Day 4...... In the Warped Universe!

It's day four of Barry Basura gate and I feel as if I am in some weird parallel universe. I cannot decide if it is some warped reality TV show, or if the world has finally just gone mad. As the days have progressed the abuse has strengthened, and on day four, the death threats begun.

Day one was crazy, but day four is on another level, the real hard core nutjobs have appeared, the " I want to fly over and smash your face in" type crazies. Now I am slightly insane, some would say crazy, but these are on another level. I have lost count how many times I have been called a C**T over the last four days, why for apparently being rude!

Now as we have all debated before, am I rude yeah I can be, am I sarcastic, hell yes, but on this occasion I actually wasn't, over 1.3 million views and 9k of comments, and I commented around 10 times, never rude, never swearing, yet I'm the bad guy, and someone even accused me of hurting the animals in my care yesterday.

There was even a "Lord of the Flies" moment yesterday when the haters begun turning on themselves. What is it with people that feel when protected by a screen, they can type what they want. There were some really awful things being spouted, and not even to me, or about me. Real hate fueled posts, which I honestly pity these people that they have nothing in their lives but hate.

Oh, and did I mention that in the midst of chaos, and craziness, an online UK magazine, picked up on #Barrybasuragate, and posted, causing more chaos, more craziness, and general weirdness. Now don't get me wrong, after I trawled through the 1300 messages, there were some genuine people wanting to help, or adopt, or simply being nice, but god there are some weirdo's out there too, as in Jemery Kyle would love to get his hands on these messages!

So, I state again, Barry is just a puppy, not a miracle, just a cute, four week old puppy that has no idea the weird, warped, reality world that he has caused. When he is ready for adoption he will be on the page, I will brace for impact, and see how many of the "I want him" posters are still around when the world calms down, and he is looking for a home. ..... lets see if day five is calmer.... please god make it calmer....

*inserts cute puppy picture for the awwwwww moment

Calm Down It Is Only A Puppy!

December the 26th AKA Wednesday started like every other day, usual chaos, usual 100 phone calls and messages, and then the dreaded I found a puppy message came. A small cute puppy had been found in the bin, not unusual here, but always more upsetting knowing he was an unwanted gift!

I collected the pup, and off we went to the vets, Barry Basura as he had been christened, is just four weeks old, small, innocent, and doesn't understand what the hell is going on. Usual vets checks done, entry photo taken, popped up on FB sating the usual not up for adoption, more of a yippee the first of many posts.

OMFG.... fast forward 48 hours...... over 633,000 people have seen the post, over 3.5K of shares, and 2500 comments... not all constructive, in fact very few constructive comments. Don't get me wrong the sharing the page is fantastic, the PM's from people wanting to adopt other dogs is fantastic, BUT the trolls, god give me strength.

If I answer the comments, I am rude, abrupt, unprofessional, if I don't answer the comments I am rude, unprofessional and a fake. God give me strength, what do these people want, my first born child, and a vital organ! As always the page and post were split into two distinct camps the "we support Pet Pals camp" and the " this page is rubbish and the owner is a donut camp"

I was criticized for publishing the puppy as he was not up for adoption, I was slated for calling the puppy basura which according to one mortified lady "means bin in Spanish" yes dear I know, that was sort of the point. this went on and on, like a dripping tap all day... moan, bitch, whinge.

Thankfully there were some great comments, some intelligent PM's and some genuine interest in what I do. Sadly out of the 633,000 people that clicked on the post, 27 donated towards my vets bill, yep its creeping up again. But hey cannot have it all.

So thanks Barry basura for causing a stir, and getting people on the page, but come on guys calm down it is only a puppy!

What Day Is It?

Anyone with animals, even just one dog or cat knows that the 25th December AKA Christmas Day, is just another day. Everything for me is exactly the same as the other 364 days of the year. With this quantity of animals there is no relaxing, no getting pissed, and no getting a lay in.

Whilst a majority of the world are in their PJ's unwrapping and enjoying time with their loved ones, I am feeding and cleaning the masses. This lot don't care that us humans want to sit and relax, or that this one day is supposed to be about us.

For them it is business as normal and all I can ask for is no major disasters so I can spend a proportion of the day with my family. I also don't want my phone going off, as it has done in previous years. There is nothing worse than getting the I have found this dog message.

This year it is even more hectic for me, as I have a big mouth and made a bold statement that if a sum of money was raised I would cook Christmas dinner for all the animals. Fast forward to Christmas, and yep I've been cooking for hours! yippee.

No matter what you are doing today, where you are in the world, and how you choose to spend it, have a great day.  Feliz Navidad <3

Let the Dumping Begin!

Call me the Grinch! I hate this time of year, for many reasons, and since running a rescue I now hate, hate, hate, no looooattthhhh this time of year!

People rushing round trying to please everyone else, spending money they don't have, on gifts that are unwanted. Added with the idiots buying the good old fashioned "Christmas Puppy"

The internet has made it even easier for these idiots to get their hands on the best "gift" the one that will be adored and played with for a total sum of 24 hours. Then their bundle of joy pees up the tree, chews the other new toys, and isn't as cute as everyone thought.

For over 40 years the slogan "A dog is for life, not just for Christmas" has been used, and to be honest very few people seem to listen. They ignore the adverts, the TV campaigns, and the papers that publish the numbers of abandoned dogs every year. Rescues are bracing themselves for the impulse puppies to be dumped in the New Year.

Some people actually manage until around March time, and then they dump their larger, uncontrollable, un trained "gift"  I would love to think that this year will be different, but to be honest I don't think it will be. You cannot help stupid, and that it what is buying the puppies as gifts for Christmas..... pure and simple stupid!

Thankfully more rescues like mine are banning the adoption of puppies over the Christmas period, and it still amazes me how many people call me on Christmas Eve looking for their "perfect gift" They are shocked when I go "NOPE" come back in the New Year, they never do.

All we can hope for is that new generations are more intelligent, and that slowly the numbers will decrease. Until then, like many rescues, I am bracing for impact, and getting ready for the dumping to begin!

