Happy Endings

We recently asked our adopters for a few words about how their new family members are doing in their forever homes. Heres what they had to say.

Who remembers Little Fergus? The little boy living rough in a golf club car park, avoided contact with people at all cost? Weeks of dedicated 'stalking' his movements, feeding and planning his trapping resulted in his rescue and safekeeping at the shelter where he began to learn to trust. Well that was over 2 years ago now, and yes it took a while for him to feel completely comfortable but his wonderful family gave him the space, time and understanding that he needed and the rest as they say (as you can see from this photo) is history. That is pretty much all we can ask of any adopter and we know for sure that Sharna, his mummy, will tell you that having Little Fergus and helping him on his journey is one of the best things she has ever done. Well done Fergus and thank you so much Sharna.

One of the most wonderful things to see is a long term shelter dog fully integrated as part of the family. Bodegueros are known for their ease of transition and Chispa was no exception - she is on the far left, (giving kisses as usual) loves everyone and everything and next stop is a holiday with her family by the beach. Now as we all know #onebodegueroisneverenough there will soon be a request for another bod ;))))

This is Luna. Her new family told us this. "She has been with us 9 months and we wouldn't be without her now. She is such a sweet, lovely natured dog and my young boys adore her. Thanks for bringing her into our lives".

MOLLIE (Munchkin) has gone from not being able to sit , never mind stand, walk or run to doing her own housework !! We have had her for 2 years and 5 months now and she never stops surprising us, she now chases around the garden after our other dogs, albeit in a bit of a wonky line, to being able to jump up onto furniture ... Not bad considering we were only supposed to have her for 3 weeks !!!! Wouldn't part with her now ...

Here's a picture of Pyrrho (was Kiko), Toby and Poquita (was Kika). Pyrrho and Poquita are brother and sister. Toby came with his brother Bingo, but poor little Bingo lost his battle with illness this year.

Toby must be 11 or 12 now, having come to us when he was about 9 years old. He was very quiet and shy when he arrived, but he has blossomed into an affectionate little boy, with a very enigmatic stare. He absolutely adores his walks and it warms our hearts to see him so happy. He does have some health issues - he's very deaf now and has to wear bells so that we can locate him and he has a back leg weakness. The vet is happy with what we are doing with Toby. I brush him every night and give him a back massage with lavender oil. When the times comes, he sits down in front of me with his back to me - all ready for pampering!

Poquita was Toby and Bingo's kennel mate and we couldn't bear to see her all forlorn, so she came along a little later. She adores Julian (my husband) and her job is to keep an eye on him. She objects to anyone being behind closed doors and opens the bathroom door if anyone is taking a bath. She's very busy and keeps the other dogs in order if they transgress the Rules of Dog - she even disciplines our big pointer/podenco mix.

Pyrrho is an eccentric little chap - he gets very depressed on walks and is very very car sick - but he loves racing round the garden and seems very happy He has a special relationship with Alfie, our Podenco Canario - it involves lots of mouth licking, strange podenco noises and play biting. Poquita joins in too.

Amigo was found by the side of a main road, very ill and shut down with fear. He remained in the vet for about 5 weeks. For the first few weeks he remained shut down but eventually he showed signs of wanting to put up a fight. Volunteers visited him in the vet and took him out for walks and showed him kindness - trying to give him something to live for. Meanwhile we did our bit in finding him the most perfect home with Catherine and Julian Noyce. Thankfully he struggled through his illnesses, gained strength and confidence until he was ready to travel to his home in the UK. He has gone from strength to strength in his wonderful home being a bodeguero he settled brilliantly and very quickly showed his little character. Just look at what his family have to say.

"And then there's Amigo who came to us as a 'special case' He was found in a moribund state and nursed back to life. He had some sight in his left eye and none in his right eye. Soon after he came to us he had to have the right eye completely removed and we think he has lost nearly all the sight in his left eye.

But you should see him on walks! He often leads the way, stumping alongj, going in the wrong direction, bumping into the undergrowth, correcting himself and carrying on. When we go out he wears falcon bells and a day-glo jacket so that we can locate him when he goes off course.

