Spain, we are coming.
On Friday morning, the 3rd of October 2025, after a short night, the alarm goes off at 3:00h. I notice a slight protest from Duke, Oona, Grace, and Milan, who think to themselves, "Mom, are you really going to get up? It is still dark."
But yes, I must get up because I have an appointment with my colleague Kristien at Zaventem airport at 5:00h. We are going to visit Casa Belgica and the shelter together this weekend. Full of excitement and unsure of what I am going to see, I arrive at the airport right on time (read: "way too early"). Luckily, several coffee shops are already open where I can enjoy the liquid gold while I wait for Kristien.
I am surprised how busy it is at that time of the day, people in shorts even though it is barely 8 degrees outside. I am glad I am wearing my warm sweater and scarf, and of course, my GINB jacket. Suddenly I see a familiar face in the crowd, our Kristien, so happy to know someone in this commotion. It all feels a bit strange. The last time I flew, it was when the animals were still speaking. Then I just had to follow Mom, and now we must find it on our own.
All in all, we managed quite well and got through customs without too many problems. We entered a new world where we were not quite sure what we were seeing. Shops everywhere where you can buy just about anything. You could arrive without a suitcase and buy everything at the airport. Since we were still early, we first went to breakfast with a view of the planes, wondering what we were going to see and experience this weekend. Before we knew it, we had to head to our gate because it was almost time to check in.
Bye bye gray Belgium, Spain, we are coming.
Before we knew it, we were high and dry above the clouds. The houses and cars got smaller and smaller, and soon all we could see was the clouds below us. We had arranged to meet Dirk at Paul's at Salida 10. We did not know what Salida 10 was. We thought it was Hall 10, but apparently, "Salida" is the Spanish word for "exit." We found out on the plane.
Suddenly, the clouds parted, and we saw Spain below us. Shortly after, we landed and were amazed by the view. The sun greeted us, and soon we took off our sweaters. Miraculously, we found Dirk very quickly. It was a wonderful reunion. Now the real work could begin. In the car to Casa Belgica, Dirk was the perfect guide. We soon saw the damage caused by the fire. This truly took our breath away.
When Dirk opened the gates of Casa Belgica, we suddenly saw 11 pairs of curious eyes fixed on us, 11 tails wagging. From small to large, they were all equally curious about our visit. Mimi was also very happy to see us, and after a warm welcome, we were given a tour. Mimi was the perfect guide and spoke enthusiastically about Casa Belgica.
We were the first to see the fully finished recovery area and the clinic. The wall was also finished, all in such a short time. Meanwhile, it was time for an aperitif and a delicious light lunch prepared by Michelin-starred chef Mimi. During lunch, both Mimi and Dirk talked about the origins of GINB and their experiences. Later that day, we went to visit the shelter, but first, Kristien and I rested for a bit after our short night. A power nap in the sun did wonders, and around 15:30h we were ready to go see where our dogs had been years ago. We drove along dusty roads toward the shelter, and all around us, you could see the damage the fire had caused. We knew it was bad, but once you see it all for yourself, you just think, "This could have been so much worse."
Fifteen minutes later we arrive, and just then a car pulls away. Apparently, a couple has just dropped off a galgo. Another one that needs to find a new home forever. But not without first passing by Dr. De Frutos, because the little animal has a broken front leg. One that faces another long recovery. One that they dropped off without shedding a tear. Without any emotion, simply dropped off like a rag on a pile. We were already silent but seeing how people can just give up a dog with a broken leg. We can only sigh and shake our heads. I must bite back my tears and try to pet the poor thing and show him some love. The animal needs to know that not all people are like his previous "owners."
We enter the shelter, and the sight is indescribable. So many impressions, so many dogs searching for loving owners, for warm, soft beds, for love and friendship. They jostle each other for just a pet or a cuddle. We are short of hands and eyes. Everywhere you look, you see galgos, each one less fearful than the last. All colors, but black is the predominant one. If only we could give them all a warm home. We walk from one enclosure to the next, and repeatedly you see the looks, the questioning, pleading eyes, you will never forget, and yes, the little one is still there. Every previous region raved about the cuddly little lady, and they were not lying. She crawled under each galgo for a cuddle, and we even got kisses from her.
I sat down in each enclosure for a moment, and everywhere they came, they curiously sniffed us. Some gave us licks, some just came to sniff, some were gone faster than they arrived, but all with the same look in their eyes. We could not have prepared ourselves for this. We already knew why we do it, but now that we have seen this, we know the full story. I am glad we have already given so many dogs a good home, but I urge anyone who still has a spot to take another look at the website, because there are so many sweethearts who deserve a home.
Back on the road to Casa Belgica, we let it all sink in and quietly hope that someday this will all come to an end.
During and after the incredibly delicious meal prepared by our star chef, Mimi, we reminisced about what the shelter had done for us and looked at photos. We could go on and on, but bed calls. Tomorrow is a new day for stories and adventures, and so we crawl into bed, tired but satisfied. At breakfast, the conversation continues, and afterwards, the photo albums come out. Memories about how it all started. How it is now. It is a lot to process.
In the afternoon, we go for a walk with 9 of the 11 dogs. The two with three legs can stay home with Mimi. Walking with nine dogs is no easy feat, but after a while, we manage to get them to walk along nicely. Once back home, a delicious meal awaits them and us.
We will be enjoying ourselves even more this evening, because tomorrow morning we will be leaving for wet Belgium. One more time, we will raise a glass to GINB, to Dirk, to Mireille, and to their life's work. Let us toast to at least another 30 years of GINB.
Once home, our dogs received a hug they will never forget, and I promise to bring as many friends as possible to Belgium.
Thank you, dear Mimi and Dirk, for sharing your story with us.
