PAWS- People who care for the lost and abandoned dogs in the Vall de Pop.

In the office of Jacaranda Spain, the week before Christmas is when things start to wind down a little. This year was unexpectedly busy, with several sales going through and viewing appointments every day. When we first relocated to the Jalon Valley (Vall de Pop) the celebrations were more centred around the Día de Reyes Magos (Kings Day) on the 6th January. However, with the influence of the rest of Europe and the US, Spanish children also expect a visit from Santa Claus now! The decorations and lights seem to go up earlier and, even the normally quiet streets in the village of Llíber, have a certain festive buzz! The Christmas tree in the Plaza Mayor was the biggest and best yet. 

Like many ex-pat residents we had family arriving, fridges to fill with festive treats, Christmas cards and letters to Santa to write and a big meal to prepare for on Christmas day. However, throughout all the excitement, there was one little girl who was all alone in the beautiful little pueblo of Llíber. A little dog appeared in the streets silently watching us all coming and going. 

After a few sightings, it became obvious that she was lost or abandoned. She was very thin and looked hungry so we took her food which she devoured in seconds. I named her Badger, on account of the markings on her face which, from a distance (I couldn´t get any closer at first), looked like stripes. She was extremely nervous at first and some detective work revealed that she had made her home on the roof of a house that was on the portfolio of Jacaranda Spain. We contacted the owner, also a dog lover, who kindly said that she didn´t mind her temporary tenant, she was happy the dog was safe and comfortable for now. The weather forecast however, made catching her and getting her shelter somewhat urgent. This year, for the first time in many years we had a very cold, wet period over christmas. Of course the neighbourhood network soon got to work and we realised we were not Badgers only benefactors, several of our neighbours were feeding her and it did not take long before she began to get more confidant as she realised that we were not going to hurt her. We decided something had to be done to help this poor girl in need.  

If you live in the Vall de Pop, you will get no prizes for guessing who the guardian angels for lost and abandoned dogs are around these parts. We made contact with PAWS, a charitable organisation based in Jalón (Xaló in Valencian) and headed by the truly wonderful, Jayne Webb. Jayne urged me to try and get closer, win the dogs trust and get her on a leash so that Paws could come and collect her. I spent a restless night worrying about Badger after the rain started and then Jayne made contact to say those wonderful words “we´ve got her, she´s safe”. Badger had decided, the previous evening, to trust a couple who had been feeding her. She followed them home, they were able to catch her and she was then collected by Paws. That day the rain turned torrential and the temperature dropped and we were so grateful to know that our quiet little friend had shelter, food and some loving cuddles.

Paws has thousands of followers and dozens of kind volunteers, as well as a shop in Jalón which sells clothes and household goods, donated by supporters, with all the proceeds going to the care and upkeep of the rescued animals. They pick up abandoned dogs on a daily basis and take them to safety. Furthermore, they get help from local businesses and the incredible vets at Clinica Bernia are always on hand to offer support. The charity organises fayres and tombolas, as well as a very popular fashion show to raise funds.

Certainly, there are days when the folk at Paws must find it heartbreaking work. The Spanish Podenco is a hunting breed that the charity often rescues. Sadly, when they are no longer useful, these incredibly friendly and sweet dogs can be abandoned or worse. 

Large litters of puppies are often dumped at the bins, taken from their mothers, as they were surplus to requirement, and left to suffer an unthinkable fate.  

“Here we go again 17 beautiful babies left at the bin yesterday evening, and after a panicky call to Barry from SCAN off he went all the way back to el vergel to get milk for us to feed them THANK YOU BARRY all ok this morning, and some lovely offers of help”

Incredible work PAWS!!!

If you think you have space in your life for a four legged friend- Please, instead of buying from a breeder, contact Paws and give a home to a dog that desperately needs it. If not, maybe you could offer your time to help, or a cash donation, however small, will be very gratefully received. 

Check out Paws on facebook.https://www.facebook.com/pawsxalo/

The team at Jacaranda Spain send our heartfelt thanks to all of the wonderful volunteers and donators, that make it possible to give these dogs a second chance!