Pets & Vets Update
By Mark Lewis of Pets in Spain
It was May 2025 when I wrote my first Pets & Vets report highlighting the need for public support to help veterinarians in Spain regain their authority after having a bureaucratic noose tied around their necks as a result of directives regarding what antibiotics they could or could not prescribe for pets, I am happy to report that with the mobilisation of veterinarians and citizens, and the online petition reaching its first milestone of over 200,000 signatures, a top level congressional meeting was convened in Madrid on 25 March 2026.
Ms. Delia Saleno Todea, clinical veterinarian expert in the One HealthOne Welfare system, and Mr. Juan Carlos Ortiz Mendez, president of the Spanish Association of Municipal Veterinarians, were invited to speak at the meeting.
Ms. Saleno Todea said:“Companion animals are in 52% of all households in Spain and have a direct impact on people’s heath. During the COVID-19 pandemic 86% of people felt that their relationship with their pet was the most helpful thing during lockdown. Vets took to the streets to demand change and the repeal of Royal Decree 666/2023. When 15% of a sector leave their jobs to travel to Madrid multiple times, it´s because they´ve had enough. Vets are not asking for privileges; they´re asking for fairness and consistency”.
Mr. Ortiz Mendez highlighted the correlation between public health and animal health:
“approximately 75% of most health threats begin in animals or in the environment. For vets, the process begins at the interface between animals, people,
and the environment—now known as "One Health" by many international organisations. Veterinarians play an essential role, not only in animal heath care, also in public health care. The question is will the government now take on full recognition of the veterinary profession or will it continue to under-utilise it?”
In response Ms. Isabel Moreno Fernandez stated: “our parliamentary group also wants to contribute to raising the profile and validity of the veterinary profession in order to move towards greater recognition of its importance to public health. We agree that veterinary clinics provide an important service to society”.
Will the result of this congress lead to a repeal of the current restrictions placed on veterinarians, we must wait and see. Watch this space…
Pets In Spain Charity Update: One female cat can give birth to 16 or more kittens each year. Pets In Spain has been instrumental in preventing the over population of street cats in and around La Marina with a TNR campaign to trap, sterilise and release street cats, a process we started and self funded 15 years ago. More recently, thanks to collaboration of San Fulgencio town hall, the sterilisation of street cats is funded by them and they also provide cat food to all street cat volunteers.
Please show your support for all Pets In Spain animal welfare and re-homing campaigns, helping people and animals. Visit our web site for more information: www.petsinspain.com
Visit the Pets in Spain Charity Shop in Urb. La Marina (on the lower level of Consum car park, next to Hortons). Open Monday to Saturday 10am - 2pm.
My La Marina
with Akhil
from AJ´s Restaurant, Kumar´s and Akhils Kebab & Pizza!)
When and why did you come to La Marina?
Oooh... well, it wasn´t me that made the actual decision to come here as I was a very young chap at the time – I arrived in La Marina with my family in 2013 when I was all of thirteen years old!
We came here because after twenty-five years of service in the Army – I should say that a large part of my family has an involvement in the military going back generations - I guess my parents fancied a change. They wanted to try life in a different country and environment and they actually considered many countries but Spain won them over, not just because of the fabulous climate and life-style but also because there are cultural similarities between Spain and India, especially concerning issues like respect for elders and the importance of family.
How did you and your family become involved in the restaurant business?
I mentioned that my family has a long involvement with the military but it also has a long involvement with catering and indeed the family had a catering business back in India supplying food for special events such as weddings and birthdays. Taking that into account us becoming involved with the restaurant business here in La Marina doesn´t come as a surprise!
Tell us about the restaurants...
Well, the first restaurant to open was Kumar´s, in 2013, with Akhil Kebab and Pizza coming along in 2017 and that was followed by AJ´s Restaurant. All three of the restaurants are in Consum Square and I personally run AJ´s and Akhil´s.
I´m proud of what we do with the restaurants, they have a reputation for great food, fair prices and excellent service. And between the three of them they offer something for everybody – food from curries to pizzas to kebabs to pasta to burgers to steak, food
from Spain, Italy, India... everywhere! Also, we have many, many regular customers who come back again and again and over the years some of these have grown to become friends.
What´s your favourite thing about La Marina?
I don´t think I could say that I have single thing that I like most about La Marina because there are actually quite a lot of things I like about it! The climate is lovely, there´s so many great places to visit nearby and it´s only minutes from the beach!
Besides that, it´s a calm, easy-going, peaceful place with a great mix of people. That mix is represented in my friend group which a great selection of people of different ages, different experiences, different nationalities and different opinions and outlooks and I think that makes for a more interesting life!
And the future?
Well, bearing in mind that I am happy here, that I´m involved with a successful business here and that I enjoy living in La Marina I would very much hope that the future offers more of the same, thank you!
