On this page our President will share happy, funny, special, but also sad stories with you ...
Swan doesn’t need to live on the streets anymore,…
He had been searching too long for an existence, looking for food, searching for the boss that once took him in his house…
His fur was composed of misery and of grey existence. Today he came to us.
He was very scared, very unsure and didn’t know what was happening to him, but soon he will learn that we love him, that we will fight for him and that is world will change into a world of love and happiness.
Dear Swan, don’t worry anymore, we stand behind you… Your own little heaven is coming your way
Fabienne, 30th August 2010
Dear all,
The project “OperaciónGataLibre” was founded when the Refugio changed from being a death station to a rescue centre. Since then we have about 300 cats, who are all sterilized or castrated. We give them food, and take care of them in any possible way. We put houses and beds and give them all the attention we can give. A cat lady takes care of their daily needs.
Most of the cats are wild and we cannot touch them, but since the economic crisis in the country we find more and more cats at our gate. A few weeks ago we were surprised with 22 extra cats. All of them walked into our arms when we arrived at the gate. They were all very sweet and dependent and even used to dogs. We now have a lot of sweet cats that have to live here after being abandoned by their owner. We do not put the cats for adoption, but we would hereby like to ask if there are people who would like to donate beds for cats or cat food, so that we can continue to take care of our cats, because the lady who used to help us went back to her country and we are left behind with all these cats who would like to continue living on the other side of our mountain.
We can only be grateful to those people who like cats and want to support them by giving a little bit of food or a soft basket.
Fabienne, 29th August 2010
Garu, our little big Chow Show bear is being returned to Spain.
Discouraged I picked him up at the airport and it hurts, but it is better than being dumped by his foster family, who obliged our people in Belgium to take him back today or they would take him to the shelter, or kick him in the street…
Because it is August and many people are on holiday we didn’t have any other option than to fly him back to Spain… it’s the world upside down…
His life took a strange turn. Once he was a show dog and he was well known everywhere until his owner went back to England and he was left alone in the big residence. When the real estate agent arrived, he was welcomed by Garu who let him know that he was quite hungry after a week of waiting… that is how he came to us…
Courageously he went to Belgium, to a foster home, but these weren’t the people who wanted to give him lots of love…How can we be so wrong about certain people?
To cut a long story short, Garu is safe and back with us. Because his fur was in a worrying state, we washed and cleaned him.
He greeted us passionately and we cuddled him eagerly and we know that soon someone will come along who will give him a life full of love and happiness.
Fabienne, 28th August 2010
Our new students ready… together with Steven...
Our two Iron ladies… Denise and Diane...
Fabienne, 27th August 2010
Ronda can almost go home. She is counting the days Sharo, Chef and poor Babette and far away, in the back, scared Tine 2... Aren't they cute? Our medicine woman Denise, on the way. Malta is fond of an extra piece of meat, with medicine in it Zappy, Buddy and Mcqueen also say hello Kune: nose to nose A cuddle for the little ones Ola, ola, ola
And cleaning happens a lot. We are all happy with a clean cage.
Fabienne, 26th August 2010
Today we had another sterilization day in the Refugio: several stray cats and dogs who were having puppies without end were being helped. Also Hector was one of them...
Thanks to Wane and Kelly England.
Fabienne, 25th August 2010
Dear all, These little, soon big bears are looking at the future... Who helps me in giving them a safe home?
Regards,
Fabienne, 24th August 2010
Oro is in the death station of Los Barios, where we are currently fighting to let the dogs live. The discussions with the owner are difficult and I have problems not to lose my patience, but we cannot ever forget that we are the only link to a chance of a new life...
Last Tuesday I was at the airport and although the summer can be beautiful, the hours of waiting can sometimes be less flattering. Delays and delays and lots of pale faces who adore the sun and get grilled at the coast for a nice tan...
Anyway, I had 5 hours' delay and then you start thinking and thinking and thinking... I had a very funny feeling deep inside, I had to go straight to Los Barios.. So that's where I went flying to... When I arrived at Los Barios, there was a strange atmosphere.... Today they would receive the visit of a brave veterinarian who was going to kill half of the dogs. One of the people there was in tears, the brave man was already putting aside all the dogs that were condemned to death. It was a close call, but we managed to take 19 with us and then started the discussions with the owner, but the only thing that matters is the result, the vet was cancelled, apologies were made, a promise is a promise... The owner says that we want to let too many live and that a perera will always be a perera...and that there needs to be space for new stray dogs... Anyway, we will never understand this way of thinking. It is gloomy, grey and incomprehensible and I don't want to waste anymore energy in this...
