High on a mountain between La Romana and Novelda, where on a clear night you can see the lights of Alicante sparkling in the distance, lies a very special place. This is where Jacqueline Roberts and her partner Roy run 'Barkinside Sanctuary'. It is not your average shelter, but a loving haven for the region's most vulnerable dogs. We visited Jacqueline to talk about passion, sacrifice, and the unconditional love for dogs.

Jacqueline is a well-known face in the world of canine rescue. She has lived in Spain for 25 years. "Even as a child, I wanted to do something meaningful for dogs," she says with a smile. In England, she was heavily involved in fostering, but when her health declined, doctors advised her to move to the Spanish climate. After a period in La Manga and a brief return to England, love for Roy brought her back to Spain for good. "I always said I'd never come back, but look at us now: out here in the campo, in total peace, surrounded by our animals."

The birth of a mission

It all started 11 years ago. Although Jacqueline was working as a secretary for a charity at the time, she didn't quite find her niche there. However, the problem of abandoned dogs in the region was too large to ignore. When 24 dogs suddenly had nowhere to go and no foster homes available, Jacqueline and Roy made a bold decision: they built their own kennels and took them all in.

Over the years, Barkinside evolved into a professional, independent organization. "At one point, we had an average of 60 dogs. When I turned 65, I thought: right, I'm retiring. We went back down to eight dogs, but I only lasted a week. I missed the work far too much." Jacqueline laughs when talking about the current number of residents: "I thought we had 20, but Roy says it's 43. Apparently, I can't count!"

A sanctuary for the 'specials'

Today, Barkinside has become a true sanctuary. This means the focus is on dogs with a 'backpack'** (special needs) . Think of blind dogs, disabled dogs, or those who can only get around with the help of a wheels. Whether it's dogs whose owners have passed away or those who were simply dumped, at Jacqueline's, they are given a life of dignity.

The dedication is immense. Jacqueline lives in a caravan on the property, and alongside the dogs, the sanctuary is now also home to horses, donkeys, and cats. "It's hard work, but it's a wonderful life. Fortunately, we don't do it alone. With the help of five regular volunteers and a fantastic dog groomer who treats our dogs for free, we are able to keep this work going."

Community support

To cover the high costs of care and medication, Barkinside organizes numerous activities. Twice a month, they hold popular boot fairs (every second Sunday at Tipsy Terrace and the last Sunday in El Canton). The lunches at Tipsy Terrace are also very well attended.

The community is incredibly supportive, but extra help remains essential. "People donate food, blankets, and medication. Sometimes we even receive building materials like wood and nails, which we use to repair or improve the enclosures," Jacqueline says. She has a specific request for greeting cards: "Whether it's for birthdays or get-well wishes, we can really use them. You can drop them off at Tipsy Terrace or during our markets." Every donation, in whatever form, is incredibly welcome and makes a direct difference.

A look at the future

In the past 11 years, Barkinside has taken in 738 dogs, 650 of which have been rehomed. From dogs now living a life of luxury in Thailand to those adopted locally, the contact with new owners is never lost.

Jacqueline notices that awareness in Spain is slowly growing. Through years of visiting schools and organizing events, she sees the attitude toward animal suffering changing. For Jacqueline and Roy, the goal remains simple: giving every dog a chance. "The dogs are our lives. There is joy when things go well, and sadness when we have to say goodbye to an old friend. I wouldn't want it any other way."

Would you like to support Barkinside Sanctuary or follow their work? Visit the 'Barkinside' Facebook page for updates, photos, and events. Donations of any kind are greatly appreciated.

PayPal: barkinside69@aol.co.uk Spanish Bank ING Direct: J Wood Barkinside: ES 23 1465 0100 91 1722121320, BIC: INGDESMM UK Bank Miss J Wood: Barclays: Sort: 20-70-93 - a/c. 10215589

[**note: the word 'backpack' is the translation of "rugzak" in the original text. It has a literal translation and a vernacular use which can translate as "baggage", as in emotional/physical/social baggage, something carried through life]

More details of how and what to donate can be found on the donate financial page and the donate food and cleaning page of the Barkinside website.

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Edition 5 May 12th 2026 - De Binnenlander Magazine