Mentally Strong and far Too Confident

Yorkshire Terriers are a breed that we can rehome easily, everyone wants them regardless of size, sex, age or personality. However, unless you own one, you will never fully understand how confident, and controlling this breed are. I have two Yorkies, both so different, that it is hard to believe they are the same breed.

The one trait they both have is loyalty, and I honestly believe my Yorkies would die trying to protect me. They would charge in to the most dangerous of situations, risking everything to prove they were my protectors. Where as my big dogs, would look up from their beds, and consider whether it was worth all the effort.

If allowed on my bed one of my Yorkies makes sure NO ONE can get near me, and this includes the kids and hubby on occasion. He will begin with a low growl, which leads to a full blown Tasmanian devil moment. The traits of loyalty and protection are lovely, but when it goes too far it can be daunting.

We have a Yorkie looking for a home in the UK at the moment, Yoyo is a typical yorkie, however, he takes loyalty to the next level! He wants to ensure that nothing can hurt his new mum, as everything could endanger her life.

This is proving to be a challenge finding him a home that understands he is mentally strong and far too confident. He needs an experienced home that can help him understand that not everything in the world is a danger, and that maybe if he didnt approach every situation looking for a fight people would want to stroke him more.

Yoyo is not a bad dog, and I have seen Yorkies act like this time and time again, but he needs a home that understands his needs, which are that he thinks he is a pitbull trapped inside a teeny body. There must be someone willing to offer our little stroppy Yorkie a home!

Time to Reflect.....

This time of year is hard (all year is hard) but this time of year feels tougher, there are so many dogs being dumped, and very few donations. People are not rehoming, or donating due to the big C being just round the corner. I understand 100% but that doesn't make it any easier.

The dogs I have in the kennels I now know will be here until the new year, they will spend their Christmas in a kennel, not in a home being loved. All I can hope for is that they get reserved, and can begin their journey as soon as possible. At this time of year I begin to look back on the year, and reflect.

For me I need to focus on the good, as there is so much bad in what I do, I see the worst, the most evil, and the extreme. I see dogs that are starved and beaten, left to die, let down by humans time and time again. Although I cannot save them all, and I loose some along the way, there are some that fight for their right to be here.

Murtle my little mole rat is one that has stamped her place on the world, and stated she has a right to be safe, loved, and in a home. She has improved beyond belief, from the hairless, scabby, infected mess that was handed to me, to a stunning, beautiful dog who needs a home.

Murtle is now up for adoption, and will thrive in the perfect home, she loves toys, and balls, and playing, and although wary of people, she will come around. Her transformation is incredible, and although everyone keeps telling me this was due to me, in fact it was due to the people who donated. Without those funds she could not have received the treatment she needed.

This is why donations are vital to give dogs like Murtle a chance, to ensure these dogs get the medical attention they need. So although it is harder with all those mince pies to buy, but please keep the dogs in your mind, and remember together we can save more lives.

Who The Daddy!

We have a Pygmy goat, called Mrs B (named because she is stubborn, and slightly overweight) she has lived her for over three years, with no other pygmy's. Although we have the mountain goats, nothing has ever occurred, and to be honest, I didn't realize it could, until the other day.

The other day I noticed that Mrs B was larger than usual, In fact she was huge, but I shrugged it off as too much food, and not enough exercise, story of my life too! Every day she seems to expand, and them I noticed she was producing milk.... OH GOD!

This could mean only only thing she was pregnant, but how, we had no other Pgymys, Horns had only just moved in, and goats are pregnant for five months, meaning the timeline just wasn't possible.  Surely the huge mountain goats, could not have got their wicked way with Mrs B.

Discussions were had with vets, and it seems that yes goats of all breeds can get it on, which then posed the question how the hell was she going to birth a much larger animal. Whilst debating the problems, possibilities, and repeating oh fuck a lot, Mrs B took it upon herself to show me that she was made of tough stuff, and on returning from the vets one day..... Billy had made an appearance....

So, one more mouth to feed, and OMG how small is this goat, I dont think you fully understand how small until you meet him. Regardless of who the daddy is, he is very cute..... and I am grateful that Mrs B took it all in her stride, and is not back to just being fat rather than HUGE

Old Dogs are Just as Special If Not More!

Why people leave their dogs in the pound I will never understand, however, leaving their old dogs REALLY pisses me off. These dogs have been loyal for all those years, and the owner simply walk into the place that they know will potentially kill their dog, and leave them behind. These owners I want to hit with a large heavy object, and continue hitting them until they understand why this is wrong.

When I save these old dogs my heart breaks, they do not understand what is happening, many are blind, deaf, or simply confused. Their old grey faces tell a thousand stories, and their eyes show the confusion and hurt they are feeling. Although they are old, they deserve a new home that will love them, and cherish them until the day they die.
                                           

Thankfully there is a huge number of people who feel the same as me, and my adoption rate for oldies is good. They find amazing homes for their twilight years, and there is never a question that they are "worth" any less due to their age. Sadly though there are people out there that feel old dogs should be "cheaper" or even free as well, they are old!

So, why? why does it matter if the dog is 3 or 13 the adoption is the same, it costs the same to get the dog ready for adoption, and the same to feed, treat and transport. So, why, should the adoption fee be cheaper? I was told the other day by some delightful woman who wanted two of my oldies that it was not fair to ask for an adoption fee.

Fair? this I was confused about and when I asked her what she meant, she blocked me, oh that old chestnut! Another woman then stated there should be "negotiation" because they were old. Am I missing the point with these dogs, they need a home, or homes that will love them for being them, old and lovely, not negotiated on like a plot of land.

Needless to say the trolls came out, and as always I was the worlds worst, Oh well, heard it all before. I know I do a good job, know I always put the dogs first, so call me what you want I really don't care. I consider an old dog to be worth as much as a puppy or younger dog, and if other people don't feel the same, then you know where the door is.
                                             

When Someone Cares it Makes a Huge Difference

Every year we have bad winters here, yes I live in the canaries, but I also live upt a mountain, where the weather is harsh during the winter months. Although we have tried to make it flood proof, and water tight over the years, the main part to suffer is where we live. So every time the skies open, my heart sinks, the buckets come out the power goes off, and I pray for it to stop.