19 creatures that were not supposed to be here anymore lay quietly on the way to the Refugio... not a sound... as if they were tired of the emotions...and those who are left behind are not in danger for the moment... For a short period of time, but where there is hope, there is life and there is always light at the end of the tunnel..
Oro is one that couldn't come, but I would really like to save him, he is very depressed and is being released in 3 days... Let's continue forward...
Fabienne, 23th August 2010
Kittens are being clubbed to death every day...
Kittens are being clubbed to death in Salamanca. These cruel events do not occur only there, but everywhere... Why is this possible? Why, Why? They are barely 4 months old and the tough workers have toasted to that, unscrupulously and unpunished.... Dos cervezas por favor... Viva España...
Fabienne, 22th August 2010
And more…
Fabienne, 22th August 2010
Dear all,
This is an article that appeared today in a Spanish newspaper: 400 dogs are dumped here per day... no further comment...
Las protectoras recogen 400 perros y gatos abandonados al dia en España
They were dumped in Spain, after having lived in an English family.
I can still see the children, crying and crying because they loved these 2 sweethearts who were no longer welcome.
After that they lived with us for a long time and they had their ups and downs, because Sky and Blade are real family dogs, they’re sweet with children and loyal to their family.
On september, 12 they finally flew home in the big bird, direction Belgium…
Finally home, in a caring family…
Today, AUGUST, 15 2010 they have to go!
If this doesn’t happen fast, they will be dumped on the street or in a shelter by the same caring family.. and of course we don’t want this to happen!!
The threats of this caring family are very painful, knowing that we trusted them and were grateful for the adoption of these two sweet dogs that wouldn’t hurt a fly, but they’re big and strong and it will not be easy to find another home for them so fast…
It is holiday… it is summer…. But they will not give us time nor understanding…
The dogs have become our problem children again and we do not want anything unpleasant happening to them.
That is why I want to fly back Sky and Blade in the big bird if we do not find a solution, but this time direction Spain…
That is my only solution, because we cannot allow that they are kicked on the street or thrown in a shelter.. no way!!
If they are people going to Spain, please let us know, because then they can come back safely… There is no other option!!
People are often mad at me and they do not understand that we fly dogs back to Spain, but if I would have to choose between being kicked on the street or thrown in a shelter, I would know what to choose!! They are our responsibilities, they are our dogs and we want to escort them until it is no longer needed. That is our duty!!
Our people work very hard, day and night for these stray dogs. They often are suddenly confronted with a text message or a rude phone call:”The dog has to go now!”. Then they start working and looking and doing everything that is possible to find a solution…. But if there is no solution, you cannot abandon the dogs and the people.
As a responsible I am obliged to do what I rather not think about, but their only safe place is here, in the Refugio… no matter what…
I want to thank our great volunteers who have had so much stress and grieve these last days, because of Sky, Blade, Norbert… Together we will find a way and none of them will ever end up in the street, after having been one of us.
This is possible thanks to all of you… I cannot thank you enough!!
Fabienne, 16th August 2010
Babette
Babette was born in a dark shed. The only visitors she had were the hunters and the numerous bugs that covered their little bodies. This is how they grew up, looking up to their brave mom, who endured this already for so long...
One day she could come out for the first time with the big man, who pushed them all in a cart. It was very hot and they couldn't move... But then they were allowed to run and run and run... God, what a world, all those flavors, all those flowers, all together, free in this lovely nature, because this is how they call it...
And then...
I woke up in a dark cage and I stayed there. I couldn't move, I couldn't run, I couldn't be with my mom, I was not allowed to come out... I stayed in that cage for a month, I cried silently and I thought that this would be for the rest of my life, or maybe my life would end like this. I didn't care, until a young man that worked for the hunter took me and gave me to this sweet lady. Her sweet words sounded like music, the pain was softened, but my legs are not alright...
They take care of me here and they treat me nicely and next week they take me to the doctor who maybe may be able to fix my legs and maybe, maybe one day I will be able to run again, run and run and enjoy all the things that I have been dreaming about...
Fabienne, 14th of August 2010
We had to amputate Pakos' leg It was unsure from the beginning... for 4 months we tried to rescue the leg of this young, sweet gentleman. He was not operated by our normal veterinarian, but by another one. But he didn't improve, on the contrary, so I took him to Carlos for a second opinion. This is the result... We couldn't save Pakos' leg. He is now a Pakos on 3 legs, but he doesn't have pain anymore. This sweet dog is also looking for a sweet boss...
