Diana the Dog

Kirsty Brzeczek here – SPANA’s Fundraising and Supporter Care Officer. I recently returned from the Morocco Supporters’ Tour and wanted to share with you the tale of one of the happiest dogs I’ve ever met!

The story starts with newly qualified Vet, Patrick Sells, who not only volunteered with SPANA in Morocco but also raised almost £5,000 by journeying the whole way there on his motorbike! On his way to the Midelt refuge, situated between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, he spotted a tiny puppy who had been abandoned. Dogs aren’t well liked in Morocco as they are thought to carry infectious diseases like rabies so they’re often chased away with rocks and stones. Patrick was determined that life would be different for little “Diana” though, who he tucked into his jacket and took with him to the SPANA refuge. He taught the SPANA technicians there how to train her properly and what a wonderful companion she could make. Almost three years later and it’s wonderful to see the relationship that’s developed between dog and owner and Diana has made an invaluable addition to the busy education programme there.