The year 2011 has been a mixed one for ADANA - like the proverbial Curate's Egg, good in parts.

To start with the not-so-good things:

No doubt because of the crisis the number of dogs in our perrera has increased to almost two hundred. It is becoming increasingly difficult to provide adequate accommodation for such a large number and inevitably fights and fatalities result.

A long-standing problem has been the state of the track to the perrera. In spite of many approaches to the Ayuntamiento by various Board members nothing has been done. There is no doubting that the dreadful journey up the mountain deters many would-be adopters and is becoming more dangerous with the onset of bad weather. We must agitate until something is done.
 
We were unfortunately obliged to pay a former employee 5500 euros in compensation . I have my own feelings about a charity being taken to Court for such a sum so I will say no more.

Now for the many good things:

This year has seen a steady input from our many reliable volunteers: organising fundraising events of all kinds, shaking huchas on street corners, working in our shop or working at the perrera, you are all invaluable. If our dogs are the heart of ADANA, then to extend the metaphor our volunteers are the muscles and sinews. Without you all we could not exist.

The Dog Show was as usual a great success, bringing in not only money but invaluable publicity. It was once again organised by David McNally...thanks to you too David.

Another record-breaking event was our Christmas Fair which brought in a very welcome larger-than-usual sum: no mean feat in times of economic crisis. Very special thanks to the unflappable Organiser Marjorie Bedford and to the redoubtable Helen Oldfield who once again organised a very profitable raffle.

We were able in mid-summer to take on Helen Ellis as Adoptions Organiser. Helen has organised the office with her trademark efficiency and we have seen a steady increase in the number of adoptions since August.

We were able to restart our adoptions abroad programme and were happy to meet our Dutch friends from Podencoworld who are adopting dogs to send to Holland. We also made links with a wonderful German charity SpanishPaws and have received over 800 euros raised by them.

Now that the UK has relaxed its quarantine laws we are hoping to be able to send dogs to good homes there in the coming year.

In October Dave and Chrissy McKellar stepped into the gap caused by the departure of Eddie Taylor and with their excellent team of volunteer helpers enabled seamless and smooth carrying out of the vital tasks at the kennels, alongside our long-standing and popular staff member Fernando. Thanks to you all.

Thanks go to all who have helped organise functions for ADANA...the Longman sisters for their very enjoyable and lucrative Roman Night, the Coffee Morning Team, all who helped raise money over the past year...thank you.

Thanks to all my colleagues on the ADANA Board....a special mention for our Treasurer Eileen Audas who as has often been said is so skilled at juggling our funds she could star in a circus! Eileen's job has not been an easy one this year and so a very special Thank You.

So all in all the good things outnumber the bad.

There is much to be done in the coming year. We must think hard and make a sound assessment of our future plans and prospects. We must continue to make ourselves known to the Town Halls of Estepona, Casares and Manilva as caring people who for no pay do an essential job not only for our abandoned animals but for the communities themselves. We must take our cause to our host Spanish community and the younger generation.

This year will not be an easy one - we all know that. But with so much dedication in our members and helpers I know we will achieve the things we need to do.

Keith and I wish you all a very Happy New Year,
Maria Cawsey
President ADANA Estepona