A big hello from Pepito

Pepito's really grown. I met this sweet fellow in July when I was out in La Cala. Such a little darling. And now how wonderful to see an up to date picture of him. The database says he's been adopted, which is wonderful. It's always worth checking but it's usually correct. I'm so happy for the sweet thing. He was only a very little puppy when he was dumped at the killing station, goodness knows why. He's still a puppy, a cheerful happy little dog.

Pepito in July

Pepito this month with Dirk

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Sharing a basket with a friend.

The noblest of breeds

What has happened to the real, beautiful Spain?

The Spain where goats wandered across the road, where you might find wild ponies in your garden, where people were friendly, light hearted and compassionate. Of course it wasn't perfect but people looked after each other and animal cruelty, while it existed, wasn't the epidemic it is today.

Fabienne and her husband Dirk have lived in Spain for over twenty years. They started the Refugio with Ton nearly eighteen years ago. The changes they have seen are distressing - people are suffering from unemployment, evictions, poverty. As a result more and more animals are being dumped and the killing stations are having field day.

Read Fabienne's reflections on this new, not so beautiful country in her diary. It's enlightening. If you have only just visited for a nice holiday in the sun, you may not know the full story of what is really happening in this once wonderful land.

Happy is happy with his bandana.

Monday, October 12th, 2015

Happy is happy with his bandana.

I spent last Sunday helping at the ACE stall in Diepenveen and I bought an ACE bandana for Happy*.

Yours Susanne

* Happy is the little dog formerly known as Firmin Crets. See earlier post for the origins of his former name.

More arrivals at Schiphol - October 13th

Our colleague and fellow volunteer, Odette Ligtenstein, flew all the way to Spain and back to pick up the dogs. Many thanks to Odette for her generousity. 

She met us in the arrivals hall with Dolly in her arms (Dolly was allowed to fly in the cabin). Dolly's adopter was holding a sign saying "Welcome Dolly"as she anxiously waited for this baby. And precious moments later Dolly was sitting in her lap, all wrapped up a warm blanket. She has certainly found her Golden Basket. 

And four more dogs took their first steps on the road to happiness.

Leon (now Janus): a happy black and white fellow, stepped out of the cage and felt t ease. His new mistress was extremely happy with him. He's finally getting all the attention he deserves!

Evelina (now Luna): a beautiful girl, a Breton - so welcome in her new family. As you can see the picture, she has found her best friend!

Ethan (now Wolf): this young crosssbreed stole the hearts of his new owners. He will have a wonderful life on a farm in the Achterhoek, where a Shepherd girlfriend is waiting for him.

Pablo: This sweet black girl was reunited after more than six weeks with her (blond) brother Picasso. It's great that these adopters have also chosen to add Pablo to their families. And it was great to see how Picasso, who had arrived at the airport at the end of August very scared and timid, is now much freer and happier and was glowing with health.

Thanks to all these wonderful people who are adopting an ACE dog and also thanks to the generous food donations! Have fun with your new dog!

Erna Oosterbaan-Gram

Dolly - safe and warm.

Leon - happy owner, happy dog.

Evelina with her new best friend.

Ethan - will have a wonderful life on a farm.

Pablo re-united with her brother Picasso.

Nouska : sweet litttle troublemaker

Happy Nouska

Tuesday, October 13th, 2015

Roca (Nouska)

In late May we welcomed our A.C.E. second dog at Schiphol. How small she was, our Nouska (known in Spain as Roca). We are just as fond of her as of our other dog. She's a treasure and her brother Tommy (called Sandro in Spain) has become a lot more confident since she arrived and even behaves like a big brother. 

Her leg is fine, you can definitely see that it was broken, but she uses it more and more. It's only when it is very humid or cold that she holds it up. She's still small for a Podenco - and a real little troublemaker and very energetic !!!! We hope to enjoy them both for a long time, thanks to Ace-charity for our two lovely dogs.

On A.C.E. day Nouska was recognized by two Spanish ladies and got lots of cuddles. It's a pity Fabienne could not have be there Nouska lived with her in foster for a while. As a consolation, here are some nice pictures.

Regards, Inge Meijer

At A.C.E. day, reunited with her Spanish carers.

Having fun on the agility course.

All cosy with her brother Tommy.

Hutch Jack : how did he survive?

Poor Hutch Jack - living in such squalor and neglect.

We see a lot of cruelty and every day we experience yet another incident, but every case is different and every single one affects us. This was the case with Jack, it never gets easier.

Jack was kept in an abandoned house where he lived a terrible existence in disgusting surroundings. How he kept going is a miracle.

We took him away from all that filth and misery. He didn't know what to make of it when we washed him. And washed him again. And again. His coat was in the same revolting condition as his surroundings.

He ate and ate. He's amazed at what he's seeing all around him. As far as we can judge, he never left that house so everything is new to him. Despite the bad neglect, he is friendliness itself. He follows you like a shadow. He doesn't want to lose you, as you can see on his video.

He is so happy to have been saved. What a sweet guy. He loves to discover and have a good look at everything for everything is a discovery for him. But above all, he is so happy with a warm basket and a friendly word.

And his life will get better and better. Soon he will be on his way to stay with our wonderful foster mum, Nancy, in Belgium. And we're sure that a forever home will be offered soon for this darling.

Every thing is new. Everything is an exciting discovery, including a warm lap and a cuddle.

An unbroken spirit, despite the terrible neglect.