Between Ashes and Hope
Between Ashes and Hope: A Visit to Casa Belgica & Las Nieves
On Friday, the 29th of August, our first alarm went off around 6:00h. Just to be safe, we had set several alarms; we certainly did not want to oversleep. Still, it was difficult to fall asleep that night. Nerves probably played a part: it had been over 20 years since we had travelled by plane. After a short trip to my parents' house and a taxi ride with my father to Zaventem, we landed in Madrid in the early afternoon. As soon as the wheels touched down and we looked out the window, we immediately saw the dry, barren vegetation: we were in Spain.
Like two amazed children, we made our way to the exit of the immense airport, to which Zaventem cannot be compared. Dirk was already waiting for us at Café Paul, quietly reading and enjoying a coffee. After a short drive with Dirk, during which he immediately gave us an insight into Spanish driving style, we arrived at Casa Belgica. Mimi welcomed us warmly, along with her Borzois and Galgos. After putting our luggage in the room, we were given a tour of the house and the clinic where the dogs are operated on and neutered.
The impact of the fire
What immediately struck us was the damage from the fire around their house. The entire hedge, which normally served as a natural barrier for the dogs to recover in peace, had been destroyed. The consequences were also painfully visible behind and around the clinic: the outdoor air conditioning unit was destroyed, the roof swept away, windows shattered, and the metal doors scorched. It was almost impossible to put it all into words.
After these first impressions, we were invited to sit at the table, where Mireille had prepared a delicious tapas presentation. With a glass of wine, we gradually relaxed. Shortly after, Bart and I decided to go to bed early after a sleepless night. This time, we slept like babies.
The next day
The morning began with a refreshing shower and a generous breakfast in the company of some four-legged friends. What a wonderful way to wake up. Since we were not expected in Las Nieves until around 16:00h, we all decided to go to a large shopping mall in Madrid first. During lunch, I thought to myself that maybe I should have packed a more formal outfit. Oh well, it is what it is. It turned into another pleasant meal with a good glass of wine.
Visit to Las Nieves
The drive to Las Nieves took us through a surreal landscape of charred bushes and gray mountains. And yet, amidst it all, a hint of green appeared here and there. Hope after the disaster. I wondered: could that also be true for the Spanish galgos? Or is that too naive?
In Las Nieves, we met Marie-Carmen. She led us first to the male section, where curious faces immediately approached us. Despite their past, their eyes radiated confidence and zest for life. Then we visited the females. Bart joked that you could "hear" where the females were, but the atmosphere quickly became more serious. Here too, sweet noses greeted us enthusiastically. Their eyes asked without words: "Can I come with you?" We sat down on the floor for a moment so the dogs could decide for themselves whether they wanted to interact. They did, each in their own way, some timid, others full of bravado. It touched us deeply. Back at Casa Belgica, we were once again warmly welcomed by Mimi and her legion of galgos. Later that evening, we were also allowed to investigate her art studio, where beautiful works left us speechless. Because our flight left early the next morning, we called it a day.
A lasting impression
When we were asked afterwards how our visit had been, we needed time to formulate an answer. The impressions were intense. Was it anger at what was being done to the galgos? Or sadness because we could not find homes for all 300 dogs ourselves? Or perhaps satisfaction, because we could distract them for a moment from their waiting for a forever home? What prevails is our conviction that we will continue to fight with all our hearts to provide a warm home for as many of these sweethearts as possible.
Thank you, Mimi and Dirk, for the warm welcome, the excellent care, and the unforgettable experience you made possible for us.
Yannick & Bart
