Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
Over the past few weeks, me and my friend have had the privilege – and the heartbreak – of volunteering at ACE SHIN La Cala de Mijas, a local dog shelter dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abandoned and mistreated dogs.
What I’ve witnessed has been both harrowing and heartwarming – a stark reminder of the resilience of these incredible animals and the vital role we can all play in giving them the second chance they deserve.
When I entered the shelter for my first visit, I saw dogs of every age, size, and breed, all with eager eyes. Their expressions told their stories. Some dogs were full of optimism, their tails wagging and they were happy to simply have someone with whom to walk. Some dogs sat silently in their kennels because their trust had been shattered from past abuse and neglect. When I sat with these more withdrawn souls and offered nothing but gentle companionship and a quiet hand, I saw glimmers in their eyes that had previously given up.
Many of these dogs were subjected to unimaginable suffering. Some dogs were abandoned because they were “inconvenient”, while others were rescued when in terrible conditions, where they had been mistreated or left alone. They are able to forgive, and even love again, despite all the abuse they have endured.
But ACE SHIN can’t do it alone. The shelter constantly faces an overwhelming demand – not just for finding loving homes, but for the basic essentials that keep these dogs healthy and comfortable. We can all make a difference by working together as a community.
What You Can Do:
1. Bedding and towels are always needed. They are a source of warmth and comfort to the dogs, particularly those that have been accustomed only to cold, hard flooring.
2. Food Donations: Each bowl of food counts. Your donations, whether it is dry or canned food or treats, help keep dogs happy and bellies filled.
3. Donations of Equipment: The shelter is always looking for harnesses, in any size, to provide safe and comfortable walking for the dogs. Toys that are durable and provide comfort and mental stimulation for dogs waiting to find their forever homes are always appreciated.
4. Visit ACE SHIN if you are considering adding a furry family member to your home. There’s a dog for every home – young, old, big, small, playful, or calm. Fostering is a great option if adoption doesn’t work for you right now. You can give a dog a temporary family while they wait to find their forever home.
5. Sponsor a Dog. If you cannot adopt or foster an animal, you can support it by sponsoring one. A monthly donation of a few dollars can help pay for food, medical costs and shelter. This will ensure that the dog is loved and cared-for, even if it doesn’t yet have a permanent home.
6. Volunteer: Just a few hours of your time can make a world of difference – whether it’s walking dogs, sitting with the shy ones, or helping with day-to-day tasks at the shelter.
Giving your time, donating, or providing a home for these dogs will bring you an emotional reward that is hard to describe. The dogs’ gratitude is shown in the wagging of their tails, the gentle nuzzles they give, and in the soft sighs when they finally feel safe.
If you’d like to help, please contact Fabienne Paques, Founder, Animal Care España (ACE) SHIN La Cala de Mijas at. 00 34 610 752 350. www.ace-charity.org. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these dogs.
We believe that every dog deserves to have a chance. Sometimes, it only takes someone like you.
Richard Eastwood and Adele Ashley – Volunteers