The builder I have is fantastic, he tackles everything I set him to do, and has helped to improve things so much over a short space of time. He has helped to put in new drainage in different areas, re roofed patches, and ensured that the animals are dry. For me this has always been my priority, therefore, our comfort, or needs are pushed back.

However, the other day the builder looked up and said "what about you?" I stared at him like he had grown two heads, and asked "what do you mean?" We went on to have a conversation about my "house" the lack of gutters, drains, and bad electrics. I did what I have done for years, I shrugged it off, laughed and said It's fine, we are used to it. He said that was going to change, as no one could live like this, again I laughed we had been for so long, it was the "norm"

Mr C set out to move electrics, build new gutters, fit new drain pipes and divert water away from my house. When all was in place, a tiny part of me wanted it to rain to see if it would work, yesterday I got that wish as the skies opened. Mr C was here to see his work in action, and suddenly realized that when I had told him it rained, I meant it RAINED!

On the whole everything worked well, obviously we still had drips, and cracks but this was such an improvement I smiled as I saw water going away from my house,and not pouring towards it like a river. Mr C is a perfectionist and stressed because there were drips, I however, was so happy, just think, once piece of drain, and someone who actually cares had made such a huge difference to my life..... sad I know but true!

I do not understand!

On Sunday I went to the pound, as Sunday is saving lives day to collect 15 dogs that now have the chance of happiness and a home. In the 15 were two very old large Belguim Malinios, who had been dropped off at the pound by their owner. I posted these dogs on FB, to explain how I was heartbroken, and felt let down by humans.

The first thing I do not understand is how any owner can pop their old dogs into their car, drive them to a high kill pound, where potentially they will be killed at anytime. Everyone knows that this pound kills dogs when full, so there is no denying he knew exactly what he was placing his dogs into.

The pound is no holiday camp, it is cold, damp, no beds, hundreds of dogs, and the owner simply dropped them off, and walked away. He didn't look back, he didn't change his mind, he got in his car and drove off, leaving his beautiful, loyal dogs behind to more than likely end their days in a pound. If they were lucky they would be PTS rather than killed by younger, stronger dogs in a dog fight.

The second thing I do not understand, is how people can justify this man's behavior. My post is full of "but he may have been sick" "he may have been dying" "he did the right thing" WTF how can anyone think that walking into a kill pound with two dogs that you have had for over ten years is ok. There are NO reasons, excuses, or justifications for this.

If he was dying, which I highly doubt, then take your dogs to your vet, sit with them, say goodbye, and let them die with dignity. Let them take their last breath in your arms, with the owner they loved, rather than on a cold floor alone, and unloved.

I am at a complete loss this morning that people are honestly thinking that taking your dog to a kill pound is acceptable. Am I angry with the owner and think he needs a FB bashing no, but I also do not think people should be supporting his decision. Sadly though if this is the world we live in were people think his actions are "normal" and correct then god help all dogs as dumping it seems is the "right thing to do"

Happy Endings!

I do this to make a difference, I do this to give something back to the place I call home, and I do this for the happy endings. Not every dog gets their happy ending, for some sadly I am too late. However, once in a while a happy ending comes along that reminds me why I do this, and that the blood, sweat and tears are worth it.

Ricardo the Wonder Pod is now in his home, and all I can say is what an amazing home. Everything about his new home felt right from the start, and yet again my gut was correct. He has had such a journey, and to be honest I didn't think his story would end the way it did.

There were many times that I thought he was going to end up with One leg, no legs, crippled, but the fight he had was incredible. Every day he wanted to live, he wanted to travel this journey with me, and get to his happy ending. When I say goodbye to dogs at the airport it is always mixed feelings, and saying goodbye to Ricardo was hard.

As he gazed up at me with a look of why are you not coming with me, all you can do is kiss them on the nose, tell them it will all be ok, and hope they understand that you are not leaving them, just handing them over to their new family for them to love and cherish them.

When I see Ricardo now, I feel proud, I helped this amazing dog get to where he is today. Of course my vets did all the hard, skilled bit, however, I was the one who spent hours wrapping and un wrapping legs. Cleaning, and spraying, making sure that he stayed still, didn't move, moved a little, I did that!

Like a proud Mama that watches her kids take their first steps, or go off to school, I sit back and watch him grow and develop. Ricardo looks so happy, and for that I have his new home to thank. I wonder if he remembers the crazy lady who sat with him, stroked his nose and told him everything would be ok... I hope so, as I will always remember him.

How it All Works!

Quite often I receive frustrated, even pissed off messages from people that I have not got back to them, I have opened their messages but not answered. Cut off their calls without picking up, and trust me there are several reasons for this, not that I simply didn't want to speak to you. I don't think people understand how it all works around here, so let me explain.

I do not have an admin team, with an army of office staff that answer phones, reply to emails and update everything, that would be one person, and that one person is me. My charity is run by me, the vets visits are done by me, the paperwork is done by me, the pounds and dog collections are done by me, the feeding, cleaning, and day to day life is done by me, On top of that I work (yes I have a job too) and am a wife and mother with a busy family, are you getting the picture now.

Why? because a) I am a control freak, and releasing any amount of control takes a huge amount of thought. and b) there is no one else, people often offer to "help" but they dont want to get their hands dirty, or get up early, or clean up endless piles of poop. They want to sit and cuddle, and play, which is great, but not helping me.

I feel that my charity is a success because I know every aspect, and do every aspect, ensuring that it is done right and the way I want. No one else knows how I think, what makes me decide to take a dog, how I react in every different situation. You cannot teach that, even if I had someone to teach, that comes from within.

It has taken me years to learn every aspect of rescuing animals on a small island in a foreign country, and everyday I am still learning. There are so many laws, and regulations, depending on the county, the dog and the situation. Every pound works differently, every country that the dogs are travelling to asks for different paperwork.

