Marjolein: The love for dogs and fostering rescues
At the Perro & Co Foundation, volunteers are the driving force.
They dedicate themselves with much love and devotion to the welfare of street dogs.
The same goes for Marjolein: as a volunteer, she has changed the lives of many dogs.
In this interview, Marjolein talks about her work for the foundation, the impact dogs have on her life and her dreams for the future.
About Marjolein
Marjolein, 54 years old, lives with her partner Leon in the rural area of Ulicoten (North Brabant)
In addition to their other animals, they currently also have five rescue dogs in the house.
A few years ago, Marjolein decided to quit her job in healthcare and focus on buying and restoring vintage and antique furniture, which she sells online and at auctions.
Her husband still works in the healthcare sector, and together they enjoy their three-year-old grandson, who is often with them.
The love for animals and Marjolein's involvement with Perro&CO
Marjolein grew up with animals. From a young age, there were always dogs around her, which helped her develop a deep love for animals.
"I couldn't live without dogs; they give so much love and joy," she says.
Her involvement with Perro & Co stemmed from her experiences with caring for dogs. 'It all started after a vacation in Greece, where I saw so much animal suffering.'
“During our vacation we drove around with dog food and water to give to the dogs living on the street without care,” says Marjolein.
This experience gave her even greater motivation to support the dogs who are having a hard time.
When she saw the old Kiki on the Perro & Co website, it was love at first sight. “From the moment I saw those mischievous little eyes and that crooked mouth, I was immediately sold,” she says. Despite her difficult past and problems, Kiki was adopted and got a few more beautiful final months of love and care.
Marjolein's job at Perro&CO: fostering dogs in need
After adopting Kiki, she became more involved with the foundation.
This allowed Marjolein to carry out her passion for helping dogs that are struggling.
She mainly helps dogs from abroad who often live on the street or in a shelter and gives them a chance at a better life.
een beter leven.
"I prefer to take care of dogs that need it the most, such as the older dogs that don't stand a chance of getting adopted because of ther age. It is amazing to see them develop and to notice that the start to feel safe" explains Marjolein.
hun leeftijd veel minder kans maken op opvang of adoptie. Het is zo mooi om ze te zien ontwikkelen en te merken dat ze zich vertrouwd en veilig gaan voelen,” legt Marjolein uit.
After Kiki, she took in Diva until she could go to her adoptive family. And after that, she opened her home to senior dogs Fibi, Piccolo, and Geni. All three little senior dogs who had a hard time in the Portuguese shelter.
What does Perro&Co means for Marjolein?
Perro & Co is a foundation that Marjolein supports with all her heart.
"The knowledge and experience of the volunteers ensure that you are never on your own," says Marjolein.
Marjolein.
Thanks to the small scale of the foundation, the contact is very personal.
"You get to know each other well and the communication is very smooth. That way, we can care for and adopt dogs with a peace of mind," she says.
Marjolein's motivation to keep going
What gives Marjolein the most satisfaction is the moment when a dog feels safe enough to dare to be itself.
"When a dog that has been scared for a long time finally dare to play or comes to ask for a cuddle, it's just amazing!” she says.
Marjolein also has a deep respect for the senior dogs she helps.
“That I can make the older dogs feel loved and respected in their final months is one of the most beautiful things I do.”
Dreams for the future
Marjolein hopes that one day there will be no need for foundations like Perro&Co.
The dream is that there will come a time when we no longer have to rescue dogs from the streets, but as long as that is still necessary, I will continue to work for the dogs that do need this help," says Marjolein. Sometimes it hurts her that this work is still so necessary, but as she says herself:
"You can't save all the dogs in the whole world, but you can save the world of that one dog!"
The impact of Marjolein's work for Perro&Co
With the love for dogs and dedication to the foundation, Marjolein has a great influence on the chances of a better life for the rescue dogs.
"It's wonderful to see how these dogs can develop when they are given the chance," she says.
She firmly believes in giving every dog a second chance, regardless of their past. 'Every dog deserves a good life, and I do my best to help them get one.'
Marjolein's story shows that a single person can make a huge difference, and thanks to her love for animals and enthusiastic commitment to Perro&Co, she makes an indispensable contribution to helping dogs in need.
