Today, we're showcasing a story of an insider, Sandrine de Montmort, a woman with a heart of gold whom we are fortunate to know and have among this fantastic group of professionals and experts connected to Brussels, invaluable references for our editorial!

Sandrine shares a story with us, and don't be surprised that it's related to animals.
Part of her life is dedicated to their protection, a remarkable commitment to our four-legged companions who all too often endure mistreatment or, even worse, are simply abandoned. Every year, hundreds of thousands of animals are heartlessly shown the door by unscrupulous and heartless owners, a despicable betrayal of so-called love, fake and scandalous.



The number of abandonments has never been higher.
It's all the more important, then, to shine a light on those who, through their time, money, and spheres of influence, play a significant role in alleviating the sadness of some of these dogs who find themselves in countless shelters, waiting for a real family.



In early September, Sandrine set off for Italy, near Naples, with arms full of gifts and various forms of assistance, to meet Melina, Fortuna, Giovanni and Laurent-Marie and also Sol, Lauren, Oasis, so kind and full of love dogs..at the La Fenice shelter.



We interviewed Sandrine upon her return from this challenging yet incredibly enriching journey, one that sustains hope and trust in all those who love animals enough to, at their own level, make some of these pups' lives happier.

LB Edito interview // Sandrine de Montmort.

LB: Thank you for this meeting, Sandrine. It's been a little while since we've had the chance to feature you in one of our contents. How are you doing? It seems you've recently returned from a journey to beautiful Italy, and specifically from an animal shelter. Can you tell us more about it?

SDM: The summer has been intense. I traveled to Naples to assist an animal shelter with 200 dogs. It was very moving to witness such distress and how cruel people can be to animals. At La Fenice, people are so dedicated to the animal cause because they are so poor, but everyone keeps a smile to convey as much love as possible to those whom no one else wants. I would have loved to bring them all back because you can see in their eyes how much hope they hold onto to get out of their enclosures. I discovered the American Staffordshire Terriers, who are of absolute gentleness. It's as if they want to make up for their size with their delicate manners.


LB: Like a vast majority of our subscribers and our overall audience, animal and nature conservation is an important theme, each with its own ways to contribute to this cause. How can our readers support you, Sandrine, particularly concerning the shelter La Fenice you've mentioned?

SDM: There have never been as many abandonments as this summer, and it breaks my heart to know that shelters are overwhelmed.
Animals are sensitive beings that give so much while asking for so little. They deserve respect.
I would like people to choose adoption over purchase because adopted animals are incredibly grateful. Everyone can contribute in their own way by giving a little or a lot, by getting involved in actions for animals. I chose Naples because it's a financially challenged city, and this shelter receives no assistance. The widow who dedicates herself to these animals can only feed them through the generosity of donors. I must admit that Naples is a beautiful city, affordable, and during the day, volunteers can spend their time feeding the animals and in the afternoon, enjoy tourism and savor delicious cuisine. I think it's a great compromise for those who want to make a meaningful difference while experiencing a magical place. The shelter is called La Fenice, and you can find them on Instagram @Rifugiolafeniceadla, and their bank account details are IT22 P076 01034 000000 40785 800.
Many young people were volunteering, and it was truly touching.