He's a funny little chap and makes all sorts of little noises to himself and to us - he could do a good voice over for dogs on tv who are not so communicative".

Bella (Delilah) has settled into family life beautifully. She has been with us for over 2 years and we couldn't be happier with her. She is such a loving and kind dog. She truly is a very valued member of our family, and we are so lucky to be have been chosen as "her forever family"

This is Hamish (was Galgo). He has been with us almost a year now. He had lived at Melampo for a long 10 yrs with his partner Leila. We adopted Galgo a week or so after Leila passed away and having never lived in a house he walked in, jumped up on the sofa and has lorded it ever since!! He's an old boy (12+??) and is very good at sleeping, loves his walks and enjoyed three months in Scotland in the Spring. The drive back to Edinburgh was very memorable!! Who knew he was scared of doorways!! We are happy to have given him a comfy home for his golden years.

Woody (on the right) arrived "home" this time last year. He survived the streets by eating cat food left out daily by one of the volunteers. He is a true survivor and I can't begin to thank you guys for saving him and helping him become a special part of our family. He's one in a million and we can't imagine life without him. Thank you from everyone in the Wood household X

SHAYLA is the dearest little person who has had a very difficult early life on the streets of Spain and badly attacked by another dog. She is now our treasure and I wouldn't swap her for anything. She is much loved.

This is checo .. I had no intention of getting another dog but he is the most amazing biggest dog I have ever met , we have had him less then a week and he has been the most obedient boy I have ever met ! No accidents in the house , no aggression just a big ball of love !! I want to thank you guys for bringing him into my world ❤

Update on Lina (full title Lina Bellina) who lives in Sheffield with her her wonderful adopters. This is what mum Kathryn has to say: "She is doing really well and she is very happy here with us. She is my super cuddly furry girl and we all love her to bits. Lina loves cuddles and she loves giving kisses. She has been on holiday with us, she has met my Mum's new rescue schnauzer and gets on well with her. She is a lovely girl, great with people and all other dogs that she meets. Smudge is still with us (13 in April) and although he's a bit wobbly on his legs he is still a happy chap.

If I can just say to everyone please don't overlook the dogs who have been in rescue the longest. Please don't overlook the larger dogs, black dogs, older dogs. Both of my dogs have been overlooked for years and both have been a joy and not one bit of bother. Because I have had such a wonderful experience with Smudge and Lina I will always offer a home to those dogs with little chance of being adopted. My Lina Bellina is a gorgeous girl and she's the one for me!" Thank you Kathryn for adopting a big, black beautiful overlooked girl and giving her such a wonderful home

Both Scoobs (left) and Gomez (right) went to the same home. Here is what their family said about them.

Scoobs !!! Just perfect!! I have had him 3 years the most gentle loving dog in the world

Gomez .... Personality overspill !! He has so much character he never fails to make us laugh

Hello all, our beautiful Pandora continues to delight us daily. She has adapted so quickly to living with us. (me, my daughters Helena and Immy and Charlie our other gorgeous dog) Every time Pandora has her dinner she dances a little pirouette and if she gets fed up with me looking at my phone she will sit next to me and paw the screen! Or perhaps she wants her own phone! Pandora will occasionally watch TV and does like a good wildlife programme. Pandora now understands 'sit' and 'wait' and is getting better with recall. We adore Pandora.

Pepe ....aka Ghandi .... In his usual position

This is Charlie. I've had him a year and a half now. He has changed from a timid boy into a confident and happy delight. He is a PAT (Pets as Therapy) dog and brings happiness to many many people. Because of his unusual breed here in the UK he is known throughout the village and receives more than his fair share of love and attention .... daily! Lucky boy!

Fofo is a happy boy who loves his home and us. He likes his toys and plays with them lots. He and the cat now tolerate each other. He enjoys long walks in the park but given the option he would avoid being close to other dogs , we are working on this .

How wonderful to receive a picture of Gordi, now Gaudi, out for a walk with mum Val. Gaudi is a 10 year old boy abandoned early this year, travelled to his new home in the UK and has settled wonderfully!

