteers who were going to hand over the other two dogs (Broussaille and Fredje) to their new owners.

Once we got home, you immediately went into your golden basket, we gave you a big bone and you sat there for hours, nibbling on it.  It was as if you had lived with us for years, you felt so at home!! 

We take long walks with you through the forest, we spoil your thoroughly, and you come everywhere with us. You always keep an eye on your bosses because you do not want to lose sight of us !!! And we don't want to lose you either, you are a member of the family, our 'Windekind' and we dearly love you.

So in writing we would like to thank Ace, Fabienne and all those lovely volunteers and interns for taking such good care of these defenseless dogs and cats, and for giving them the opportunity to be given a second chance for a better life.

As Fabienne always says, "You can not save all the dogs in the world, but you can save the world for one dog!"

And this is so true, these dogs are so grateful, and we are able to continue to enjoy them every day ..

Lots of love from Brabant,

Joyce, Gerry, Dayne and Ryan and of course a paw from Saif !

Chilling in my Golden Basket