We moved to Spain in February 2004, settling in Pedrera. We were originally going to start a caravan park for tourists but, unfortunately, things changed. Within a few months of moving in we found out that we had been sold an illegal build, which involved boundary disputes, and no running water, and what water we could get was laden with salt. This along with other problems eventually drained all of our resources; although our spirits were low we still kept positive and were determined to stay.
Things changed on the day a certain little four-legged friend walked down our drive. She decided to stay and we named her Pepi. Then whilst out on a walk in the olive groves we came upon the distressing sight of a dead dog hanging in one of the trees. Within weeks other stray dogs started wandering in, almost as though word had gone around that this was a safe haven. This raised our spirits and we felt that this was the direction that we were meant to take, so immediately began work on starting the refuge. We now had the strength of mind and motivation.
Our friends Andreos and Diana helped us cross the language barrier and arranged meetings with the Mayor of Pedrera in order to sort out the ongoing legality problems with our property and also the setting up of the refuge. After many months of meetings, the Mayor is giving us all his support and assistance, for which we are eternally grateful and he has already sorted out our water supply problem. We built the first two kennels using whatever materials we had to hand. The first one now houses Shannon and Amber, who were rescued locally as puppies and are now ten months old and though big are very loving. Next-door are their two half brothers that are four months old. Thanks to donations of both money and materials we have now built a third kennel which is housing two further rescue dogs. These were rescued from the grounds of a hotel in Estepa. Unfortunately, due to lack of funding we are unable to help as many dogs as we would like to. However, this situation is about to change thanks to Undiscovered Spain, a local Estate Agent, who has pledged an ongoing monthly donation. We would also like to thank the many people who are starting to donate money, food and building materials. Our first success story is Curly, who was found in Casariche. He has now been re-homed and is now living a very comfortable and loving life in Mollina under his new name of Benji. We are very grateful to the volunteers who have been forthcoming in assisting with everything from dog walking, clearing ground and digging, but more volunteers would be appreciated especially for walking man´s best four legged friend. Despite what these dogs have been through they are still so loving and have a lot to give to anyone wanting to give them a new home and a new life. Since writing this article three more dogs have arrived. Two puppies were left at the top of the drive in a cardboard box, covered in sick and their own excrement, the third puppy was found wandering outside of our property with two head wounds. On taking him to the vets we were told that he had been clubbed. He is now recovering well thanks to the help of our local vet Jose Rodreigo Gamero and we have called him Lucky.
We really do need to find new homes for our other lovable rogues, so if you are interested in re-homing, volunteering or donating please, please contact us at: Apartado de Correos, 65
41566
Pedrera, Sevilla
Tel: 662437824
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