6 WEEKS OF COEXISTENCE

If animals could speak and someone asked what was the best experience they'd been through, they might say: how well behaved the humans were, many hugs and sweets, the freedom to run freely through the countryside and where safety would allow. The donkeys and horses remember the good juicy, grassy fields that we found for them, the sandwiches and apples we shared with them and the dogs especially, cuddles and companionship. 

I guess the way they greeted us every morning, when at last we found the courage to leave the warmth of our sleeping bags to face another day, said it all.

Feodor, the horse, blond and very handsome; Felix, the most mischievous pony;  Moreno, the lovely, sympathetic donkey, an experienced pilgrim; Linda, the beautiful donkey who behaved like a champion, all waiting for their piece of bread, the dogs eager, wanting to leave, except for Alfi, who does not like early!

The morning ritual. The tireless canine companions of the road: Lilly, a machine for walking; Filou and Luca, greyhounds who always seem to be dancing like acrobats on high; Benny, the old man, caretaker of our camp; Grillo, blind but very smart little dog; Pablo and Anais, inseparable couple, friendly, affectionate and playful;  Alfi, Austria's strong and quiet; Joschy, handsome and pure life, restless, fun and finally, Ronja, Morgan and Noah, our companions in the second week.

I think they all enjoyed it as much as us. But of course, I can only guess and the only thing I know for sure is that for me, the most rewarding thing was to live with them. It was amazing to get to know them, each with their character, their personality and even their silly little habits. It's a nice experience, but does not explain the fascination that gripped us to discover that deep down we are not so different from them.

I know that many are offended when someone says "we're all animals", and I will not engage in polemics about our origin, rather I want to stress the positive side of things we do have in common with them, such as joy, the need for love, understanding, security, and there are other things we can learn, especially in terms of loyalty and the ability to forgive.

A therapist friend of mine once said that one of the many differences between us and the animals was that animals do not interpret, something I doubt when I come home and my dog smells my clothes and gives me a look as much as to say, 'you've been with another'. It is with assumptions like this that we justify the abuse and killing of animals. If due to our Camino Project there have been some people who have realized that animals have the same right to exist on this planet as us, and we accomplished our goal.

The experience has been amazing, rewarding and enriching for all participants and has been an excellent example to show that the harmonious coexistence between human beings and animals is possible and beneficial to all. I want to thank all participants, volunteers, colleagues from other associations and friends of the animals on our way for such a warm welcome, their solidarity and support, we thank all the media who helped us spread our message and the municipalities on the route for their cooperation.

We've reached the end of our journey with the arrival in Santiago and the blessing of animals at the San Francisco church, but the road still continues with its beautiful landscapes, unforgettable images recorded in our minds and still thousands of other pilgrims walking through the trails. There are also still dogs tied to chains, especially in Galicia, unfortunately also because of the thousands of pilgrims passing through.

We cannot change the world, we've just planted some seeds in the ground, at the edge of the road, some will sprout. 

BUEN CAMINO