Fabienne, 13th of August 2010
Vampi, the sick puppy from ALGECIRAS
This is Vampi, under the care and love of Paky from Algeciras.
He has just eaten and it looks like he liked it…
Isn’t he cute?
Fabienne, 11th of August 2010
Inka, our Mastin pup with a disability on her leg.
Little tall Inka was born with a disability on her leg. Because of this she walks slower than her sisters and she will need to have surgery. Next Tuesday we have an appointment with the orthopedist to see how we can help this gorgeous dog. She is a very happy puppy with us, she's social with the other dogs and very, very sweet. She's a bit of a "hooligan" during one hour each day, because she can be a little devil, but she will definitely be a fantastic dog! Inka is still looking for a boss...
Fabienne, 10th of August 2010
It's the end of the week. Tomorrow I'll get up healthy and I'll continue with new spirits...
We've lost again some lives this week, but for others luck came their way... Pili is gone and little Neo who survived and started to live his life died after sever attacks of epilepsy, really heart-breaking... Many little ones didn't survive, one died after it was left in the burning sun, unbelievable...
This is Sindy. Her boss died and she was just evicted. She waited for days on the entrance of the house, waiting on her best friend and confidant... her boss... and then she was brought to the death station.
How inhuman can you be? I am out of words... Fabienne, 9th of August 2010
Dear all,
Next year we would like to be able to work more professionally in our clinic for the dogs. The devices in the appendix(click here) are the machines necessary and even required for next year. We would like to make this our project and we are hoping to find the financial resources with your help to purchase them.
The anesthesia device and the oxygen device would save a lot of lives. Now it is most of the time a miracle that the dogs survive the old-fashioned way of operating. But regularly we have dogs that do not make it and that is so sad and we would like to see this change.
We would like to be able to realize this project soon,
Thank you in advance, Fabienne
Death station Los Barrios August 2010
It had been a while, but we had to go, because too many dogs had been killed already and we felt the urge to save the life of at least some of them. Reluctantly we went. The owner happened to be there and then it started: they all have to die, here it is 10 days and then it's over, try to understand that... There is no other policy! And so we were informed again. I just walked on. After a while we obtained a week's delay for the ones who were there. THANK YOU, FATHER, THANK YOU...
We took 15 with us, with a full car and mixed emotions we went home, because the ones that have to stay behind remain in your head...
The numerous sick puppies who look at you with their sad and aimless eyes, who miss their mother and who would have loved to have had a chance. Those who start to get fed up with life and then die. All those young lives: galgos, podencos..
We remain positive and go. The dogs that are with us know and feel that from now on things will change.
On the road with some... 15 are rescued.
These have 10 days to go after they come in. ....
Cooling off in the water bowl.
Small, big.
A very sick puppy, so sad, so incredibly sad
A friendly, social Pit bull, barely 1 year old, waiting to die. Why??
What about us? Help us!
Give me a chance…
Small or big.
This older dog went with us
Without words
Fabienne, 6th of August 2010
Samson and Delilah, couple of the week They barely weigh 1,5 kg, they are inseparable. They live for each other, if the female eats, the male also starts eating; if the female laughs, the male also laughs. Together they are strong amongst all these other dogs, but sometimes they don't know anymore. They start looking scared, they crawl against each other, and they’re so sweet and kind to each other. They can only be placed together: he is not going anywhere without her and vice versa. I call them Samson and Delilah... our couple of the week. He is a mini Yorkshire with very fine ears. She is a lady Chihuaha, a very handsome pair...
Fabienne, 6th of August 2010
Tonneke
We just arrived at the refugio this morning when the bell rang. A lady with an impressive silicon bosom walked in with a little dog in her arms. The poor thing looked so sadly that we took him over, little Ton. He had been wandering around the house of the couple, but their big dogs wanted to eat him alive. So…
Here he is, our little Ton, he has been bitten everywhere and has been severely neglected, he is very skinny and very, very unhappy, he hardly weighs 3 kg.
He has been another victim that has been abandoned this week.
Fabienne, 3th of August 2010
Abandoned on a terrace. Mastin puppies.
Another phone call. Non-stop. It looks like a hot line here.
"Can you please help me? I don't know what to do. I arrive at my holiday house and there are 7 Mastin puppies on my terrace. What shall I do with them? The killing-station doesn't want to come and get them. They only want to come next week when they have more space - they have too much work."