I spend a lot of time with the dogs in my care, ensuring that before they are rehomed I know everything about them, which is why my adoptions are so successful.  Some of the training methods are not from a book, or expert, they are what works for me. In between the dogs, there are all the other animals to care for.

So, next time I take a long time to answer, or the photos of the dogs arent great quality, or updates on the page are slow. Whilst I deal with this emotional and physically exhausting lifestyle, Please take a minute to think, everything is done by me, only me, and I am human, there is only so much I can do in a day.

Stealing dogs!

I received a video last week of a dog in a really bad state, living on the streets and was asked if I could help, of course I said yes. The dog had been there for five years being fed by a woman, and she had even bought a dog house for it, but never thought to get it off the streets (that rant is for another blog!)

Some volunteers went out to catch the dog, which they did easily, and she was brought to me. Susie as she was named was covered in huge tumors, several were infected and oozing, generally she was in a mess. The next day her story was published on my page, and that is when all hell broke loose.

Whilst sat in my car, enjoying an apple turnover AKA my lunch, (these moments are rare) my phone went off in rapid succession, this usually means there is a dog disaster somewhere. I opened the messages which were from a Spanish woman linked to some organisation here, asking where the dog was. As I didn't consider this to be life and death, I went back to my apple turnover.

During the two minute lunch break this woman had sent me 17 more messages, slowly getting ruder, and more annoying. When I had finished the last bite, I picked up the phone, and read through, and all I could say is WTF. This delightful woman was stating I had stolen her "case" that she had been trying for months to catch the dog and I had robbed her.

Now, firstly you obviously are shit at catching dogs, as it took the girls 30 minutes to locate and catch Susie. Secondly, who the fuck do you think you are, robbing a street dog, it is laughable. So, due to the fact she had annoyed me, I answered her in English, with smiley faces.... best possible way to piss a Spanish person off.

She sent more messages calling me stupid as she was Spanish, I explained, she was the stupid one for not knowing two languages, and that due to her rudeness, she would get English from me... smiley face! This pushed her over the edge, and she then went for it, calling me every name under the sun, stating over and over I had "robbed" her case, demanding where the dog was, and she was coming to get it.

Every time she demanded to know where the dog was I simply came back with "here with me" followed with of course.... a smiley face! after ten minutes of pointless messages, and abuse, I had better things to do, so I told her that, said good night with.... double smiley face..... I honestly do wonder what is wrong with these people there are so many dogs to save on this island, yet she wanted to start a war over one.

Chickens Are Stupid!

I have said it before, and I say it again, chickens are stupid, and not just a little stupid but really stupid. When people tell me how their chickens are intelligent, and funny, I ponder whether I simply got the defective ones. I have some chickens that lay and sit on eggs which is great, however, where they decide to lay is beyond belief.

In the corner I have a clean bedding pile for the dogs, this thing is huge, and in the eyes of a chicken, must look like Mount Everest. So, you would think that a chicken would stay away, oh no I have a chicken that decides down the back of Mount Everest she will lay eggs, and then sit.

Now for her making the climb to the summit every day for water, and to stretch her legs is possible. She is like the Bear Grylls of chickens, fearless but stupid. As she has not worked out that when her teeny tiny chicks are hatched, how the hell are they supposed to that climb of death.

So, eventually I hear cheeping, the day has come when proud mama appears with her brood and then gets stuck. She gets to the summit and the chicks stand at the bottom looking at her in stunned awe of her ability. There is no way in hell they can make the climb, and are even more likely to make it down the other side alive.

I know what I have to do, but I don't want to as chicken mama's are vicious, they will defend their babies with full force, and claws. This may sound like me being a wimp, as it's only a chicken I hear you say, however, have you ever been on the receiving end of a ninja chicken.

With a bin lid for protection, I maneuver around the bedding mountain and locate the chicken nuggets. One eye on mama, who is ready to kill me, and one eye on nuggets I carefully scoop them up and roll them down the mountain. Thankfully all survived, and although their descent was not pretty it was not fatal.

Mother reunited with nuggets I breathe a sigh of relief, as she wanders off through the stables, I think although stupid they are good Mum's. Oh no wait, maybe not so good, as she has just led her nuggets into Maggie's stable..... One 800KG horse, four teeny chicken nuggets this isn't going to end well.

I Hate Wet Feet

Well it is that time of year when the skies open up and it rains, now before everyone says "Its only a bit of rain" yes it is, and the island desperately needs it, however, when I see the forecast my heart now sinks. For me it is not "only a bit of rain" and it isn't "great for the ducks" as so many people state. For me it means, devastation, expense, tears and wet feet.

The rain started slowly which is manageable, the dogs went out much to their disgust. Then it got heavier, and heavier, and the mud started to move, and the gutters begun to bend, and then all hell broke loose. Mother Nature is a bitch, and when she wants to make a point, she makes it with full fury.

For me, sat on top of  a mountain, with no real protection, no real house, and very old buildings basically I am fucked. As I watch the water pouring through my house, bringing the mud with it, and the water running down the walls into all the electrics all I can do is watch.

I know it is only time before we loose the power, which means I then have no way of charging phones, making coffee or keeping sane. The more I try and keep animals safe and dry, the wetter I get, with wet feet , soaking clothes, and no way of keeping warm, the day is pretty miserable.

A friend asked me "what do you do when it rains" and the simple answer is pray for it to stop, and ride it out. There is a certain amount of sweeping you can do, and buckets help to a point, but after five solid hours of torrential rain, there is a point, when no more can be done.

I think unless you experience flash floods and storms to the scale we do, you will never fully understand the dread, and fear you feel. So, needless to say my sense of humor went, and a few people got the wrath of my temper, as they whinged and moaned because I was late answering them, or had not been online much. As I sat waiting for mother nature to decide she had rained enough, I looked down, and muttered to myself... "I really hate wet feet"

When 10 Became 11

People often ask me how I choose which dogs to keep as I have a varied bunch, and the simple answer is I don't choose them they choose me. The other question I get asked a lot is "how do you cope with so many" Honestly once you are past six dogs you really don't notice anymore. So, my ten became eleven, and as always I knew it was the right decision. 

