I must agree with that, great service, I used them some time ago, all good and as we asked for

www.apariv.org The website is poor and due to be given an overhaul.

Apariv is in the campo near Rincon de la Victoria and they are always in need of volunteers at their shelter. They have a very humane policy and Lola who runs the centre is as dedicated a person as you will find anywhere. Read the story on the website about Valentino and you'll see what I mean.
They also have a dedicated band of hardworking volunteers but as more hands make light work, they really appreciate help so you would be most welcome there.
If you would like any further information about the refuge just let me know.

You'll be fine. Get a rental, if it doesn't work out then find better one when you're here and that's basically it. All you need is the money to support yourself and a plan of how to enjoy and occupy your time, which you have.
Being a veggie seems difficult at first because the UK has shops where you can buy pies and pates etc. and that's not really the case in Spain. I find that all it means is that I eat more basic foods - rice and veggies - instead of pies and precooked meals and that's better for my overall health.
Carrefour sells tofu and all the major supermarkets sell soy milk.
If you can come up with a good reason why not to move then think hard but I bet you can't think of anything important enough to keep you there in the rain.

Hi Kayley
Have just sent you a PM. Hope that's ok...and thanks.

Hi Ionie
Thanks for your message. Assume you're veggie too? I'm fine living without my "fake meat" (as I call it)...but do use quite a lot here. When I was in Nerja I seem to recall a health food shop in a town fairly nearby that sold Fry's etc etc. But, I'm really not worried if I can't source any when over there.
You are absolutely right - I can't think of one good reason not to come permanently. But I will take my time, and do a few trips if necessary so I find a sanctuary (and area) that likes me (and vice versa!). Whilst I can't wait to be settled there, I do want to plan, and make sure my longer term rental is near a great rescue centre where I can really help.
Thanks again to all for your support and advice.

As you have said you like the sun and don't like British winters you would probably not enjoy where we live - we have snow most winters, perhaps not for long, but then we are 800 metres above sea level and way inland. However we do have an animal rescue charity in our area too which was set up by some Spanish people. They now have much help from local English too and it is doing well. Although like all animal charities is always in need of help and funds so I am sure you will be made most welcome wherever you decide to settle.
Up here they too have a different view on vegetarian food, a bit like in the film "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" when an aunt was told the bridegroom was vegetarian, she thought for a moment and then said "no problem, I'll cook lamb".

most sanctuary's are adjacent to the really large populated areas, but even here out in the sticks, up a mountain looking down on the clouds at times, there is a need for somewhere to look after thrown out animals.

currently we have at least 7 dogs I know of and a litter of 5 kittens fending for themselves.

No, sorry, will not do more than leave water outside the door for them, have to respect the animals we already have, having brought them over from the UK. And we don't have any spare land either.

kind regards

Good luck with your dreams, go for it.

Hi there,

I would say go for it but you really must ensure you have your arrangements in place such as health, wills and pre-arrangements for major events such as funerals, emergency trips home, etc.

Spain is a wonderful place for sure and the cost of living is definitely a lot lower than the UK but the crisis has put stress on some aspects of life here.

Apart from all that, good luck with whatever you decide to do :-)

As Concierge for the Spanish section of BE I would like to say hello and welcome.

BE is a very large expat website, so if you have problems finding your way around we have concierges who will try to direct you. The moderators for the Spanish forums are Mitzyboy and Fred James, moderators are there to ensure that the site runs smoothly within the rules of BE. Problems and complaints should always be addressed to a moderador who will look into the matter and deal with it efficiently and fairly. Our members who post in the Spain Forums are friendly and helpful with a wealth of knowledge of the issues of living in Spain. At the top of the page you will find a quirkily named thread called Free Beer which is full of important and useful information. Hope you enjoy your time participating in the forums.

Please let me know if you need any further help.

Rosemary

what a breath of fresh air to have someone else say it other than the odd one or two here. and at times we are called odd for saying it

yes this country has its problems, but even the Chinese Powerhouse is getting more and more.

and your other advice should be a timely reminder to all who are here, old uns and new uns.

rgds

I have to agree. I'm not sure about the peninsular but in Mallorca life is 3/4 full, not half empty.

It's certainly full on whenever Ive been there.

Thanks to all for taking the time to reply. All booked up now for my 2 week exploratory trip, and will be doing voluntary work at 2 different sanctuaries. If it all goes well (fingers and everything else crossed!) I'll be back out Dec/Jan time in a long term rental and finally....living there!

So....not long until the "dream" is a reality! x