Sad update: Brave small Guicci has died

RIP sweet Guicci

They did everything to make his last months exceptionally happy. The story was on the blog a few weeks ago. But now Guicci's bosses have had to send us the sad news that their small, but very brave Guicci, died on Monday morning.

On Sunday night he deteriorated so rapidly we could hardly believe it. Sunday was a beautiful day. We went to the seaside with Guicci and his friend Ozzy. Throughout the morning he played, ran and dug holes as if he was a young pup. That day it was hard to believe he was 12years old and had cancer. He enjoyed himself so much, so it was disbelief and terrible sadness when we had to let him go to sleep a few hours later !!

We will always carry our little brave warrior in our hearts and we will see him again, sometime ..... we really have to believe this.

Listen to the words ... they are so true ...

... ignore the birthday greetings at the end (unless of course it's your birthday :) ) Dogs are truly our best friends, unconditional love - always there.

Happy Arrivals at Eindhoven Airport

March 4 saw a special arrival aat Eindhoven Airport. Gia, Polly and Chaco all welcomed with open arms by their new families! Our love and very best wishes to them all for a wonderful, loving future.

Gia, waiting to meet her new family

Chaco and Gia, travelled together.

May Chaco, who has been through so much and who has known so little happiness, now find the happiness he deserves.

Gia, so small and delicate, a sweet lady 

Little Polly, too cute! 

Vito - what a difference

Such a beautiful picture - Vito's coat is so shiny and healthy

Vito's adopter, Eva Joost, have sent a picture of Vito and Scotty at the photographer's. What a difference, they say, compared to Vito's photos just a few months ago.

This was Vito, just a few months ago.

Korneel ... still waiting

Meet our sweet Korneel

Korneel, a sweet rough-haired Podenco, was found wandering in the street, skinny and frightened. Fortunately a Spanish couple found him and brought him to us. At first he was very anxious and fearful, he had no self confidence but patience, cuddles and good food helped him get over his fears and he gradually settled  down. He allowed himself to be picked up and cuddled, once he knew us, even though he wasn't used to this. 

Korneel when he first arrived

He came to us in November 2012 and he is now three years old, so he was very young when he was saved from the street. Korneel has been in foster care in Belgium for a while now. His foster family say that he is social with the other dogs and is good in the pack. He is very happy going for walks and loves riding in the car. He's not a fussy eater and loves to nibble.  Once he trusts you he is a real sweetheart, he gives you licks and likes to come and sit with you in the office - you'll have a real friend for life in Korneel. Here's another recent video, taken in December last year, 2014, with his foster family and the pack.

Korneel has a delicate and delightful character and is looking for a home where he can get the necessary attention This sweetheart deserves to be loved and looked after. Will you take him into your heart?  

A delicate and delightful character

Having a little lie down!

On the beach.

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!

Brave Ruby ...

Ruby - waiting patiently for her golden basket

Our Ruby. A big dog with a big heart and so brave. Last week, when one of our foster mothers was taking her dogs for a walk, they were attacked by a wild boar. Such a shock and such a horrible experience for our foster mum and for the dogs. Ruby was one of them - you can read the full story on Fabienne's Diary and also find out more about our gentle Ruby. There are some videos of her there and here is another one.

At the vets she was so brave. She even allowed the vet to treat her without using anesthaesia. Poor Ruby had such a bad start in life. She was found in a cramped cage in the killing station at Fuengirola, very sick after having given birth to six puppies, none of whom survived. We took her away from that dreadful place and she was so happy to come with us.

Ruby has blossomed in foster care. Indeed her foster mum would like to adopt her but she feels that wouldn't be the best thing for Ruby. With fourteen other dogs, Ruby wouldn't get the attention she so deserves. Now we are looking urgently for that very special family who will love and adore this very special, quiet, gentle but playful dog.

Ruby has blossomed in foster care

A gentle girl, loyal and devoted