Luckily we were able to save them on time. It was their destiny to come to us. It's unbelievable that people leave puppies on a terrace, in 37°!! How somebody can do that. It’s hard to believe. We better not think about what might have happened to these fragile creatures.
Monday we start working on them. They have food, water, cuddles and they are safe. They have been rescued.
Fabienne, 31th of July 2010
Pool dogs
Fabienne, July, 30Th
French Bulldogs are a trend.
This week was an exciting week: each day flew by so quickly, one moment it was morning, the next it was evening, but there was always satisfaction. No day is wasted; in a refugio every day is different. Every day is a surprise, whether it is good or bad. We received a lot of dogs, it doesn't stop, unfortunately.
The suffocating and overwhelming heat doesn't end - a lot of puppies didn't make it. In this heat the bacteria win from our efforts, some are strong enough, others just come peeping and then leave us. That’s reality.
But a lot of dogs found a home this week, for which we are very grateful, because they are home or almost home and that is our goal: their salvation, their coming home, a safe haven for always, surrounded with a lot of spoiling, because you can't spoil them enough, these heavenly creatures.
One of our experiences this week:
French bulldogs, English bulldogs and Chihuahuas are the most popular dogs nowadays here in Andalusia. This week we received three, all with a problem: one had a heart problem, one had a Cherry eye and the other one was so heavily neglected and used to breed that she was badly injured and wandering around the streets. The poor thing was completely undernourished and in a lot of pain. She received emergency surgery and is now recovering, but her little body was so abused that she will have to undergo another operation in two weeks. The sadness and pain that this little dog went through is heartbreaking. Little Franchie, which is what we called her, is now in good hands, a fashion dog, abused and dumped.
As a puppy, they all look very cute, but then the education starts, which takes time and patience. A lot of people don't realize this; they're not angels, but sometimes little devils. Dogs are like children: they need us to start their lives, with a lot of love and patience.
Fabienne, July, 29Th
Why am I here?
My name is Pruno and I am 3 years old. A few days ago I was dumped, and now I am totally confused. I am a quiet and adorable cocker spaniel and am used to go with my boss wherever he takes me.
And now, in the refugio, I am completely lost. I am sitting quietly in a corner waiting for this nightmare to end...
Fabiënne, June 22
KAOLA - Reunited
After what seemed like an eternity without our faithful friend, we were finally reunited with our beloved pet KAOLA on Thursday 3rd June. This was due to the huge efforts of Fabiënne, Diane, Tony, Emma, Amalia and many others working with the ACE organisation. Not forgetting the many people who responded to the appeal for help to find Kaola and free him of his ordeal.
I cannot explain the relief and sheer happiness when I first saw Kaola that afternoon. I gave him lots of cuddles and attention. He kept licking and nuzzling up to me. KAOLA was so well behaved in the car on the journey home. As soon as we entered our pueblo, he became very alert and watchful of his surroundings. When we turned the corner to our house he became very excited.
I had not told our children, Celine 10 and Steven 9, that Peanut had been found, in case of any complications with his collection. When the children opened the front door and saw KAOLA they were absolutely delighted and so excited. Kaola gave everyone a welcome. His tail wagging furiously, it hasn’t stopped wagging since. My husband was over the moon with joy. Our other little dog Sasha, who had hardly eaten during the time KAOLA was missing, leapt all over him. The two of them ran around chasing and playing with each other until finally KAOLA was tired out.
Later we took Kaola and Sasha out for a walk through the Olive groves. It was wonderful to see the children playing and fussing over the dogs, especially KAOLA, he was enjoying every minute of the attention. KAOLA enjoyed two large bowls of food and treats on his return. He then lay on the sofa with the children and went to sleep exhausted after his 9 daylong ordeal.
He follows us around from room to room constantly at the moment. He becomes quite nervous if he cannot see us. He needs confirmation that we are there for him. He is a loving and trusting dog, who thrives on attention.
When we first saw KAOLA abandoned in the streets many months ago, so thin and sad with a leg so badly fractured he could not walk on it. Our hearts went out to him. We took him home, giving him food, love and comfort. Over the months his leg has continued to improve with daily massaging. He not only walks on this leg but also runs around playing with the children and Sasha. To have suffered once is more than enough, but to be put through another ordeal was unthinkable. He deserved better than this. I dread to think how his life has been since he was taken from us and how betrayed he must have felt. The guilt we have at allowing someone we should have been able to trust put him through this was unbearable. To have him home safe and sound is amazing. We are eternally grateful to Fabiënne and her team at ACE for the wonderful help given to KAOLA and us.