Robbie and Rosso are doing great, enjoying forest walks, good food, and sleeping next to Ladys as you can see

Russa (right) and Gizmo (Left). Russa was nearly 7 years in the shelter but what an amazing girl. She has bought laughter and love to my home. And Gizmo one of Santitas pups (an Animal Angels Rescue). Russa struggled for a while to realise she can play with other dogs so could be a bit grumpy and tell them off. Since Gizmo came into our lives they roll and chase and play (though sometimes its on the bed whilst im trying to sleep) and Russa interacts with other dogs we meet. They both love long outings and running around like a pair of wallys with tongues hanging out and ears flapping. They are chalk and cheese to look at but they love each other and i love them.

We brought a select number of dogs to the UK in order to find them forever homes because we knew this would be there only way of being adopted. People needed to meet them to fall in love…
First to travel under this arrangement in March 2013 were Pequi and Nancy (aka Peggie and Nova)
Total time in the shelter between them: 12 years

This beautiful girl had been in the shelter 4 years after being found in the countryside with her pups. After her very special companion Berta became ill and went into foster care we decided she needed our help. So we brought her to the UK where it took a little time for her to find her forever home.

Everybody fell in love with Pequi, but she needed the perfect home for her where her human could be with her. Thankfully she found what she needed and is rewarding her forever family with love, affection and all the fun of a Breton Spaniel.

Nancy (previously Nova) at the age of 14 traveled with Pequi in March 2013 for her chance in the UK. This happy girl who loves to lie in puddles was finding every passing month harder in the shelter where she had been there since its founding - more than 8 years.

Nancy's happy disposition and love of food endeared her to everyone and she was quickly adopted She is now a little forgetful and erratic thanks to her age but she has a wonderful family spoiling her as she so deserves.

Then Nestle, Pancho and Choco - total time in the shelter 20 years between them

Nestle had been treated badly probably by a hunter including having his ears chopped off. He was always very affectionate and loved attention but at times lost his confidence. He was overlooked until we decided he should travel with our project after 4 years in the shelter, knowing that someone in the UK would meet him and fall in love with him. And so it happened!

Nestle looking amazing in his new life with dad Pat, doggie sister Tikka and now another one of ours - Dingo!

Pancho had been in the shelter since 2009 when he was found abandoned in an industrial estate. Affectionate, confident if a little bossy (!) but having a bit of a dodgy leg, no one ever seemed to want to adopt him. So we gave him his chance to meet someone in the UK

Pancho found the perfect home with an elderly gentleman who walks him to the shops each day and has bought him his very own comfy chair! He gets to sleep on the bed and go for regular long walks with doggie friends!

How happy we were when we were contacted by Shelley and Nicki offering to foster an old dog. We suggested Choco, a dignified overlooked girl, 8 years in the shelter and 14 years old.

Choco now enjoys walks in Richmond Park with her family and has even been on holiday to France in a camper van. She is thriving and enjoying being spoiled - this is her wrapped up warm for her rest after a long walk!

Toby, Golfo, Bingo and Kika in April 2013
Total time in the shelter between them: 27 years!!!
We have been amazed at the angels who have a special heart for helping these older or very shy dogs and finding the perfect home for Toby and Bingo would indeed be a challenge, however ...

Toby

Toby, Golfo and Bingo are 3 brothers, found as young puppies in the countryside but they were instinctively very shy and reserved. Hence they were often unnoticed and the result was that they spent nearly 9 years in the shelter. After promoting them, we were contacted by Catherine and Julian who wanted to give an opportunity to a shy 'unwanted' dog. The situation of Toby, Golfo and Bingo was explained and the offer to take two of these needy boys was confirmed. When the third brother, Golfo, got an offer in Switzerland this meant that little Kika would be losing all her kennel mates at the same time. Up stepped Catherine and Julian again, they would not leave Kika behind and the three travelled to the UK in April 2013 to their amazing forever home!

