Animals in Marbella Sanctuary

Eicha arrived at the shelter in March 2024 and was approximately two years old when she arrived. She is a beautiful American Staffordshire Terrier who was found, presumably abandoned, on the street and brought to the shelter.

Eicha is a wonderful dog with a big heart and so much love to give. She is strong, but her sweet and affectionate nature shines through. She is very affectionate with people and enjoys cuddles, playtime, and being around her human companions. She loves bonding and forms strong connections with the people she trusts.

One of the things Eicha enjoys most is going out of the shelter for a walk. As she is a large and strong dog, she needs confident and experienced people to handle her, and unfortunately, due to a lack of volunteers, these outings happen far too infrequently. When she does get the chance to go out, she makes the most of every moment. She especially loves visiting the river, where she enjoys cooling off with a splash in the water. Despite her size and strength, she also has a very tender side and loves to pause during walks to receive cuddles and enjoy some affection with her companion.

In the spring of 2026, Eicha was lucky enough to enjoy a very special outing with two volunteers. For the first time in over two years, she left the kennel to visit the beach. It was a completely new world for her. During the car ride, she excitedly watched the scenery through the windows. Once at the beach, she was calm and curious, enjoying the salty sea air, sniffing the flowers, rolling in the sand, and simply savoring the experience. Although the waves were too strong for her to swim that day, she happily explored the shoreline and made it clear how much she loves the water.
What impressed the volunteers most was how relaxed she was. Instead of always trying to be in front, as sometimes happens at the shelter, she spent most of her time calmly walking beside them, frequently looking at them and seeking affection and contact. At one point, when one of the volunteers slipped slightly on a sandy area, Eicha immediately went back to her, as if she wanted to help. It was a very touching moment that showed the sensitivity and affection she possesses.

The volunteers returned with a tired, content, and deeply relaxed Eicha, sleeping peacefully in the car. Their impression was that, free from the stress and confinement of the shelter, she seemed like a completely different dog.

Eicha was used to interacting with other dogs and enjoyed social contact. However, her long stay at the shelter and the constant stress of living in a cage have taken their toll. Over time, interactions with other dogs have become more difficult, and she now lives alone to reduce her stress level. This change reflects the effects of prolonged confinement rather than Eicha's true potential in a family environment.

Due to her strength and active, energetic nature, Eicha would be best suited to someone experienced with large, powerful dogs. She needs clear guidance, consistency, and ongoing training to feel secure and reach her full potential.

Eicha has tremendous potential and simply needs the right environment to flourish. With patience, understanding, and a committed family, she can become a loyal, loving, and joyful companion.