Thank you,
Jacky, Jeff, Celine, Steven, Sasha our pup and Tabatha our cat Spain, June 12
This week will be very busy for us: for the first time in the history of Fuengirola the Day of the Dog will be organized. We as protectora may defend our goals and we really hope it will be a very successful day. You are all very welcome!
But... he is still looking for a new loving family. Maybe a family with a cat?
Fabiënne, May 29
Some of our littlest ones, like BACH, BEETHOVEN and MORENA, really love watermelon...
Fabiënne, May 28
Gitta, being dumped at the death station of Malaga
Just when we visited the death station of Malaga and wanted to leave, we saw a man with a little child in his arms and a brave dog walking next to him. The poor little dog was unknown of the terrible decision that was made for her.
Father, child and dog enter the station and tell them that the dog has to leave because he growls at the child.
As she is unwanted by the family the decision of ending her life has been made already...
But, we take Gitta with us. She is scared to death, but does not oppose when we take her in our car. Saved from the death, and now entering a new life.
At home we find out that she has been beaten a lot. Only at the sight of our hand she shakes over her whole body.
The first few days he is very frightened, but has the company of our dogs who run free in the garden. She keeps on looking at them and then she decides she wants to play with them too.
Only 2 years old she is now discovering our garden and keeps on running. Her sweet face has changed from scared to sweet and lovely.
She comes to me and receives her first cuddles from a human being. Still scared for Dirk, but in the meantime curious for this new man.
We are convinced that she becomes a great and sweet dog and that she will become very happy in a new and loving home. With a little patience, and many many hugs...
Gitta, being dropped...
Gitta, finally happy
Fabiënne, May 27
Urgent: Benito, who will help him?
Benito is a sweet little dog in the death station of Algeciras.
He is getting very depressive and desparately needs a loving home.
Who will help him out?
Fabiënne, May 16
Horror in death station Mairena, Sevilla
Sevilla, the beautiful city where thousands of tourist love to wander around, also has her dark sides. And it is only getting worse, as the financial crises hurts more and more Spanish and English people. And what do the do... they kick their animals to a death station. See below the horrible pictures taken in this death station.
MAIRENA ES UN EXTERMINIO, NO PODEMOS PERMITIR QUE ESTO SIGA ASI ¡¡TENEMOS QUE HACER ALGO!! DIFUNDID POR FACEBOOK, FOROS, BLOGS, POR TODO INTERNET..ENVIAD CORREOS DE PROTESTA AL AYUNTAMIENTO DE SEVILLA..
Hoy jueves 13 de Mayo de 2010 he tenido que ir a la Perrera de Mairena (Sevilla) para ayudar con el coche a sacar unos perros de allí. Como yo no entro en la Perrera, me puse a pasear con uno de los primeros perros que salió, una galga, y me encontré con esto 3 o 4 parcelas más abajo
- Uno de los perros fuera de la parcela, sentado en la puerta con unas calvas enormes y temblando. - Perros con miradas muy triste y deseosos de cariño. - Perros dentro que no dejaban de rascarse y como podreis ver en las fotos, una de las perras casi sin pelos en todo su cuerpo. - Perros llenos de garrapatas y pulgas porque no paraban de rascarse, rascarse y rascarse. - Comiendo algo que no sé si eran sus propios excrementos, sus vómitos o no sé que era. - Peleándose entre ellos a veces por querer acercarse a la cancela pidiendo cariño. - Muchos de ellos con heridas. - También había caballos pero al estar más lejos no he podido ver su aspecto - A los dos que estaban fuera, llevaba un poco de pienso en el coche, se lo dí y lo devoraban.
En fin, para que seguir contando. Un horror.
MIRAD COMO ESTÁ ESTA POBRE PERRA. LE QUEDAN SOLO CUATRO PELOS EN TODO SU CUERPO.
Fabiënne, May 15
Paquirei
Dear people,
Our old Paquirei is giving up, she is very depressive after years being locked up in the killing station of Algeciras. She is still hoping, but since a few days she is more and more longing for the end... I really do hope we can save her, even if it is for only a short period.
Can we work together on this?
WHO WILL GIVE HER A CHANCE...?
Fabiënne May 8
Too late...
The good news that Austria wanted to foster 5 puppies came as a great gift from heaven.
