UPDATE! Thanks to all who bid - with your help this auction raised $3390 for the galgos!! The Galgo Rescue International Network is proud to announce our collaboration with Carpe Canem in our latest fundraising venture! This internet auction features over 130 items - from clothing and jewelry for you, to home decor, and even goodies for your pups, and custom art! This is our most fabulous fundraiser yet, but we need your help to make it a success! We are facing a financial crisis due to the rising costs associated with airline travel. We need to be able to pay for the excess baggage we send with volunteers to Spain as it is the only way we can deliver the much-needed, often life-saving, medical supplies to the more than ten Spanish rescue organizations we work with. PLEASE visit http://www.carpecanem.com/auction/index.php/auctionid_123 to view the awesome goodies we have for you and to place generous bids! 100% of the proceeds after shipping will be used to benefit the galgos. Thank you so much for your continued support and for your love of the galgos. This auction ends at 7pm PDT/10pm EDT on Tuesday, August 26. If you would like to make a financial donation please click the "Chip-In" link to the right which will take you to our PayPal site. If you would like to donate an item for a future auction please email kim@galgorescue.org.
Scooby�s 20th Anniversary
Dear friends of Scooby:
Twenty years ago Scooby started as a local initiative of brave people that carried buckets of water from their home to a ruin, to care for sheltered stray dogs. Since then, developments have never ceased to take place, and in the 21st century Scooby represents a safe haven for hundreds of dogs, cats and several other species that need help. Thanks to national, but especially international support. That is why we have decided to celebrate everything we accomplished in the past years this summer. This event will take place in Belgium, because we wanted to choose the most central location between the countries where most of our supporters live. Our Belgian friends from the Tornado's, department Ieper, have offered to take the organisation of this festivity upon them. The Tornado's is an association that undertakes several events at the benefit of animals in need, and they are specialised in organising these kinds of festivals. Obviously we have invited all partner organisations that co-operate with us for the same goal. We are delighted that most organisations have promised their attendance. And we would also like to welcome you, as a friend of Scooby. The success we have obtained was only possible thanks to all the people who have made an effort over these past years to support us and our work.
The Tornado's present:
Scooby's 20th AnniversarySunday the 31st of August 2008Location: O.C. Vlamertinge
Poperingseweg 383
8908 Vlamertinge, Belgium
(the exact location is under reservation and will be confirmed in the first week of March) Programme:
- 11.30: doors open
- 11.45: word of welcome and start entertainment
- 12.00: jambon brais� buffet or vegetarian dish
- 14.30: dog walk
- 19:00: endDuring this day there will be plenty of entertainment for dogs and owners, among which live music, entertainment for kids, free body care for your dog, nutritional advice and much more! There will also be stands from Scooby and partner organisations, where useful articles and information will be offered. On behalf of Scooby there will be employees and volunteers from Belgium, Canada, Germany, France, The Netherlands and Spain (Barcelona and Medina del Campo), among which of course Ferm�n P�rez.Participating partner organisations, in alphabetical order:
- Greyhound Compassion, (United Kingdom)
- Greyhound Protection International, (Germany)
- Greyhound Rescue Intenational Network, (United States)
- Greyhounds in Nood (The Netherlands)
- Les Fils Du Vent, (France/Belgium)
- New Graceland, (Switzerland)
- SOS Levriers (France)
- WSPA (global)_________________________________________________________________________________Participation without buffet
The entrance fee is � 2,- per person, registration possible on arrivalParticipation including buffet
If you want to enjoy the buffet the costs are, including the entrance fee:
- � 12,- for adults
- � 8,- for children under 12 years of age
Obviously all the funds will be used at the benefit of the animals in Scooby.
For more information and bookings please visit our website www.scoobymedina.com
See you the 31st of August!
The Scooby team
URGENT! Please Help GRIN Help the Galgos!