Garfy has joined our home, and from the moment he walked in I knew I had made the right choice. He had been offered a home in the UK, the guy sounded great on paper it was everything a dog needed, and would love, but not Garfy. I had discussed with the guy Garfy's "need" and all sounded great, but there was a niggle.

Rule number 50 is "trust your gut" and I always do... Garfy had come so far, yet had so much further to go. Although his guarding issues were controlled he loved being outside. He would leave the kennels in the night to go and lay in a hole in the play area.

How do I say to someone in the UK, yep you can adopt my dog, but never close your door, and please leave him outside regardless of the time of day or night. I also had serious concerns about how Garfy would react to the real world. Again the moment he came into my home, I knew he could not live in a "normal" home.

Garfy freaked, he freaked at the TV, the fridge, the other dogs, the noise, the sofa, Garfy went into complete panic mode looking for an escape route. The sheer panic in his eyes was enough to re enforce the fact I had made the right decision.

We never close our doors, even in winter, even when its raining allowing the dogs to come and go as they want. This made Garfy's escape route easier, and ensures he feels less trapped. At the moment he is happy living in our garden, everyday I bring him in, and get him used to home life, but as soon as he can he bolts, and off he goes back to the outside world.

I know that one day he will come in on his own, he will join the others for coffee and biscuits (us coffee them biscuits) But I'm happy for Garfy to make that decision on his own. I always want what is best for my dogs, and although I didn't need another dog, Garfy needed me.

Meet The Gruffalo

There are very few people that have not read, or heard of the Gruffalo and although you may think he is a scary monster, he is in fact scared of the smallest thing... a mouse. When I collect dogs, I try and give them names to reflect their personalities, so when I saw a big old, gangly shepherd mix, who should be scary but is scared of everything, he had to become the Gruffalo.

Gruffalo is a typical larger, older dog who went into the kill pound, and was a target straight away. The other dogs attacked him, refused to let him eat, and slowly he got more and more withdrawn. When I met him he was in a sorry state, however, after his 21 days he was even worse. He had numerous bite marks and had the look of please kill me now.

The fact he was so skinny is simply food, there is nothing medically wrong with him, but he will not eat with the other dogs through fear of being attacked. Thee are the dogs that break my heart, the ones that do nothing wrong, yet struggle to survive in the world. Slowly slowly he is beginning to learn that food is something that happens often, and he can eat as much as he wants.

On top of food the other thing that the Gruffalo craves is love, and attention, and kindness. All he wants is to be close, and feel that humans do actually want him near, So, when I am stood and I feel a head nudging on my leg or arm, I know who it will be. He doesn't impose, he doesn't force himself but he wants to be near, and know that everything is going to be ok. When I look into his eyes I can see years of hurt, and I make sure that everyday I give some of my time to this big old Gruffalo and make him realize that life will get better and that one day he will have a home of his own.

Why Help Foreign Dogs?

One of the most asked questions these days it seems is why do people help foreign dogs, when the pounds and rescues are full in the UK. Well for me it is simple, I live abroad so these dogs arent foreign, but for all the people who adopt they are, so what makes them want to adopt from abroad?

The debate, arguments and stupid comments surrounding adopting from abroad baffles me, when an animal needs our help, does it really matter where it comes from? Dogs don't know where they were born, they have no concept of borders, and countries. It is us humans that have split the world into different areas, and made it a territory debate.

Many people struggle to rehome from UK rescues, which I am amazed about, but the amount of my adopters that state they were refused due to having children, or working, or having a small garden is crazy. I have noticed more and more that the majority of the people that are criticizing adopting from abroad, have in fact bought from a breeder, and have no idea what they are talking about.

I am often accused of taking homes from dogs in the UK, this is simply not the case, I am offering people another option. I am helping dogs on a very small island that have no chance of a home. I always think that the people complaining about foreign dogs, could spend their time complaining about breeders and irresponsible owners in the UK.

There are never going to be enough homes in the world, so it simply comes down to numbers, aiming to save as many as possible. Sadly the ignorance shown is widespread throughout many UK rescues and many vets. Over the years the number of dogs in rescues all over the world has increased not decreased which is concerning, and shows we are doing something wrong on a huge scale.

The world needs to change  its attitude to rehoming dogs, and look at the bigger picture of how to make changes. The Yulin meat festival causes huge outcry with people in the UK getting behind saving these dogs, yet a small rescue in Spain gets slammed for trying to help. Maybe it is because f the huge social frenzy behind what happens in Yulin.

One of the biggest dumb statements I hear is that foreign dogs are damaged, or difficult. So many people are quick to dismiss things they know nothing about rather than taking the time to do some research. All rescue dogs are amazing, loving dogs, it doesnt matter where they come from.

GoodBye Jabba

You cannot save them all, I think I am going to ram those words down someones throat soon. I use that phrase, but I am sure it is to simply make me feel better, which actually it doesn't at all. The logic is I know I cannot save them all, however, it doesn't stop the frustration when I have to let one go.

Jabba's test results came in this week, the results were as we thought they would be.. bad! he had cancer, of course he did, there was really no other explanation for the awful growth covering his body. Even before the results, I knew the outcome was not going to be good, as he got worse.

One of his ears was full of tumor, and I noticed that he was struggling to balance, his eyesight on that side was affected, and he would stare at the wall for long periods of time. As I sat with him before the visit to the vet the light had gone out in his eyes, and it was obvious he was in pain.

I said my goodbyes, and then I got angry, as yet again a beautiful dog had to die, because of human neglect. Would he have still got the cancer of course, but had he been treated before it took hold, or even seen a vet sooner the outcome could have been so different.

Why do humans never ask for help, they simply watch an animal suffer, and when they don't want to make the tough decisions, simply discard it for others to pick up the pieces. So to Jabba's old owners, dont worry I sat with your dog until he took his last breath, I stroked his head and told him he would be pain free, and that he was going to the place with endless bones. RIP Jabba... Im sorry I could not save you <3

Murtle The Mole Rat!