We almost flew to the death station to save them. But... came too late, they were dead already...
Fabiënne May 7
Puppies in garbage container
The last few weeks were far too busy.
This week we found 5 newborn puppies in a garbage container.
Fabiënne May 5
Update Thor - April 10
At April 2 Thor was stolen again from our refugio... We were in shock.
We placed articles in almost every newspaper, hung flyers everywhere, told our story at the radio, and almost arranged a tv documentary on stolen dogs, with Thor as example.
Saturday morning we went to killing stations to hang up flyers. Somebody must have seen Thor, and last week we received many tips, unfortunately without any result.
And then... I just got home and fed my dogs, when the telephone rang: Robin and Brigitte had seen a big white dog close to the refugio, and Diane was convinced that it was Thor.
I have never been that fast at the refugio again. And yes, far away at the mountain I saw a white dot. We ran as fast as we could, Diane took one side of the mountain, Robin and Brigitte the other side and I went alongside, but we could not see him again. And then I looked behind me and saw him at the refugio...
We really flew off the mountain, fell a few times, and now we are full of bruises, but we did not give up, as it was our own Thor!!!
Thor looked at us, but was very, very scared and dared not to come to us. However, he did stay close to us, and followed me from a distance. He looked skinny, tired and very scared. Then I asked everyone to leave Thor and me alone. I sat down to the ground and talked smoothly to him. He came closer and closer, until he was next to me and layed his head in my hands. He looked at me, and his eyes told me everything.
Our THOR is back!!! God, we are so happy that our sweetheart is back with us.
Diane, Robin, Brigitte, my dear husband, thank you all so much for your help at Saturday night, it was really unbelievable.
We are convinced that the people who have stolen Thor got scared by the enormous search campaign, articles in newspapers, the radio, the flyers, everywhere you went you saw a picture of Thor, and they for that reason dumped Thor at the refugio
But, who may be involved in this, Thor is now with us, saved and beloved, but will NEVER EVER return to the refugio again!!!
Thor, little big dog, we will cherish you until you are strong enough to go to your new boss. We have found a lovely new family for you already!!!
Thanks to all the people who sympathized with us and/or helped us to find Thor.
Fabiënne, April 11
Stolen Thor is back!!!
At 11 pm the telephone rang. "Hello, we have picked a dog from the autostrade. He was there, standing as a statue along the road, while the cars were racing by. We have got him, but cannot keep him. Can you help us?" We could not believe our eyes, but the big white dog appeared to be our own THOR, stolen from our refugio last September!
I have always known that one day he would return to the refugio, and I always kept repeating this and thinking of him. And now he is back, it is a miracle: our own THOR is back! He is very skinny and very frightened. He is scared of walking to the entrance, it looks like he is scared to be stolen again. He was not happy when he was away, as he is very frightened, introverted, shy and scared of everything. He is sleeping inside now and we are trying to recover his strength.
We are so very happy that our big bear is back with us again!!!
Thor is really adorable, and with a sweet boss he will be very happy again...
Fabiënne, March 26
Djuke, devoted till death do us part
This week was filled with ups and downs, with a lot of good moments, but also very sad moments.
A couple of our dogs died. The rain, the cold wind, the winter claims many victims.
Malawi, Mathilde, Malta, some puppies and many other dogs are fighting for their lives.
Djuke, one of the dogs who were left by an English family, died, full of grieve.
Together with his two companions he was dumped at our refugio. We did what we could, but Djuke could not handle his grieve. He did not want to be here with us, he wanted to return to his family.
No matter what we tried, he turned his head when we gave him food and water. He did not want to live anymore and finally died...
Rest in peace, dear Djuke...
Fabiënne, March 13
It can't be true, horror in Los Barrios
Yesterday, Sunday March 7...
The ongoing rain has brought Los Barrios, the terrrible death station, a drama. I can't find any words to describe this...
The river next to the horrible death station flooded, and help for many dogs came to late, many of them drown... A terrible death: their cages were filled with 1,5 metre water...
We could not reach Los Barrios before the afternoon. The whole station stould blank. There were 30 large dogs still alive, but very cold and soaking wet and muddy. They were very sad and without any courage.
It was really heartbreaking.
Peter took some dogs with him, and we filled our car with the remaining 15. The station is empty now. Together with the people of Algeciras and the owner of the death station we evacuated all dogs. Tears and sadness, powerlessness and anger filled our hearts. We were not thinking about if we had any room for them in our refugio, no, this was something we had to do: saving them.
