As soon as they arrived, Francesc and Dolors exuded a special calmness that infected us all, even the dogs, who are usually alert when someone new arrives. Learning to enjoy Mas Torrencito
However, this time was different. As soon as they saw our visitors, they ran to the parking lot and waited for them, sitting and calm, as if they knew they were in front of lifelong friends.
They went down to the terrace, and were accompanied by their two dogs, a pair of Catalan Shepherds or Atura Dogs, as they are called in their land. These were adorable, friendly dogs, and they exuded enormous kindness. Approaching, his dogs soon joined the party. There we were, and the welcome was immediate: jumping, licking and wagging tails that seemed like a concert of happiness.
When they settled down, the dogs, as always, began to do their own thing. Mamas, my cuddliest dog, came over immediately, staring at Dolors, as if she were asking her for something. Dolors caressed her and, between laughs, told her:
– What do you want, beautiful? A chutcha? —and in a second he took one out of his bag.
Mamas, as if she understood perfectly, waggled her tail, happily, and ate it without missing a detail. El Masto, on the other hand, was particularly interested in Francesc and began to gently scratch his leg, asking for attention. Francesc smiled and, bending down, scratched him behind the ears, to which Masto reacted by rolling onto his back, upside down.
— Wow, I think I’ve made a friend! Francesc said with a laugh, as he continued to caress Masto.
The dogs seemed to be in their own paradise; some, like Maky and Mastitwo, busied themselves going back and forth among the guests, while others rushed to find stones to throw at them, or approached to ask for sweets as if they knew that Francesc and Dolors were bringing something special. After a while, Francesc looked at me amused and commented:
-Miguel, these boys know what they want. I don’t know how many times I’ve thrown this stone already,’ he said laughing, as Maky returned again and again, leaving the stone at his feet.
We then go on a tour of the place, showing them every corner. I showed them around the bar, the chillout, the communal lounges and the dining room, and they seemed more delighted at every turn.
“This is beautiful,” commented Dolors in each room, “you couldn’t imagine a better place!” she said while caressing Mamas, who followed her as if she were her shadow.
Finally, we got to the room, and our dogs and ours walked in like it was their own space. Francesc and Dolors looked around and sighed.
“How beautiful… This is paradise,” said Dolors, excited.
I, always concerned about boundaries and manners, tried to get my dogs out:
“Masto, Maky, Mamas… out, out of the room, please,” I said, trying to sort things out a bit.
– No, no! Francesc and Dolors exclaimed in unison. Leave them, please. We don’t mind, we love it. What’s more, let them stay!
the little things Learning to enjoy Mas Torrencito
And they stayed there. Six dogs, between theirs and ours, playing as if they were all one big family. It didn’t take long until they returned to the terrace, where we were gathered with a group of friends. At the table were Mireia, Ramon and Blanca, who are blind, Jordi and Yolanda, from Volovi d’Onya, and also Isa, Vicent and me. There was an atmosphere of trust and camaraderie that only these special places and certain types of people can generate.
Francesc and Dolors, with the same naturalness, asked us:
– Can we sit here?
“Of course, we all fit here,” I answered.
All settled, Mireia brought some beers and chips for the table, and Francesc, looking around, couldn’t help but smile.
– This is indeed paradise!
Ramon, laughing, added:
– Well, it’s paradise dog!
“That’s it,” answered Francesc between laughs, “the dog and brewer’s paradise!”
We all laughed out loud, toasting the beers in hand. The dogs, as if they understood our joy, ran from one side to the other and looked at us, impatiently waiting for someone to throw a stone at them or give them another lick. Mamas, always attentive, did not leave Dolors, and Mastitwo brought her paw closer to Francesc in an almost solemn gesture.
Francesc, between one talk and another, asked me:
-Miguel, how did you come up with this paradise?
I took a sip of beer, looked at the dogs settling around us and smiled.
— The truth is that Mas Torrencito has been emerging for a while. It started with the idea that only people with dogs, or who love dogs, would be our guests. I knew it could be difficult, but I wanted it to be a space where both they and their pets felt free and at ease, without the typical restrictions that are usually there in many places.
Dolors, caressing Mamas, nodded with a smile and commented:
— That’s a bit limiting, isn’t it?
— Yes, of course, but for me it’s worth it. People who love dogs or respect them have something special, and here we have created as a small community with that same philosophy.
Francis nodded, looked at the dogs that were already fully integrated and said:
– You’re right, Miguel. People who have dogs… are better.
At that moment, I got up to pour another beer and, from the shooter, observed the scene. There they were, humans and dogs, gathered, laughing, sharing jokes, stories and life experiences. They looked like family, as if they had all arrived together and had always been together. The peace this group exuded was overwhelming, and I couldn’t help but feel deep gratitude for those moments of connection.
At the end of the night, Francesc, raising his glass, made a final toast:
—For friends, for dogs and for Mas Torrencito, the dog paradise.
We all raise our glasses and toast with laughter and barks of joy.
That night was engraved in me, not as a simple anecdote, but as a reminder that happiness is found in the smallest details, in a leisurely conversation, in the sound of paws on the floor, in shared laughter and in the peace of mind of knowing that we are surrounded by those who value the same things. Because, in the end, being happy is this: allowing yourself to enjoy the calm, the company and the present, without worrying about tomorrow. And at Mas Torrencito, that night, all of us, dogs and people, find a bit of that paradise that we all deserve
Personal Reflection
Today is Saturday, November 9. It should be a full house weekend, but here I am, on a half empty house weekend. I don’t know if there will be any reservations in a while. Maybe yes, maybe not. My bank account has more red numbers than I’d like to think… I guess it’s one of those times when everything is pressing. I know we’ll get through it, like so many other times, but I confess it’s scary. Checking the bank account every day at five in the morning and wondering if I’ll be able to meet the payments… it’s distressing.
And, in the middle of these thoughts, I say to myself: “Well, Miguelito, don’t complain… it could be worse.” I remember Valencia, and then I get a shot of adrenaline! My head wakes up, and I start thinking about what I could do to generate more income. And suddenly click! An idea just occurred to me. I don’t know if it will be good or bad, but you will tell me. What I do know is that you will like it. You will love giving this gift.
I promise you that next week I will have it ready, and we will see if it works… we hope so. I trust you . Hahahaha!
From Mas Torrencito we wish you a HAPPY THURSDAY!!! and may your dogs accompany you!!!!
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If you want, you can see our vouchers for weekends, pensioner vouchers , at an incredible price… go to www.mastorrencito.com or if you want you can read more history and anecdotes that have happened to us at Mas Torrencito… Click here :
