The 14-year-old dog Benny and his Enkhuizer owner Henk Zwaan have left in their sidecar motorcycle for a special journey. They drive more than 3,000 kilometers, via six countries, to the Spanish region of Málaga (Mijas) to visit Benny’s home region. They also raise money for Animal Care España, Spanish Dogs in Need (ACE|SHIN), an organization that, among other things, works for neglected and abused dogs in southern Spain.
“I sometimes drive to Rijswijk, the place where I grew up. And I bring back all kinds of memories there,” says Henk (68). It also gave him the idea to go back with Benny to the place where the dog came from: Málaga. The southern Spanish city is located several kilometers further than Rijswijk.
De Enkhuizer got the dog two years ago through ACE|SHIN, which he has been familiar with for some time. “After my previous dog died, I didn’t really want a new one at first. I’m also getting older.” But eventually it started to tickle and Benny came into the picture.
“His owner had rheumatism and therefore moved to Thailand, because it was better for her joints. She took two of the three dogs with her. But Benny is a ‘gentle dog’. She did not want him to live there among the snakes,” explains Hank out. “So now he lives with me, I’m kind of an adoptive parent.”
Called every week to see how the dog is doing
He is impressed by what ACE|SHIN does for animals. “They also call every week to check on Benny.” For years, Henk was the face of the Roadhouse Checkpoint Charlie restaurant, in the middle of the Enkhuizen-Lelystad dike. He has now sold the business and will be taken over by an employee of his in October.
Reason enough to go out with an old sidecar motorcycle and raise money for ACE|SHIN. With a smile: “Benny with the motorcycle goggles on next to me. It prevents him from getting insects in his eyes, but of course it also attracts attention. People want to have their picture taken and I ask for money for that. People can also use the QR code make a donation on your motorcycle.”
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Already received 1,500 euros before departure
Even before their departure, they already raised 1,500 euros. The first stop has now been reached. “We are now at a campsite in Heerlen (South Limburg). However, Benny’s motorcycle glasses have just been stolen. Fortunately, a new one is on the way.” From there, Benny and Henk move into France via Belgium and Luxembourg.
“There is no time limit, we will do it at our leisure. I really want to drive through the Alps. Then we will go via Turin (Italy) to Monaco. Cross the border to Spain at Andorra and then via Zaragoza to Málaga. And then finally slowly back home via Portugal.”
‘Photographed at the chic Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo’
Quite a journey. Especially because Benny, at 14 years old, is already quite old for a dog. But Henk is looking forward to the adventure the two will experience. “I can totally imagine us coming from the famous and expensive Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo in Monaco and then getting into our sidecar in front of the door,” he says, laughing.
But above all, he wants to raise a lot of money to support ACE|SHIN. You can donate through this link.
Animal Care España, Spanish Dogs in Need (ACE|SHIN) has been around for 24 years. 650 dogs are cared for at two locations and prepared for adoption. The volunteer organization is committed to improving the lives of dogs in Spain.
There is a focus on education (castration/sterilization programs and in schools) and fighting for better laws to combat animal suffering. Efforts are also being made to restrict dog sales in shopping centres, beaches and markets.
Nowadays, the organization is also committed to the shelter and adoption of neglected cats.