But... if you´re asking do I have idea´s or plans maybe involving other businesses.. well, hmm, let´s say ´watch this space´ and leave it at that!
If you’d like to visit one of Akhil’s restaurants in La Marina: AJ’s Restaurant, Kumar’s or Akhil’s Kebab & Pizza
Take a look at their advert on the next page for more info!
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Agent number C0031X3937473B
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NEW HEARING CLINIC OPENS IN LA MARINA
A new hearing clinic, Auz Audiology, recently opened here in La Marina –we popped in and spoke to the Chief Audiologist there, Emma Dan, to find out more.
Emma....tell us about Auz Audiology...
“Auz Audiology´s philosophy is ´hear better, live better´. We understand that hearing issues can have a major impact on our lives, that people can begin to withdraw socially if they can no longer follow conversations, resulting in them becoming lonely and isolated, they start withdrawing from social circles—golf, bridge, or dinners— not because they are tired, but because they are exhausted from trying to follow conversations.
Hearing loss isn´t just about ´low volume´. In a foreign country, with background noise in restaurants or wind on the golf course, your brain has to work three times harder to decode language. This is called Cognitive Load. If your brain is busy trying to ´guess´ words, it’s not storing memories or enjoying the joke. You aren´t losing your hearing; you are losing your social energy. That´s what we are here to stop. We also treat all our patients as different individuals with different issues and needs so that we can follow the best approach to improve hearing each for individual – we see our patients as people, not a list of symptoms. In our clinic, we don´t just ´fit´ devices. We treat the connection between the ear and the brain. Did you know that untreated hearing loss is the number one preventable risk factor for dementia? This is why we implement an Auditory and Cognitive Retraining Protocol, a specialised hearing rehabilitation program to help ensure that people can hear and understand. We retrain your brain to filter noise and focus on what matters. It’s like a gym for your hearing. We also have a specialist tinnitus clinic and stock a large range of hearing aids and can
test and re- calibrate customers existing hearing aids – we offer premium, fullservice, personalised care”
Thank you, Emma! Auz Audiology is in the Bahia del Segura commercial center, Calle Mar Jonic 4, not far from Mercadona. Telephone number is 614 446 858 and Auz is currently offering FREE hearing tests!
THE WRITING GROUP
FREEDOM?
By Paddie Christie
As free as bird, the old proverb goes but what is real freedom, only God knows. We live in a world with restrictions and norms with barriers we see and unseen thorns.
A measure of freedom is all we desire away from oppression, cruelty and fire. To choose and to do just ordinary things, without suffering consequences, painful stings.
Where we are born, can determine our fate, In luxury, poverty or even real hate. With so many tyrants making their people’s lives hell their subjects compelled to live under their shell.
Then there is still slavery in our modern age cheap slave labour, no decent wage.
‘tis not only happening in places afar, ‘tis right here among us, not have to travel far.
On our TV screens we watch with shock, news of “human trafficking” around every rock.
We shiver and cringe and pretend it’s not true, but, ask the young girl, the short straw she drew.
Now treasure your freedom, the little you’ve got, remember that so many others have not. Spare a thought for those less fortunate than you, when choosing a purchase, yes even a shoe.
The Writing Group is a friendly mix of local creatives who meet every second Tuesday at 11am in The Palm Tree Bar, La Marina, to share ideas, write for fun, and enjoy supportive, relaxed company.
For more info, email Paddy at paddychristie7@gmail.com or call/ whatsapp him on 634 343 956
Surely I am not obliged to declare my pensions in Spain...??
Many expats mistakenly believe they are not required to submit an income tax return if their earnings fall below a certain threshold or because they get their income from abroad... misconceptions regarding this issue are frequent.
The first thing to keep in mind is that, as a general rule, a resident of Spain must pay tax on their worldwide income. However, it is vital to study each specific case individually, taking into account all personal circumstances, such as the total income received, the payer of each amount, the nature of the income, and the country of origin. To do this properly, one must adhere to Spanish tax regulations as well as the double taxation agreement of the
country where the income originates.
Failing to declare all relevant income can lead to penalties or interest charges by the tax office so it is essential to seek professional advice. Understanding your obligations not only avoids unnecessary risks but also provides peace of mind.
Get in touch for a
to
THE MAGIC BEHIND THE CURTAIN AT STUDIO 32
As excitement builds for Studio 32’s upcoming production of Dolly Parton´s 9 to 5: The Musical, much of the magic begins long before the curtain rises.
It takes many months to design and create the unique set and props that become the backbone as the stage comes alive.
Behind the creative vision of set designer Mark Feakins is a talented team of workshop specialists who transform ideas into the spectacular world audiences see on stage. Joiners, electricians, painters and technicians work quietly behind the scenes, building, wiring and painting the sets that bring the production to life.
