Letter from the President

I am sure you are aware that there have been significant changes within Cas. The catalyst was the difference of opinion around Cantalobos a purpose built facility for animals above La Herradura. We were offered the opportunity to run it. It is an excellent place, however Cas did not feel we had the people or funding to take on such a large commitment, hence the committee differences. Jane Kirk stepped down as President and others left also.

Now on to our funding situation. I am sure you all read the report for the EGM and the motion to sell our asset, the Cas Office. This was approved by a substantial majority and is now in the hands of the lawyers. The price paid will clear our debts and we are taking a lease back on advantageous and flexible terms.

This enables us to continue. We still have outstanding debts with our kennel owners but anticipate being able to clear these over the next few months. Contrary  to rumours the kennel owners have NEVER lined their pockets at Cas expense, they have always given us a fair rate and take animals in without charge in an emergency. We must remember it is their livelihood and I am personally grateful for their support and understanding.

The economic climate means we are having to work at twice the speed to bring in funds and reduce our costs. We already have over 60+fosterers who are looking after our dogs until homes are found. Thank you all so much.

The newly vamped website  www.casnerja.org  with Dave Jamieson as our webmaster has produced dividends.We will also shortly have the website in Spanish.The last 3 months we have homed around 120 dogs. Of course many do go to Germany and Holland. They pay for the tests needed to travel and the travel expenses. We are now also sending dogs to Denmark and Austria. All the charities we use do home visits and follow ups. The level of homing within Spain has risen, albeit with Brits and Germans as the biggest group.

I feel I must give thanks to our hardworking fundraisers led by Mike O’Brien who never stops thinking up new ideas, We have the Xmas do’s in Competa and Nerja so to book your table give him a call on 952526312. Sheila McAslam and Ruth Barker who sort all the goods received for the Sunday Car Boot which produces vital funds and all the people who come along to help them. Dave,Heike, Carol,Caroline and Maivi. Sue Anderson who organises her stall at Trapiche and the book sales at various cafes. All together they are working wonders to keep Cas afloat.

Also a big thank you to Richard who has taken over once again as Treasurer (he thought he had retired) but he is doing a great job trying to keep us all in line.

Finally we must not forget our Secretary Diana Carter, who is now also managing the office and the staff who turn up daily to help us week after week.

I am sure you all know that Sue Baldwin is our “Cat Woman” she is seriously overstretched and anyone who would be prepared to help please contact her on  952531587 or 691706434. More helpers are needed in many areas so if you know anyone who would be prepared to help us contact me on 952526312 or Vera on 952529670 or 680315880 . We are a social crowd, any age welcome!.

Thank you for all your support during these changing times. I am sure we will go forward. Next year is the Cas 25^th year of operation. Let us make it a record  breaking fundraising year and enable us to help even more animals.

Wendy Thorne