I received a call for help last week from one of the holding pounds, they had found a dog, well, we presumed it was a dog, although it did look more like a naked mole rat!

A small terrified Pod pup had been found, with no hair, infected skin, and one of the worse cases of scabies I have ever seen.

The poor dog was red raw, had swollen limbs, and was basically one huge mess., so of course I said yes to helping. As always there was no way I could say no to this dog, or the people asking for help. 

Murtle as she was christened was incredibly sick, and the first 48 hours was critical. She was put on fluids, and various other antibiotics, and drugs to try and bring the infections under control. So whilst my guest slept..... I got up every two hours to check on Murtle, and ensure she was still with us.

I reminded my minion how I had got up every two hours, throughout the whole day! As the I am walking in your shoes, seems to only apply to daylight hours. In her defense she didn't hear the vet tell me to check on Murtle every two hours, or so she claims!

This little pod is a fighter, and she came through the first 48 hours eating well, with a desire to live. Murtle is doing well, and with time, and meds she will regain the hair. Scabies is something that cannot be rushed, and Murtle will be with me for at least three months. Small steps every day and she will one day turn into a beautiful pod, rather than a naked mole rat!

My Student You Have learnt So Much!

Well, what can I say last week was a first, I managed to interact with a human for six days and not kill them. All joking aside it was actually a very interesting, and enjoyable few days. For me not a lot changed as I rushed around, doing what I do but the difference was I had someone following me who had a genuine interest in my rescue.

I made it very clear before my minion arrived that I had doubts, and that in many ways I wish I had never opened my mouth and allowed it to happen. However, I admit that I was wrong, and that it was an incredibly beneficial for my charity, and I even learnt a few things about me.

From the moment she landed it was obvious that she was going to fit in, her humor was very similar to mine, and her passion to learn about my charity was real. She showed an interest, she wanted to see everything, and understand why I do what I do. She didn't judge, she observed, and even admitted that some of her views had been changed by her visit.

There are many awful things on this island, but there are also some incredible people, and I allowed her in to my world to meet them. She literally walked in my shoes, asking questions, but not in an annoying way. Taking in everything, and it was great to have a pair of hands to help that actually wanted to help.

At no point did I fluff things up, I literally did what I do everyday, cleaning, feeding, vets, pounds.... and repeat.... When she said that she was going to do "live" videos I took a deep breathe, but again she did them well, and made people sit up and take notice. Soon, the Kate Adie of animal rescue was out there everyday going "live" at every opportunity.

Watching them back I saw a side of my rescue that I had not seen, as when you are absorbed in the middle, it is hard to see the wood for the trees. I begun to realize that people did support what I do, and that a huge majority actually did understand.

My minion came as a stranger, but left as a friend, we laughed, we joked, we bitched, we moaned.. oh hang on that was me .... most of all she listened, and she advised, not in a judgmental, I can do this better way, but in a have you thought about doing it this way.

As I bid her farewell at the airport, the master was happy that the student had learnt... she had learnt that dog shit spray gets everywhere..... that when buying cans of coke, to look at the picture of the cherry, and realize that it was cherry coke, that she needs a map, to understand where Madrid is, and not think we were going to Malta.. oh wait was it Malaga!

She learnt that horses eat banana's, and that the feed bin was the safest place to leap on when the sheep run past. She learnt that every rock tells a story, and that King Kong will one day reach the top. These and many more vital life skills she took home with her, so my student I will see you soon, and you can continue folding my washing, and lecturing me about holes!

I'm Really Angry!

I am really pissed off this morning, and it is not even 07.00am yet, don't worry the guest is fine, alive and not wanting to jump on the next plane yet. I just logged on to my page to see some idiot has written the most stupid of comments, which normally I would ignore, however, lack of sleep and a few hell days has made me more sensitive than normal.

I have had three really bad cases come in this week, all of which are going to take time, effort and of course money to help. So, I did an appeal as I always do with photos of the dogs...

Monroe a FBD who has been used, abused, and dumped, various health issues which all need sorting ....

Murtle a beautiful baby pod who has one of the worse cases of scabies I have seen, infection after infection , open sores, and basically WTF

and Jabba...w ell we are all at a loss as to what the fuck is wrong with him.... and yes I swore but its been one of those 48 hours.....

People have been donating which is incredible...... thanks guys.... and then some idiot woman wrote....

Its a scam....WT actual F... which bit is the scam? can she honestly be saying the dogs don't exist, or I made them up, or what? I have called this woman out as I want her to explain her comment, as you dont come onto my page writing shit, when I am tired and pissed off.

So, we will wait and see what this woman has to say for herself...

Rant over... and thanks again for the donations.... feel free to keep donating, these three are going to break me... 

Today is the Day!

Today is going to be a strange day, in fact some would say huge, others would simply say OMG. You may be wondering what is so monumental that I am blogging about it, well I have a visitor. It is not even a visitor I can get rid of in a few hours, I have her staying here for six days!

Lets all go back in time, when I threw a flippant comment out there and said to my UK team, "if any of you ever fancy seeing what I do, I have a spare room" It was one of those throw away comments, I thought no more about it, and then one day I was asked if I was being serious. Of course, I replied with a cheery "yep (smiley face)

A few more conversations were had, then flights were booked, appeals went out for donations to be sent to her, and reality hit me like a thunder bolt. Now, don't get me wrong this lady is lovely, adopted two of my dogs, is a huge part of my team... but this is me... the person who hates humans, lives up a mountain in a goat shed, and well putting it bluntly my life isn't normal.

My closest friends keep asking me "how the hell did this happen" followed with laughing and the statements of "wtf" and "you are going to kill her" The thing I do love about my guest is that she has stated all the way along, this is a working holiday, she wants to mirror my life.

I do not see the point in people claiming they want to see what I do, but can they pop off to the beach for a couple of hours, or sit in a bar.  Those things rarely happen, and the way this week is looking very unlikely. So, wish her luck, as she will need it.... living with me is not easy, being around me 24/7 is even tougher.

