During my (Jacqueline Roberts) 34 years in this role, 9 of which have been spent in Spain, I am proud to say that I have had the privilege and honour to be involved in helping rescue and save the lives of over 600 dogs! I would not have been able to do this without help! At Barkinside we are very lucky to have an amazing band of supporters and volunteers behind us, always ready to react at a moment's notice to ensure rescues are ongoing and successful. Their endless kindness provides us with a wide range of physical, emotional and financial support, without which we would struggle to keep doing what we do. For all of this we and the animals in our care are grateful beyond words. One part of our amazing support network is Paraíso del Perro, a voluntary dog grooming service run by our friend, the amazing Machteld De Dier. Machteld describes herself as a professional and passionate dog groomer and volunteer with a deep love for our four-legged companions. We know and love her as someone who donates her amazing grooming service voluntarily to the dogs in our care, something which is very obviously enjoyed to the full by every one of them. Her professional and deeply compassionate approach gives the animals the opportunity to trust a person, often for the first time in a long time. Magically, her warm and loving approach builds enough trust for the dogs to allow that first touch, to feel the care and healing she is offering. Paraíso del Perro is able to prove to them that their previously abusive and painful physical contact with people is over, her touch gives them hope. From this tiny spark they change quickly into the loving trusting creatures they were meant to be. There isn't one dog who Machteld hasn't been able to gain the trust of, this allows Paraíso del Perro to give them a much needed wash and brush up, and in many cases grooming takes on a more serious role as a medical necessity, providing relief from health, pain, age and disability related issues.