Our Mission
Working closely with Spanish shelters, GRIN raises awareness of the Galgo’s plight through international educational campaigns and fundraising. We also aid shelters and assist with adoptions for rehomed Galgos in the U.S. with the primary goals being to provide practical help and supplies to the Spanish shelters, to act as an adoption agency for a small number of dogs entering the U.S. from Spain, and to inspire change in the treatment of the Galgos through public informational and educational campaigns.
What is G.R.I.N.?
The Galgo Rescue International Network (GRIN) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization run entirely by volunteers that was founded to establish a relationship between the animal shelters in Spain and animal lovers in the United States and around the world. Our love of Greyhounds and concern for their plight drew us to their cousins — the Galgos.
What is G.R.I.N. Doing to Help the Galgos?
Since its inception in 2006, G.R.I.N. has rehomed 85 dogs (most of them galgos); provided hundreds of leashes, collars, and coats to the shelters; delivered hundreds of pounds of medical supplies to the shelter clinics; and donated over $10,000 in cash to shelters. We are a 501 (c) (3) non-profit charity and we conduct various fundraisers with all of the profit benefiting the galgos and podencos of Spain both through direct donation and through campaigns to educate the public about the grim situation in Spain.
Does G.R.I.N. Work With Other Animals or Just Galgos?
G.R.I.N.’s original mission was dedicated solely to the Spanish galgo. However, it quickly became apparent that our help was needed with other breeds of sighthounds, including the galgo’s close cousins, the podencos. We are currently working with the Colorado All Breed Rescue Network to rescue other sighthounds in the US, and we have rescued non-galgo dogs in need of veterinary care. We changed our mission statement to more accurately describe our work: “Dedicated to the Welfare of the Spanish Galgo and Sighthounds Worldwide”.
Aren’t There Enough Dogs In the US In Need of Homes?
Pet overpopulation is truly an overwhelming issue that affects animals and people worldwide. All over the world animals are bred indiscriminately. There are not enough homes available for the animals that are products of intentional breeding, much less all the “accidental” breeding. The result of this is the euthanasia of countless thousands of dogs and cats each year. The keys to changing the pet overpopulation crisis are the spaying/neutering of all dogs and cats, and education of the public at large. At G.R.I.N., we see the pet overpopulation as a problem without borders and we want to make a difference wherever and however we can. By bringing a very few galgos to the U.S., we are exposing the atrocities that occur in Spain with these “ambassadogs”, and hopefully educating people. Each of the G.R.I.N. board members is involved in the rescue and care of animals in the U.S. Our goal is to raise awareness and promote change in the way animals are treated everywhere.