While we were evacuating we could only think of the people who dumped them in this death station. God, how can you do something like that...
The dogs are now save with us in our refugio. All of them are very tired of their struggle for life. Especially Pastor and Touch are very ill.
We will give them special care, we all are emotionally very tired, and are feeling guilty of the ones we could not reach in time...
It is really terrible, but now we have to take care for the ones who survived.
May our drowned devoted four-footers rest in peace...
Fabiënne
Molleke and Bolleke - part 2
Do you remember Molleke and Bolleke (see below, February 9)?
They are doing very well, and are now waiting for a warm and cosy family!
Fabiënne, March 4
The evolution of our smallest puppies, found in a garbage container (see February 8)...
Fabiënne, March 3
A new week just started with new courage. The weather is a little better, except for the strong wind we have some dry periods, and that is what our waiting dogs really need. We have some dogs that are losing courage, our Modesto is giving up now. He does not leave his basket anymore and stares at you with blank eyes. He lost his patience, the days go by while he thinks of his boss who ever loved him... He has given up now, our sweet poor Modesto...
Zyan we saved from Los Barrios. He had also given up, just like Zappy he was thrown out of a car window and got serious injured. Zyan has had medical surgery and is now, except for his morality, getting better. He looks so sad at you, with his sweet innocent eyes...
Zappy, also thrown out of a car, at our doorstep...
Our Isabelleke also has a difficult period. Her neighbours have fighting cocks and they cause a huge flea nuisance. The poor lady does not know how to fight this anymore. We try by all means to fight this, but with the cocks near her house, the garden is immediately adjacent, she loses the struggle, no matter how many products we use to combat the fleas. We have find a way, so all suggestions are welcome, because we are at a loss... Little Isabel would be tremendously grateful...
Fabiënne, March 1
Blue Monday February 22, 2010
The continuing rain, the sad dogs, the illnesses and the overloaded refugio; as if it is not enough "people" dump another 9 little creatures at our door.
Thrown wounded over the gate, tied to a garbage container, or, with seven of them, stuffed like sardines in one of òur lent cages.
All of them adorable dogs, all of them worth to care for. We curse, bite our teeth, make fists and arrange our refugio in order to make room for them. Otherwise only death at the 'perrera' rests for them.
A brown wounded dog, probably dumped out of a car, a cute rough haired Houdini, a worried mother with 5 cute puppies accompanied by a 6-8 months old cavalier (maybe her son from a former nest). The mother was panicked, worried about the future of her family.
When we gave her and her puppies some food, water and sweet little talk, she slowly came to us and licked us. When she saw everything was allright, she started to eat herself.
In the afternoon the sun began to shine a bit. Hopefully the future will be better...
We are overloaded with rain and storm, everybody is getting tired and depressive. The dogs, the people, it is a long winter. We will never give up the hope that the sun will shine tomorrow. In our refugio it is also raining bull terriers at the moment, we now have 4 of them. The crisis also hits them, but also bull terriers deserve a chance. Here they are:
Our Chino, very ill when she came in the refugio, but is now getting better
Safira was dumped in the death station of Malaga. A hardly one year old female dog that was beaten already. In the beginning she was very afraid, but now she is getting very cuddly and gets on well with people and other animals.
Dartacan, a dumped bull that already has been through a lot. Only 4 years old and dumped already...
Bomba, a puppy of 6-7 months old and not wanted anymore...
All dogs deserve a chance, also breeds that are not popular. It are the people who judge them. All of the dogs are born pure, it is us who are responsible what happens to them. It is a pity that "macho" people take these dogs just to show them off.
Such a shame, as bulls are adorable dogs, if only they are adopted by the right people.
Fabiënne, 22 februari
Another week full of rain and floods, and a lot of grieve among people and animals. Besides houses especially our refugio cannot handle this amount of rain and floods. We managed through it, but sadly enough it costs us a few dog lives: our old Zulu, our new Kinba, 16 little puppies... Our heart broke again and again when a few dogs did not survive, no matter how hard we tried to save their lives...
We should not look back, we must go on for all the dogs who count on us.
There is still so much to do, our few foster homes in Spain are full. We all are overloaded, but just to be able to save more lives and to protect them from this winter. But hopefully the sun will shine again soon...
I like to take this opportunity to bring one of our dogs under your special attention: CANDELA.
She has been too long in the refugio and she loses courage. She is old and not beautiful, but she deserves a warm family. Candela is from one of the horrible sheds of one of the horrible hunters, where she was chained day and night. She would love to find a warm, loving and cuddly home.
