The dogs from La Cala Market - safe now

I'm sure you all remember Tino, and the story of the dogs at La Cala Market. They were dumped unceremoniously. No one knows who did it. The people from the killing station got there first and insisted on taking them. Fabienne managed to save twelve of them afterwards, but not before three of the original 15 had been killed. 

When I was out at El Refugio I met some of them and was able to take some photos. The thing that amazed me was the fact that they were such a mix of breeds, ages and sizes. Where did they come from? It remains a mystery. If it was someone who didn't want them to be killed, then why dump them in such a public place. It was obvious that the killing station people would be informed and wouldn't waste any time.

So - RIP at the Bridge, you poor little ones who didn't make it. And for the saved ones, we wish you all loving forever homes. We will do everything in our power to ensure that you find them. And for those who are still running loose - that no one could catch. We pray that somehow you will find your way to us, by one means or another, so that we can care for you and love you too and find you your golden baskets.

Such sweet souls - how could someone just dump them?

All shapes and sizes - where did they come from? Who dumped them?

Looking for love and a forever home.

This is my best side!

And this is mine!

Eager for a golden basket.

Something we already know ....

... but now it's a scientific fact!

Thanks to Denise and Dirk for sending this.

While no one's looking ...

.... everyone was busy cleaning cleaning up the mess left by the storm, one fellow took advantage. Hmm - everyone's back's turned. Maybe there's something nice to eat says Sunny ...

Anyone looking?

No? The coast's clear!

Yum! Yum!

I'll just get that last bit. You won't tell, will you?!

Safe - Muffin & Gloria

As on my last trip, Fabienne had offered me the chance of going to a killing station and rescuing a dog. It had to be a little one as the Refugio is only at 50% capacity while the rebuilding work is in progress. I will write more about this particular killing station when I tell the devastatingly sad story of Hobie. As always a visit to the killing station leaves you drained, and the effect stays for a very long time. All the ones you had to leave behind. One in particular - a little black and white mutt - and of course Hobie.

I chose, as before a bit at random because it's so impossible. When I first picked out Muffin and Diana chose Gloria, we were told that they could not be released. Not straight away. We would have to wait - one had a chip and I have absolutely no idea why I couldn't take the other one. I wondered why they would show us dogs that couldn't be released but they presumably have their reasons.

For various reasons, which I will relate later, I totally distrusted them. Part of me was convinced that Gloria and Muffin would never be released. I was wrong. They did release them and Fabienne picked them up last Monday. Here they are - they are not yet on the database. I think Gloria is called Gloria but when I chose the name I wasn't sure if there was already a Gloria. If her name has changed I will change it here.

Gloria is an oldie, she's ten years old. Little Muffin is young - I chose him because he is a Bodeguero, such dear, bright dogs and so often overlooked.

 

                      

                                       Gloria

 

                                         

 Muffin

In safe hands.

Smiling - she's had a lucky escape.

                            Such a pretty girl.

Well deserved hugs.

So happy to be saved.

Who will fall in love with that pretty face?

Muffin - still a bit bewildered

What is this place?

Look at those poor skinny ribs - they don't get fed in the killing station.

A hug to show him he's safe with us.

Who will make this sweet boy happy? You maybe?

The heaven's opened - the rain lashed down

.... the aftermath was not quite as bad this time than a couple of years ago, on my first visit. Nevertheless it was bad enough. Everything swimming in nasty mud and everything wet and stinky. Thankfully the dogs were safe, if upset and miserable. It's all been cleaned up now, with a lot of hard work and help.

                              

A quick break between heavy cleaning - Dirk with Hash providing comfort.

Jesulina - the smiling one!

I fell in love. Not once, but many times. That's what happens at El Refugio. You fall in love with them all. And while they are all equally wonderful, each in his or her own unique way, there are some who catch your eye. Some who's spirits remain with you - however short a time you have had with them.

I first spotted Jesulina as she sat in her spacious cage by the gate. I couldn't resist that smile. A smile as broad as a house. Because I had just arrived and I hadn't been at El Refugio for many months, I didn't at first pay attention to the fact that she was in the holding pens by the gate. That's where the dogs stay before they fly off to their golden baskets.

I didn't know her story. But when I did, I found it all the more remarkable that she was still smiling. She'd had a hard and long fourney. Found on the street, thrown into the killing station. Fortunately rescued but even so - she was one of our long stayers. Three long years in the Refugio. But now her wait was over. Her wonderful new owner had come all the way from Norway to collect her. Such a happy ending for an endearing, deserving, huggy, smiley dog.

Just look at that .....

SMILE!

Who could resist it. I couldn't and neither could her adpopter.

She came all the way from Oslo to collect her.

It was all a bit overwhelming at first ....

But that smile soon came back!

Eager to be off now!

Home at last with new Mum and little friend

Getting used to my new surroundings

So content on my forever sofa!

Xander - enjoying his life to the full

Fabienne writes: -

Who remembers XANDER, the dog that nobody wanted - because he had a skin problem?Kirsten from DENMARK gave him his chance and a heaven on earth !!!

Many thanks to ALL of you who helped with this project - which has had more than a happy end !!!

Xander, third from left - the sweet white dog in the middle - with Kirsten and his siblings

Kirsten with her sight hounds

Running free - bounding with joy!

Such interesting smells in the forest

Playing chase

Homeward bound, tired and happy