THE ACE-SHIN ENGLISH BLOG

October 05, 2012

Mirror, mirror on the wall ... eeek!

September 30, 2012

Black Beauty Project ... black is beautiful

We call it the black beauty project because yes, they're black. And of course they are beautiful. But that's the problem. Many people have some sort of prejudice against black animals. With cats maybe it comes from the old tales of witches and black cats. With dogs - who knows. All these ideas will have their roots in myths and folk tales. But there's no foundation to the prejudice. Just look at these gorgeous dogs - they didn't ask to be born black. They certainly didn't ask to be mistreated. They are totally innocent. And loving. And lonely for a home of their own. Can you help?

Monique was brought to our foster mother, Isabelleke. She was a tiny puppy, very weak and sick but her owners didn't want her any more. Isabelleke nursed her and loved her and helped her become the gorgeous healthy girl she is now. All that this sweet character now lacks now is a loving family. Who could resist her.

Truffel is a lively dog. She's full of fun and loves to play and romp. She's also happy to just lie calmly at your feet. Like so many others she was dumped by her owners - hard to understand because she's an easy going dog, ideal for a family. If you make her part of yours she'll be your friend for life.

Johanna was found, weak and emaciated, with her five puppies, neglected and covered with ticks. She's doing well and we're hoping that somewhere a Galgo fan will fall in love with her and give her a caring home. Johanna is sweet and submissive, still somewhat hesitant and shy, due to her past no doubt. But she shows absolutely no sign of aggression. Who will show Johanna that the world can be a loving place, a place that will show her the respect she hasn't known in her four years. It may take a little patience but you'll soon melt her golden heart.

Staf, or Staffke as he is affectionately called. That's the clue - Staffies are the most friendly and loving dogs when left alone to be the sweet characters they are. Staffke is only five and was happy with his owner until the economic crisis hit. Staffke's boss was forced to move to a tiny apartment where he couldn't have a dog. Heartbroken he came to us and asked us to find a good home for his companion. Staf needs a boss who is active and understands the breed - he will reward you with loving friendship.

Snack Attack - a brilliant, heartwarming evening.

Yesterday we had our annual BBQ at Snack Attack. At first we were very worried that we'd have to cancel it because of the storm alarm, the red alert. But miracle of miracles, after it had rained all day, really poured with water, suddenly it was dry for several hours just at the right time.

It was a successful cozy and cool party ... everyone was in good spirits and we could put the disastrous year aside for a while. Because after the drought, the well drying up, the terrible fire and now floods and flash floods you're more worried than usual ... you imagine all sorts of horrors, you're really not comfortable.

But really, it was a great success. We would therefore like to thank everyone for the help they gave us, the turnout and the support, it was a very successful and joyful evening!

Fabienne

Nicky's dancing was superb

"Let me entertain you"

A great turnout - thank you everyone

Fabienne, Dirk, Natasha, Stephen and friends

September 25, 2012

Will you knit a sweater for me?

Will you take part?

Autumn is just beginning but in Spain we are slowly beginning get ready for winter. It can get very cold in the Refugio and then our dogs yearn for some extra warmth. Throughout the year we save up baskets and warm blankets for the cold period and get sweaters and cardigans for the small and vulnerable dogs. This year, unfortunately, we do not have enough hence this appeal - Will You Knit A Sweater For Me?

Can you knit or are you handy with needle and thread? Will you join our knitting / sewing club. Maybe you have some patterns? We are hoping to deliver a big box of Christmas sweaters to Spain. So do you have some needles and balls of wool? Are you ready to get started?

Please sign up via pers@ace-charity.org o.v.v. And here's a great website with some wonderful patterns (as well as some wacky ones!)

Nelson would love to have a sweater to keep him warm this winter.

September 20, 2012

Golden Baskets .... these precious dogs were adopted in August

... these are the happy dogs whose luck changed in August. They were all adopted into Holland during the month, just some of the thousands saved by A.C.E. and now bringing joy and pleasure every day to their devoted new families. Among them Golfito, who can be seen with his sweet new owner on the Dog Day post 'Field of Dreams' below. And patient Penfold who probably thought his day would never come. With many thanks, once again, to Ineke for the wonderful collage.

September 19, 2012

Hector - a little dog in a big body

This is Hector. Hector is only a puppy but he's big and strong. As a result people don't always realise that he's just a little dog in a big body with a lot to learn. He likes to jump, he likes to chew things, he wants to clamber onto your lap for a cuddle. In short - he's a typical puppy.

He's sweet. He's affectionate. He's longing for a boss who understands his joyful, playful, headstrong Boxer personality. He needs a boss who will love him to pieces but take a firm hand with him. Who will teach him with patience and kindness and help him become the magnificent character he was born to be.

Hector's details can be found on the ACE website. At present he's in foster care in the Netherlands.

Hector with his friend Bombadoneke who is also looking for a loving family

September 16, 2012

Field of Dreams ...

... 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.