While the actors deliver the humour, energy and emotion of the story, the set and lighting design create the environment that makes the performance truly immersive. Together, they turn great theatre into a memorable experience.
Following the resounding success of Studio 32’s last musical, Sister Act, expectations are high for this muchanticipated new production. In the company’s famously busy “Harry Potter” workshop — affectionately named for the magical transformations that happen there — creativity is in full swing.
Here, raw materials become office desks, towering set pieces and colourful backdrops, all crafted with skill and dedication by a team whose work is rarely seen but always felt. Their dedication and creativity can almost be felt when props are so cleverly intertwined that the whole stage appears believable. At Studio32, many items, previous sets and props are recycled or reclaimed as part of our ongoing contribution to the environment.
Wastage is limited. If an item is considered redundant, it is likely to be transformed into a completely new prop, shelf or as in a previous project, a piano.
When audiences take their seats for 9 to 5: The Musical, they will witness not only the talent on stage, but also the craftsmanship and creativity of Studio 32’s workshop team.
The success of Studio32 over the last 13 years has helped raise in excess of €47,000 for local charities. This month, with your support, this figure will once again increase.
The next two Studio32 shows are already scheduled for October 2026 and May 2027. Watch out for ´Now That´s What We Call Musicals´ in October and ´Little Shop of Horrors´ next May. Yes... The plans are already coming into fruition.
And, now following six months of preparations, Dolly Parton´s musical 9to5 is at last ready to delight audiences this month at Cardinal Belluga Theatre. Show dates are Wednesday May 27th, Thursday 28th, Friday 29th and Saturday 30th. The curtain rises for evening performances at 7.30 and at 2pm for the Saturday matiné. Tickets have already sold very fast with remaining tickets only now available at limited outlets and online – buy them at www.studiothirtytwo.org or pop into Cards and More in Plaza Sierra Castilla (La Marina).
Once you have secured your ticket, enjoyed the Front of House facilities and taken your seat, watch in wonder as the set unfolds and you can see the magic brought to you on the stage.
Soul Notes The Power of Sound
by Nicola Dunsford
Hello Amazing Soul,
Sound is one of the most ancient forms of healing. Long before words were spoken, there was vibration; a subtle hum that moved through everything, connecting all life. Even now, beneath the surface of what we see, everything is in motion, gently vibrating in its own unique rhythm.
In May, as the world becomes more alive and expressive, we are invited to reconnect with this natural rhythm; not just around us, but within us. Sound offers a simple and powerful way to return to balance, clear our energy, and awaken a deeper sense of harmony.
Understanding Vibration
Every emotion, thought, belief, perception, word, action and physical form carries a frequency. When we feel stressed, overwhelmed, or disconnected, our natural rhythm can become unsettled. Sound works by gently restoring balance, helping the body and energy field return to a more coherent state.
You may have already felt this without realising it, in the calming effect of music, the steady rhythm of waves, or the soothing tone of a familiar voice. These are all forms of vibrational healing.
Simple Ways to Work With Sound
You don’t need special tools or training to begin. Your own voice is one of the most powerful instruments you have:
Toning - Gently sound a long vowel, such as “ah” or “oo,” allowing the vibration to resonate through your body. Notice where you feel it most.
Humming - A soft hum can calm the nervous system and create a sense of inner peace. Try this for a few minutes when you feel unsettled.
Awakening Through Vibration
Chanting - Repeating a simple word or mantra creates a rhythmic vibration that helps quieten the mind and centre your energy.
These practices are not about performance; they are about feeling.
Working with Sound Tools
If you feel drawn to explore further, sound tools can deepen your experience:
Singing bowls create soft, flowing tones that wash through the body and energy field.
Chimes or bells can gently clear a space and shift stagnant energy.
Tuning forks offer precise vibrations that can support energetic alignment.
Even a single clear tone, played with intention, can bring a noticeable shift in how you feel.
Listen as a Practice
Sound healing is not only about creating sound; it is also about listening.
Take a moment to pause and notice the sounds around you: birds singing, wind, distant voices, or even silence. As you listen more deeply, your awareness softens, and your energy begins to settle. Listening becomes a doorway into presence.
Closing Reflection
Sound reminds us that we are not separate from the rhythms of life; we are part of a living, vibrating whole. By working gently with sound, we can return to balance, reconnect with ourselves, and move through the world with greater ease and harmony.
Wishing you a month of resonance, balance, and gentle awakening, with love and gratitude, Nicola, Namaste
Nicola is a Spiritual Life Coach and Energy Healer who leads the Soul Café. The group gathers fortnightly on Wednesday mornings.For more details, please call/message Nicola on 634 199 029 (phone or WhatsApp).
The Real Dog Food Story
Like many dog owners, I believed I was doing the right thing – choosing a well-known brand, following feeding guidelines, trusting labels that promised “complete and balanced” nutrition. It all sounds reassuring. But over time, I began to notice small issues - digestive upsets, dull coats, fluctuating energy levels. Nothing dramatic, just enough to raise questions.