Bingo, a particularly shy boy who has progressed lots but still has a little way to go to become confident and self assured

Bingo and Kika enjoying a bone as they adjust to their new surroundings

...and little Kika their kennel mate who could not be left behind when the three brothers left. How amazing it was that Catherine and Julian took three new dogs into their calm quiet pack where Kika now rules the roost and Toby and Bingo have been given all the time, patience and understanding that they needed to enable them to come out of their shells.

The bravest of the three brothers, Golfo, found his forever home in Switzerland with the help of Sibylle von Burg and the organisation Animal Happyend

3 of our dogs in this project have been adopted by Mark and Liz, September and November 2013 and February 2014 - Iris, Mafi and Matilda. Total time in the shelter between them 10 years.

Iris was found wandering the streets of a nearby town with her eye hanging out. She was operated on, the eye removed and was brought to the shelter. She spent about a year there, we promoted her because we knew her cropped tail, breed and missing eye reduced her chances of being adopted. Luckily for her we were able to steer Mark and Liz in her direction and she now lives in a home filled with Spanish rescues but where she manages to wriggle into the cosy spot beside or on her mummy Liz.

Iris enjoys every minute of her new life of love and comfort. Every dog has a space on the sofa

We were asked to try to help Mafi find her home, she had already suffered after being tied up on a very short tether under a truck out of reach of food and water. He was quite ill when she came into the shelter but with the good work of the shelter she regained her health and travelled to Mark and Liz.

Mafi fitted in with the rest of the pack seamlessly, establishing her place on the sofa and now looks amazing! What a contrast her life is now compared to how it was just over a year ago.

Matilda spent 8 years unnoticed in the shelter, except that she was part of our project and one day she caught the eye of Mark and Liz who had already adopted Iris, Mafi and a few other Spanish dogs besides!

This is the photo of Matilda on arriving in her new forever home, early on a February morning. She has settled into the pack seamlessly and has established her place on the Randle sofa! She has even been caught trying to help herself to food from the kitchen work surface!

Big, black and beautiful
these dogs are often overlooked and hard to find homes for - so many people only see big and black and do not see the beautiful, so we decided to give them special promotion. Total shelter years for these two -
10 years

Lobo is a big, but very gentle, loving old boy long overlooked by any potential adopters. He had spent 8 years in the shelter and as each year passes life becomes more difficult for these old dogs. His health is not the best and his hips are causing him a little difficulty so we wanted to help him.

So, some photos and production of a video with his own music written specially to go with the video, promoted far and wide but also to one special home - the same home where Luna lived her few months happily. The shelter made and arrangement with Louise for the permanent foster care of Lobo, he moved in in August and he will live out his retirement there happily with the other dogs in that home.

Lina was one of the most agreeable, gentle easy going dogs in the shelter but time after time she watched her kennel mates being adopted whilst she was left behind. So she became one of our Big Black and Beautiful dogs and we began to promote her.

Then one day we were contacted by Kathryn who was touched by the story of another dog - a small, brown dog, however she was already adopted - not wanting to miss an opportunity to match up a dog in need with a good home we suggested Lina. The old saying "if you don't ask you don't get" came ringing true and Lina is now homed in Sheffield with an amazing couple and has a big brother Smudge, a huge elderly black greyhound. Smudge was suffering from the loss of her companion and Lina has brought Smudge a new lease of life. This photo is her in her new garden, happy Lina.

Special little dogs we needed to help

Little Biscuit was abandoned in a local town In August 2014 and we were asked to help him. Well how could we not?! Not really our typical 'nobody wants me dog' but he needed us. He was only about 10 months and would have been in danger on the streets. We got his rescue space in Melampo shelter and set about finding him a home.

It is always easier to find homes for the cute, fluffy small dog so it didn't take too long. Here he is in his home in the UK where he is loved by everyone he meets. He is such a cutie, has real character and is lots of fun. Well done little Biscuit

Meet little Reggae, so called because of the condition in which he was found living on the streets in October. This little man is about 11 years old and has no teeth, yet he is a survivor. The shelter volunteers rescued him, got him the necessary veterinary care including a haircut and asked us to help to find a home as soon as possible so that he did not have to stay in the shelter. A shelter is no place for a little one like this who is so small and needs special care.