Something Has to Change!

I have been away for a few days, no where exciting, more to recharge my batteries, and also to reflect and make some decisions. This summer has been tougher than usual, I do not know if it is the relentless heat, or the fact I am getting older. The constant struggle to raise enough funds is draining, and to be honest a struggle that I am not sure I want to continue doing.

This isn't a woe is me whinging blog, it is reality, and if people have suggestions how to change things then please get in touch. I have run out of steam, I am fed up of begging for something so simple as 1 euro a month and getting hardly nothing back.

I have over 7500 people follow my page, now I understand that some are hard core supporters, some simply like to follow the dogs, some are purely nosey, and others may have even clicked like not knowing what the hell they were doing. However, surely out of 7500 people at least half can donate 1 euro a month!

If that amount donated such a small amount, I could pay the vet, and breathe, as I am sick and tired of begging for money for vets bills, and getting hardly any support. The harsh reality is in 8 days I loose the credit at the vets as I cannot pay him the amount he wants to keep it open.

Without the credit at the vet I cannot take the emergencies, and the dogs that need the help the most. So, the reality is I will stop doing what I do, as I cannot keep paying out of my own money (yes I work as well) So many people say they support what I do, which is lovely, but if i cannot pay that vet there will be no rescue.

Yesterday I did an appeal for Ricardo to have his one last operation, I need to raise just under 600€ to clear the outstanding bill and pay for the new one. 7558 people follow the page... FOUR people donated.... So, the harsh reality is 2018 may be the last year for my rescue.. we will see....

Not Long is Too Long

It still amazes me that people have to be told not to leave their dogs in the car during the summer months. If like me you get whingy when the temperature rises, and the thought of sitting in a car without the AC being on full blast, I cannot even begin to imagine how a dog feels.

Dogs cannot sweat, open a window, or grab something from the car to fan themselves. They cannot moan loudly to husbands that they are hot, and that there must be another higher cold setting on the AC. Not every dog will die, however, they will suffer severe distress, anxiety and discomfort.

The amount of people that "nip to the shop" and leave their dog in the car need hitting with a shovel. That simple act of "nipping for a loaf of bread" NEVER happens, shops have an ability to lure you in, and the one loaf of bread turns into 14 items, a huge queue and 30 minutes.

Those 30 minutes become hell for you dog, with increasing temperatures in a tin can, your dog is likely to get heatstroke. If you have ever had heat stroke you would not wish this on anyone, especially your dog. The symptoms are similar to a major hangover and include:

• heavy panting
• restlessness
• vomitting
• drowsiness
• lack of cordination
• mouth feels like a sewer 
• excessive thirst 

Think back to the last time you had a hangover, would you want your dog to go through that? exactly! all because you wanted to "nip to the shops" You also do not want to join the people that come up with the most stupid excuses ever which include: 

• I left the window open 
• Its not like they were on their own I left my kids in the car too 
• Its ok I'm a vet
• We only went for lunch, it was quick I skipped dessert
• My dog is white, they will be fine

Yep, these are real excuses when people have been caught with their dog in the car, looking like it has had been on the longest pub crawl the night before. So, please don't leave your dog in the car, as I am campaigning to go alongside the new law about smashing car windows that people can hit the dog owner with the object they used to smash the window, to hopefully knock some sense into the idiots.

We Live In A Toxic World

When you become immersed in the rescue world, you soon realize that the world is a highly toxic place. The focus to rescue animals takes over, and eventually swallows you whole. Although there are positive days, and happy outcomes, sadly, these are shadowed with far more negative days.

The heartbreaking reality is that there are an estimated 600 million stray dogs in the world. With such huge numbers I find it unbelievable that people still consider it acceptable to breed their dogs. The excuses that the breeders give for breeding are laughable, and they justify their decision with statements like "rescues are unpredictable" "prone to illnesses" or even aggressive.

Pure breeds end up in the pound alongside the mixes as many simple do not meet the "quality" that is expected of the breed. Just another sign of the throw away society that we have become. The standards are set by humans, the puppies that are created, yet not good enough, become the equivalent of a supermarket wonky vegetable. 

Whilst rescue centers all over the world are full, and so many dogs are PTS due to space, I will never understand why anyone thinks we need more puppies in the world. Some people argue they want a certain type of dog, with specific traits and personalities. Then sign up to a breed specific rescue, and wait for that dog to come up. However, patience is another thing that humans now lack, and when they want something, they want it NOW.

Many people will be surprised the amazing dog you can adopt from a rescue, who will adapt, and grow within your family, if you give it time. Imagine the difference that you will make to that dogs life, by giving them a chance to shine. Many dogs have suffered at human hands, and they will take longer to trust and settle, but when they do you will have an amazing companion.

Instead of opening your wallet, and paying a breeder, how about you offer time, love, respect and patience. You might surprise yourself, and actually like yourself a little more for making an effort, and not choosing the easy way of buying your designer puppy.

Just Another Crazy Week

It has been yet another mad busy, crazy week, I seem to say that a lot, but hey it is true. Although every week is different, it is also the same, different in the medical and behavioral cases, yet the same as it never ends. Same story every day, every week, of every year.

Everywhere is full, everyone is messaging each other hoping that someone has space for dogs before they are PTS. Sadly there is just no space, resulting in my heart sinking a little further every day. Cases are coming in that I simply cannot afford to take, and more people than ever before asking for help.

I can truly see why so many rescues close due to a lack of funds, support I have, funds are low. The sheer numbers of abandoned animals on these islands, never matches the amount of people who step up to adopt, nor does it match the huge amount of funding needed to save these animals.

The heartbreaking reality is that thousands of animals die here every year, and yes I know I cannot save them all, however, the reason why is pure and simple, money. My energy levels are low, my faith in humans lower, although I receive an amazing amount of donations, it simply is never enough.

