After years of working with love and dedication for various foundations, I noticed that my vision was increasingly diverging from the methods often employed. Too often, my heart clashed with rules, criteria, and decisions that did not always feel to be in the best interest of the dog. Over all those years, I continued to develop as a behavioral therapist, with a special love for the misunderstood dog—the dog that needs just a little more time, peace, understanding, and guidance. To me, it never mattered whether a dog came from the Netherlands or from abroad. Every dog ​​deserves a fair chance.

During a visit to Romania to select stray dogs, I met Calypso. A small, broken soul who had completely shut himself off from the world around him. At that moment, I promised him: I am going to save you. A month later, Calypso came to live with us, initially as a foster dog. With a lot of patience and intensive guidance, he slowly blossomed and was soon able to go to his new adoptive family.

But that is where things went wrong.
The adopters contacted us almost immediately: Calypso was exhibiting behavior that we had never observed in him before. It became clear that he did not feel safe there, and he returned to us.

Then one thing became very clear: I hadn't just fallen for Calypso… Calypso had chosen us too.

My mind gave me all kinds of reasons not to keep him, but my heart had known for a long time: he belonged with us.

It was precisely because of this experience that something bigger emerged. A dream. The desire to stand up independently for dogs that don't fit into a standard mold. Dogs with baggage. Dogs that need more than just a home: They deserve guidance, understanding, and a safe foundation.

Calypso became my power animal. Because of him, I dared to truly choose. Not just for him, but for all dogs who would otherwise fall through the cracks.

Through my years of experience and the people I have gathered around me along the way, this dream grew into Stichting Hoop voor Honden.
A foundation where the focus is not on quick placement, but on what a dog truly needs.
Where behavior is not a problem, but a signal.
Where love, knowledge, and time form the foundation.

Without Calypso, I would never have dared to take this step so decisively.
That is why it is only natural for me that he is the figurehead of our foundation.

He symbolizes everything that Stichting Hoop voor Honden stands for: hope, recovery, trust, and a second chance.