So, we set into action, a walk with him and some good photos put together as a video, promoted him to the right person and within a few days little Reggae, now Reggie, had found a wonderful new home in Spain with Amanda. A big character in a tiny body, he is cheeky and bossy but makes his mummy laugh, he gets soft food and has every comfort he could ever want. He little wobbly legs (because he was carrying so much weight in his coat) have now strengthened and it is he who now gets carried - when he wants it of course!

This is a picture of Little Dingo in my car on the day of his rescue.
Again he is not our typical nobody wants me dog but he was found abandoned in a Golf Club urbanisation and we were asked to help him. He was thin and sad but very good natured. The shelter agreed to give him refuge whilst we tried to find him a home. First he had the best of veterinary treatment before he came into the shelter where thankfully he did not have to spend too long. We cannot do rescues like these unless we have shelter space for them and we are again so grateful to Melampo for offering him safe refuge and great care whilst we found him a home.

We found Dingo a home with our very own Nestle where he is happy and contented as you can see with Daddy Pat and sister Tikka also. Be happy little man.

This is Elvis, our little Sevilla carpet shelter dog. We rescued him before he was lifted and taken to the pound in Seville as he was living in a doorway on a small piece of carpet in an industrial estate. This photo was taken just after he was neutered so he was still a bit wobbly!

Now he has an amazing home in Devon where he gets to walk on the beach and play in the sea. We are so grateful to everybody here who helped us to rescue and look after him, and to Simon and family and friends for adopting him into their lives (yes, he has befriended everybody and made himself indispensable!). Happy times :-))))

Teo at age 11, had been in a small shelter for over 8 years so we were asked to help to find him a home. So we agreed, and just by asking the right people, suddenly we had the offer of a home for him in Denmark. WIth the help of a Danish organisation and another Spanish rescue organisation (ACE) very soon everything was arranged for his journey. It often takes cooperation between organisations to find solutions for these dogs and it certainly happened in this case.

… and here he is surrounded in regal purple fit for a king. He gets runs on the beach and lots of playtime with doggie relatives, spending all his time with his mummy who thinks he is just wonderful. There is life in the old dog yet and he is enjoying it to the full. Go Teo!

http://youtu.be/qrZyZhDTKxI to watch his video NEWS: ARCEN HAS AT LAST BEEN ADOPTED, HE WILL SOON TRAVEL TO SWITZERLAND TO LIVE WITH HIS SPECIAL FRIEND SELMA, THROUGH THE ORGANISATION ANIMAL HAPPYEND

NEWS: SELMA HAS BEEN ADOPTED IN SWITZERLAND AND LIVES WITH THE BEAUTIFUL ATHOS, EVEN BETTER SHE WILL SOON BE JOINED BY ARCEN. THIS ALL HAPPENED THROUGH THE ORGANISATION ANIMAL HAPPYEND AND WE ARE DELIGHTED!!!

NEWS: ATILLA WAS ADOPTED AND NOW LIVES IN THE WELSH MOUNTAINS!!!

After 6 years in the shelter!! NEWS: THE WONDERFUL VALENTINO WILL SOON TRAVEL TO SWITZERLAND WITH ANIMAL HAPPYEND AND WILL BE FOSTERED UNTIL HE FINDS HIS FOREVER HOME.

This is the beautiful Mabel,
for more information about Mabel please use this link:
NEWS JUST IN, MABEL HAS BEEN ADOPTED BY ONE OF THE VOLUNTEERS AT ADANA SHELTER!!
http://www.adana.es/en/

EDWARD (nee Holden) - Edward is one of the more elderly gentlemen at the shelter who lies in his bed most of the day. He does not ask for much and just puts up with his lot in life. He would really love to find a home to relax in during his twilight years so that he knows the love of a family - he has been in the shelter for about 7 years now and it is really time that he had a home. Please consider Edward as part of your family.
NEWS JUST IN, EDWARD HAS BEEN ADOPTED!!
http://www.adana.es/en/