Another bolloxing from the vet this week, and this time he had his serious face on. He cannot keep allowing me to run the bill up, which yet again is over 4000€, I understand his point, but does not make it any easier. So, whilst I decide whether to stop helping for a while, as there is simply no funds, I also get to enjoy yet another calima... 50c heat and sad... yippeee

Free Ranging

Everyone thinks the idea of free range chickens is amazing, and that that is their dream... think again! When you allow chickens to go where they want, they REALLY go where they want. This means the end up everywhere, in the stables, in the kennels, and where there is chickens there is chicken poop.

The other issue with free range chickens is the fact they lay eggs everywhere, it is like one long Easter egg hunt, just less fun, with no chocolate. I stupidly thought that they would continue to lay in their nice, warm, cosy nesting boxes. Nope they lay where they feel like it, if there is bedding, a bucket, a bag, or even a gap they are there, laying bloody eggs.

Free range chickens are also like wayward teenagers, letting them selves in and out as they please. Some return for dinner, others stroll in when they feel like it, without a care in the world. A few are rebellious and never return until it is dark, and others are up before light, maybe it is the same chickens, and they simply never sleep!

So, unless you are a master chicken farmer, and have complete organisation, I would say free ranging is a headache. I trip over chickens, clean poop off everything, and find them everywhere on a daily basis. I'm sure there are many people that could tell me where i'm going wrong, bu hey my life would not be complete without some form of chaos everyday.

I Give Them A Chance

Sadly an old Yorkie died at the vets this week, her teeth were so badly infected that she had a very small chance of survival. Years and years of neglect had finally caught up with her, and she made the decision that this was her time to go. Someone asked me after this death, why do I take the dogs that are likely to die.... the answer is simple... I give them a chance.

The honest answer is no one else would take a nearly blind, skinny yorkie from the pound. Although I had no idea about her teeth until I got her out, the oldies often bring medical issues. However, they deserve a chance like every other dog, many survive, and go on to get amazing homes.

Some do give up, and decide that they don't want to fight anymore, and I am sure that some simply die of a broken heart. These dogs have been in homes, they were loved at some point, and then dumped. For an aging, maybe blind or deaf dog that is soul destroying.

If you look at the sensible side of things should I take these dogs, nope, as they cost me money and sometimes die before even going up for adoption. However, I would rather spend the time, and money giving them that chance. That is what sets me apart from all the other rescues.

I also believe that if you ever have to question why I do what I do, then you don't really understand who I am and why I do this. Every dog deserves a chance regardless of age, breed, or illnesses. So, as always I will continue to do what I do.

I Don't Care!

Oh dear it seems my blogs are causing a stir again, and the haters are out in force calling me unprofessional, and disgusting. The trouble is I really don't care what you think of me to be honest. Going on my page and bleating how writing about someone that dumps their dog is unprofessional is laughable.

First it was the aunt, stating I was disgusting as I referred to ... wait for it S...E...X... what are we 12 and cannot discuss sex on an open platform? and then it was the mum stating she was disgusted, well yes love I was disgusted that your son got rid of his dog after a year.

The thing is, these people just don't get it, they don't understand that I really don't care about what they say. I don't care what they call me, I don't care that they are hurt, and disgusted, I don't care that they feel humiliated. What I do care about is these dogs. I care that they are hurt, and confused, and we are left to pick up the pieces.

I make a promise to every single animal that I save that I will make their life better, and sadly this means that I have to trust other humans to do the same. Many achieve this and the dogs get amazing homes, with people who love them for the rest of their lives.

Then there are the small majority that fail, and let the dog down, and these people are the ones that bleat they are the victim. No, you are the arseholes, and that is my opinion which I am allowed. As I have stated many times before, you don't like my blog the exits are clearly marked..... feel free to leave!

Making a Choice!

For many years I have believed that men make decisions with their willies, and this week I think I was proved right! We had a dog returned that was adopted over a year ago, never had a bad word said against the dog, every update was positive, no issues. Why was it returned, ahhh well there was a new girlfriend!!

A random woman messaged me about returning a dog, stating the dog was aggressive, with extreme bad behavior. Everything about the message was off, the tone in the message, the statements that were made, and the fact I had no idea who she was.

So, after some questioning it came about that she had not adopted the dog, her new boyfriend had, over a year ago. I asked who the dog was, and she told me, which shocked me regarding the behavior claims, as he was a lovely, friendly little dog with no issues at all.

I asked for the boyfriend to message, to see if we could get to the bottom of this, but I already knew what the actual issue was. This guy was obviously thinking with his willy, as the new girlfriend blatantly did not want the dog. How very sad that a dog gets tossed because you want to get your leg over. Wonder if he would do the same if kids were involved?

He banged on about "other" reasons, that he was devastated, that it was the right decision... hmmm for who? because trust me this little dog didn't think it was the right decision. So, the dog was dropped off to the UK team for them to pick up the pieces. Off went the guy, back to his new girlfriend who must be amazing in bed, as she certainly has no other qualities. As the moment you state " me or the dog" you really are a lower form of life!

Read The Advert

When I post on FB I make sure that all information is there, as it is a waste of mine and other people's time if they cannot find basic information out about a dog. So, in the first line there is the dogs name, sex and age in capital letters. Under that it is repeated, then a description of the dog, then the information regarding what the dog has had done.

Then, why do I have at least 10 messages a day asking me the age of a dog, or if it has been neutered. Can people not read? or simply do not read properly, and it isn't just me. A foster mum did an advert the other day for some puppies, she wrote that they POO WEE and CHEW, a woman then attacked her for a bad choice of names.

I kid you not, the woman had not read the advert and thought that these were the puppies names.

On so many levels this was the most stupid thing I have ever seen. Firstly there are five puppies, so what we didn't name two of them? secondly if she had read the advert correctly she would have seen this was actually a description of what they do, there was no mention of being called that.

The woman didn't even want a puppy, yet another troll jumping on a post without actually taking the time to read the post. Do these people have nothing better to do than trawl FB finding posts, and writing crap. I urge these people, please go and get a life, find an activity away from the screen, get some fresh air, and learn to read!