Visit Casa Belgica
Visting Casa Belgica
On Friday, the 20th of June 2025, our alarm went off at 2:00h because we were leaving for Zaventem at 3:00h for the 6:30h flight to Madrid. On the way, Ronny and I wondered what we were going to see at the shelter, and we were both a bit apprehensive. Around 9:00h, we landed in Madrid. Dirk was waiting for us at "Paul’s," one of the airport coffee shops. We were both dehydrated from the flight because there was no food and drinks cart, so after arriving, we needed to recover with a coffee. Then we headed to Casa Belgica and received a very warm welcome from all the dogs upon arrival, and of course, Mimi, who were very happy to see each other. After dropping off our suitcases in our beautiful room, we were given a tour of Casa Belgica. First, the house, where the air conditioning thankfully blew cool air because it was scorching hot. When we visited the clinic where the sterilizations were performed and teeth were brushed, I wondered how many dogs had already been treated here. Thank goodness the GINB clinic is there.
At noon, we were invited to dine at the Michelin-starred Casa Belgica restaurant. Wow, Mimi can cook quite a bit, delicious! After dinner, we cool off in the shower, and then the big moment arrives, we are off to the shelter, the center of attention. We drive for about 10 minutes along a bumpy, crater-filled road and arrive at Las Nieves. It is hot, hotter, hottest... "Poor dogs," Ronny and I think before we go inside. First, we meet Marie Carmen, then we visit the enclosures where the greyhounds are staying. Everywhere we look, EVERYWHERE, we see galgos. How sweet, and homes still need to be found for all these poor creatures. Luckily, there are sunshades everywhere, and large troughs with fresh, clean water. Once we are in the kennels, all the dogs come to check us out, and of course, we are short of time for petting and hugging. But we certainly take our time. Every time we leave one enclosure and go to the next, you can see on their faces: "You do not leave without us, do you?" Terrible... After seeing everything, our visit to the shelter ends, and we both sincerely hope that everyone will one day find a warm home.
Back at Casa Belgica, we need to let all the impressions of the past two hours sink in. That evening, Mimi cooked another delicious meal, and after a glass of bubbles and plenty of chatting, it is time to go to bed, as we have been awake for ages. Saturday morning, today we can sleep in a bit after yesterday's long day and then immediately join the breakfast table. This time, too, with plenty of chatter and questions about GINB. We cannot stop talking about the same topic: the poor galgos in the shelter, if only we could conjure something up... Outside, it is sweltering, and we think about the shelter and about the poor souls still locked up somewhere or still wandering in the fields without food or water. That evening, 7-star chef Mimi cooks a delicious meal again, and we have some good chats about everything and anything, especially about what we have seen. Then it is bedtime, because the next day we return to Belgium. Sunday, the day of departure. After breakfast, we still have time to look at photos of GINB. At 13:00h, after a delicious lunch, we leave for the airport, as our flight to Zaventem is at 16:30h. When we get home, our dogs are all thrilled to see us, and we are just as happy to be back with them.……………….
Ronny and I truly hope that every dog in the shelter finds a forever home, so we are reaching out to you. If you animal lovers have a place to give a struggling dog from Spain a wonderful home, just do it! You will get so much love in return. This experience will stay with us forever. Thank you, Mimi and Dirk, for everything you have done for the Spanish Greyhounds over the past 30 years.
Lots of love, Ronny and Kevin
