It's been a long time coming (as usual), but I'm finally working on this site, again. I figure, we better keep our friends and family posted about our lives overseas, or we may seriously disappoint some grandmas.

In this latest edition, we'll be sharing some of the things that have happened to us within the last six to eight months (or more--that's how long since I've updated The Zoo!) In that time we went on a tropical Caribbean barefoot cruise, moved to Spain, flown to Germany (twice~Eden three times!), and adopted a dog. Also, keep your eyes open for Eden's revamped site; she's taken the challenge on for herself, and I expect great things.

At first you don't notice, but I'm pretty sure I'm naked here! St. Barts is just one of the many islands we visited on our Windjammer Barefoot cruise. You won't want to miss these photos, although, beware, you'll be seagreen with envy.

Visiting bodegas is a must for travelers al Andeluz. Jerez, a nearby city, is the home of Flamenco, Jerez (the Spanish word for sherry), and Spanish equestrianship.

Since we arrived in Spain, we've visited several nearby cities collecting pictures to share from Rota (where we live), Arcos de la Frontera, Setinel (a small town built into an old riverbank) and more.

Not a pretty site, the Spanish have a poor record of animal cruelty. Bullfights aside, Spanish (and I'm generalizing here) have a different idea of pet ownership, working these dogs as hunters until they're not needed or not working up to par, and then disgarding them...by abandonment, by beating to death, by hanging, they choose. Fortunately, for the dogs, a British lady, Anna Clements with a gigantic heart has taken on the fight. She's succeeded in shutting down all the inhumane race tracks, except one--the Barcelona track, where the owners get paid if the dog runs--not for winning, and so dogs in all state of dishealth are forced to run, and run, and run. The picture at bottom left is where we found our new family member, Espana, named for the similarities between her and her country--the untamed wildness, the bit of roughness, and the state of dishealth topped off with not too little dirt. If you look closely, you'll see days and days worth of feces and urine in this small yard where over 50 "galgos" (Spanish Greyhounds) were kept while awaiting saving. This kennel, a no-kill shelter, was in terrible straights when we found them. Many of the dogs have since been shipped to the UK and USA for adoption, although, many did not make it, and we know there are many more out there in the same or worse situations.

The law of Spain says that all these dogs were supposed to be euthanized within three days. Juan Jezus and his fiance said no, Anna found help, someone from the United States gave aid and training, and Espana found a new home.

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