Candela, in the shed where we found her
Another week has gone, tomorrow is another day.
Fabiënne, February 20
Molleke & Bolleke
In January we found them in a cardboard box in a garbage container: 5 newborn puppies, hoping for a loving mummy who would guide them into this world. But then they were dumped instead, in a garbage container.
Three of them didn't make it, two of them were lucky.
Molleke and Bolleke are being bottle-fed by us, and are slowly becoming puppies with a future.
And now they are discovering the world, they feel well and play like they should. Every now and then one of the older dogs corrects them, but that is how they will learn. It always is a big job to get them through, but it is always worth it! They are small and lovely little wonders...
One of them cried out loud: 5 puppies, the navel string still there, and they were very, very cold. They are bottle-fed now, let us hope they will make it.
Fabiënne, February 8
HELP US FIGHT FOR RIGHTS FOR ANIMALS IN SPAIN!!!
Hello everybody,
May we please ask you to read this message. May we please ask you to fight for the rights of animals in Spain. We have no time to waste!
El proyecto de Ley de reforma del Código Penal http://www.congreso.es/public_oficiales/L9/CONG/BOCG/A/A_052-01.PDF This is a Spanish text, as presented by the Spanish government. Despite all promises it does not contain any laws protecting animals against tortures. We must proceed fighting for them and approach the government. We cannot allow this anymore... ¡¡ EL ÚLTIMO CARTUCHO POR EL CÓDIGO PENAL !! PROTESTA (autorizada) el lunes 22 de febrero a las 9:30 (9 y 1/2) de la mañana en la sede del PSOE de Ferraz en Madrid calle Ferraz nº 70, metro Argüelles
Fabiënne, February 7
Carmela
Who wants to take care of an unknown, never been loved, sweet black dog...
For years she lived at a chain. We were not allowed to take her with us, not even allowed to touch her. Until the moment she was there, lying in her own blood. Then it was that they wanted to get rid of her immediately.
Carmela was alive, was breathing, and watching us with dead tired eyes. Hold on little girl, we will take care of you, please don't give up...
At the hospital the vet discovered that she had been pregnant, and that there were still some dead puppies left in her womb. It almost took her life.
Now she is better, still very weak, but she is alive. She is quiet and very sad, because she knows that because she is black and about 6 years old, she will not be very popular. But: she is a very sweet and very thankful dog.
I will be so very happy when somebody comes to save you, somebody who will love you very much, take care of you. And you don't know it yet, Carmela, but we will see to it that you get a warm new family to take care of you. We want to see you happy, enjoying a walk in the forest and be loved so much....
Fabiënne
January 25
Snoes
Snoes is a young sharpei who lives in a killing station. He was dumped because of his skin problems. He is a happy en very friendly young fellow who hopes not to stay any longer in the killing station. It is really heartbreaking to hear him cry when we leave... He is young and wants to play and be happy! He doesn't understand at all why he has to live in a dark shed while he is so young...
Snoes deserves better. Who will help him out?
Fabiënne January 21
Dear all,
Is there really nobody among us who can help us to bring these terrible practices to the attention of the European Parliament?
These pictures were taken in Valencia in one of the many killing stations of Spain, and somewhere in the field were maniacs killed their dogs. This is daily practice in Spain. Do we really have to accept this, live with this? Is this Europe, isn’t there anybody of the bigwigs with a heart for animals, who can help us to stop this?
We all seem to fight a losing battle. This time it is Valencia crying out for help, tomorrow it will be someone else, or us. But it always will be Spain. We are begging for help, proclaim our word, work as mad men to save some of the dogs, put in claims against the barbarians, but never get a response.
This is the place where you can torture animals while nobody seems to care. Why can’t we make a law which protects our animals from killing stations!?
Why can’t we work together with the killing stations. We could work on sterilization programs and projects that learn people how to care for animals, within 5 years we could already book some results. But, of course, killing stations then would not have any dead bodies and therefore no income…
How long will they remain keeping their eyes shut and will proceed like there is nothing happening. How long??????????
Fabiënne
January 19, 2010
These days our poor dogs suffer from the rain and the cold. But luckily we have jackets, they keep them warm. We are so happy with those jackets!!! The jackets were made by our volunteers. Thank you very much!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bjyu-SsE9TA
But... we are still in need of more small and medium sizes. Who can help us out?
Fabiënne´s Diary 