Then came supplements to support joints, products for skin and coat, medications fo recurring problems. It started to feel like a cycle - adding more to compensate for something that wasn’t quite right in the first place.
Curiosity led me to look a little deeper...
Interestingly, it wasn’t just my dogs that started this journey - it was me too. I began questioning the role of highly processed food in my diet, paying closer attention to ingredients and how much of what we eat is manufactured rather than nourishing. That’s when the real connection hit: many of the same companies producing processed human food are also behind pet foods.
Once you make that connection, it’s hard to ignore .
For me, this quickly became personal. My dogs - Bosch, Luna, and more recently Busta - were the reason I kept digging. I wasn’t looking for a business idea; I was looking for answers. I wanted to see real, visible improvements in their health, not just manage ongoing issues.
So I explored a more natural approach.
Going back to basics meant looking at what dogs are biologically designed to eat - real, minimally processed food. BARF menus, natural treats, whole ingredients that the body can recognise and utilise.
The changes I saw were encouraging –improved digestion, healthier skin and coat, more consistent energy levels. Not overnight transformations, but steady, noticeable improvements, reinforcing the idea that nutrition plays a fundamental role in overall wellbeing.
That experience is what led me to start my dog food business.
My business philosophy is straightforward:
by Chris Sladden
provide dogs quality, natural food and let their bodies do what they’re designed to do. Products like green tripe, natural chews, and balanced BARF menus aren’t new concepts - they’ve simply been overshadowed by convenience-led alternatives.
And it’s an ongoing journey. I’m constantly looking to source and offer the best range of natural treats and remedies - products that genuinely support our dogs’ health.
I´m not saying there’s only one “right” way to feed a dog. Every owner has different circumstances, every dog has individual needs. The goal is simply to offer an alternative, along with clear, honest information to help people make informed choices .
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been seeing the difference it can make. Dogs that struggled with ongoing issues often begin to improve, and owners start to realise that some of what they thought was normal might not be inevitable after all.
Sometimes, small changes can have a big impact.
At its core, this isn’t just about feeding dogs - it’s about understanding them a little better. And recognising that the food we give them every day plays a central role in their long-term health and quality of life.
Find out where you can find Chris and REAL DOG FOOD on the next page!
Raizes restaurant is a La Marina institution and now the people behind it have opened a new restaurant in La Marina village called El Caldero.
Like Raizes, El Caldero offers a weekly set menu and a full a la carte menu..cooking Style is Mediterranean/Alicante regional with a speciality of delicious rice dishes.
El Caldero is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week from 8.00am – 9.00pm (closes at 4.00pm on Sundays).
EL CALDERO
Avenida de la Alegria 108
La Marina 03194
T 631 367 810
Email: elcaldero71@gmail.com
Cooking with Sue
Sue has been making us delicious home-made dishes at Sue´s Kitchen, here in La Marina, for over 3 years... and we´ve persuaded her to share some of her secrets with us!
Ingredients
1 egg, beaten (for glazing)
1kg apples – peeled, cored and sliced
120g caster sugar
1 tablespoon plain flour
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
Zest and juice of half a lemon
500g ready-made shortcrust pastry
30g unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
Instructions
To make the pie filling, place the sliced apples in a large bowl. Add the sugar, flour, lemon zest and lemon juice and toss gently until the apples are evenly coated.
Preheat oven to 190C (170C fan) and place a baking tray in the oven to heat up (this will help bake the bottom of the pie).
Roll out two thirds of the shortcrust pasty on a lightly floured surface. Use this to line a pie dish, letting the excess hang over the edges – press gently into the corners without stretching the dough.
Spoon the apple filling into the pastry lined dish, sprinkling the butter cubes over the top then roll out the remaining shortcrust pastry and place over the filling. Trim any excess pastry and crimp the edges to seal. Cut a small slit in the center of pie to allow steam to escape.
Brush the beaten egg over the top of the pie to ensure a golden finish...sprinkle some sugar on top as well if you´d like a crispy surface.
Place the pie dish into the baking tray you placed in the oven earlier and bake for 4550 minutes or until pastry is golden brown and the filling bubbling gently.
Remove pie from oven and leave to rest for 15 -20 minutes and then....ENJOY!
Sue's Kitchen Centro Comercial Bahia De Las Dunas, C/Mar
Mediterraneo 8, Unit 4, La Marina 03177 | Open Tues to Sat 9am – 4pm
ANIMAL RESCUE SAT
The SATS Dog Rescue Charity raffle was held at Viridium Gallery Coffee on April 4th and raised over 400 euros! Many thanks from the charity to all who took part, to the local businesses who donated prizes and to Viridium for hosting.
