Animals in Marbella Sanctuary

Sabina arrived at the shelter in November 2023, at approximately one and a half years old. She arrived with another Malinois, Neron, with whom she shared a kennel until he was adopted. Since then, she has shared her kennel with several different male dogs, witnessing their arrival and adoption.

Sabina is sweet, loving, and affectionate with people. She actively seeks human contact and enjoys any petting or attention she can receive. She is generally sociable with calm and well-balanced dogs, but she has a strong personality and may not be compatible with all dogs. Proper introductions are essential, and she thrives best with well-balanced companions. She may be curious about cats, so careful introductions are recommended.

She spends over 23.5 hours a day in a small kennel, and has been living like this for over two and a half years. Life in the shelter is extremely stressful for her, and the constant confinement takes a heavy toll on her. Despite this, Sabina remains brave, curious, and sweet—she deserves a safe and loving home where she can relax, unwind, and have the time and space to show her true self.

In November 2025, Sabina was chosen for an outing to the local village, accompanied by another Malinois, Norte, whom she had never met before. They got along famously from the start. At first, she hesitated to get in the car—after more than two years in the shelter without ever leaving the enclosure, this was completely understandable. With some treats and a little encouragement, she finally jumped in.

Once in the village, she surprised everyone. She jumped out of the car confidently, walked as if she had been there many times, and explored all her new sights with curiosity and enthusiasm. She tugged a little on the leash, simply because she wanted to discover everything going on around her. Sabina handled traffic calmly, remained relaxed when people passed by, and reacted kindly to other dogs. Even when a large dog suddenly ran toward her, she responded gently and just wanted to play. She enjoyed short breaks for cuddles and treats—she truly is a wonderful dog. Upon returning, she jumped in the car without hesitation and traveled calmly to the shelter.

This outing showed just how brave, sweet, and cheerful Sabina is, despite spending over two years confined to a tiny cage. She is a loyal and intelligent dog who would benefit from a home with experience in the breed, where she can receive the structure, mental stimulation, and companionship she needs.

Sabina has waited far too long in a place that isn't right for her. She deserves a forever home where she can finally feel safe, valued, and truly part of a family.