The Galgo Rescue International Network is facing a financial crisis and we need the help of our donors and supporters now more than ever. Due to the airline fuel crisis and the resulting increase in the cost of checking dogs and excess luggage, GRIN's ability to carry out our missions is in grave danger. GRIN sends volunteers to Spain multiple times each year to volunteer at Scooby and deliver veterinary medical supplies, educational literature, banners to be used for protests, practical supplies, coats and a variety of other items to more than 10 shelters and organizations. These donations are packed as excess luggage. The cost of mailing said items is absolutely prohibitive, so this is the only option we have. Now, due to the fuel crisis, the cost for sending excess luggage and bringing back dogs has increased astronomically. We are begging for your help. We need financial donations to be able to send these supplies over during our October mission, and to purchase much-needed veterinary medicines, educational literature and banners. All donations will be deeply appreciated � no amount is too small! Please help us help the galgos if you can. As a gesture of thanks, all persons making donations of $100 or more will receive a very special gift � a �Galgo Aid� pin. These pins are crafted by a true champion of galgo welfare, Sandra Baas of Spain. Sandra creates elegant jewelry, all for the benefit of galgo rescue and animal welfare. She is also a huge contributor to GRIN. Please visit her website www.baasgalgo.com to view her lovely creations. Thank you again for your continued support!
Charity Auction to Benefit the Galgos! WE HAVE A WINNER!
Thanks to all who participated in this fundraising event which raised $338 for the galgos! This one-of-a-kind original painting by Honora Stembridge is being sold to raise funds for the Galgo Rescue International Network, which assists sighthounds in need in Spain. 100% if the proceeds of this auction will benefit the galgos of Spain through GRIN's work. The auction will run on ebay through August 6, 2008. You can view the full ebay listing and place bids by visiting the link below. Please help the galgos by bidding generously!
British-born artist Honora Stembridge is famous for painting the Windsors, as well as other Royals, with their dogs. One of her paintings was featured as the cover of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor Society Journal, Spring 2003. Her folk-art style is immediately recognizable. Her paintings are collected worldwide, with many going directly to a London auction house. http://cgi.ebay.com/Exquisite-Honora-Stembridge-Painting-to-Benefit-Galgos_W0QQitemZ120288341415QQihZ002QQcategoryZ60437QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Honora, who now lives in CA, was inspired to paint this image of a greyhound with lively pink tulips after hearing the story of a rescued greyhound named "Teddy" who carefully pulled up every single tulip in his owners garden! As she painted it, she thought of how lucky Teddy was and how many more greyhounds are in need of rescue.
The painting measures 8.5 inches wide by 11 inches high. The custom frame is made of vintage burl wood and measures 11.5 inches wide by 14 inches high. In addition to her signature on the painting, Honora has signed and painted a crown on the the backing of the frame.
This is a rare opportunity to own an original by Honora!
Rescued Wolfhound Mix Pups Need Homes - UPDATE - All Pups Have Found Homes!
Sweet and affectionate, ten sweethearts out of a Scottish Deerhound (Mama) and a Greyhound/Borzoi (Daddy) need homes immediately. Both parents belong to a coyote hunter and he has agreed to give up the pups to a rescuer in California. GRIN hopes to help place these puppies by listing them here.
These little doll babies will be six weeks old on July 6th. They have been wormed twice and will have their first vaccine on the 6th. There are three black tux females, four black brindles (three females, one male) and three white/brindle parti colored (two males, one female). Mama dog has quit feeding so all pups are on solid kibble soaked in milk and hot water.
PLEASE consider adding a bundle of fur to your loving home! The foster parent is asking $150 per pup to defer the cost of everything that is entailed in rehoming these little babies. Please cotact Susan Aceves at (209) 835-9780 if you are interested in adopting. You may also contact telma@galgorescue.org for more information. Please note, however, that the adoption process will NOT be handled by GRIN.
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Kamal - A King Among Galgos
This is the story of Kamal, an incredible survivor.. He is 14 years old, and spent 11 years of his life in a 2 x 2m cage in a refuge, lost in the middle of Spain. A refuge which is more of a prison for the dogs which end up there.
He was found in a terrible condition, living in his own excrement, and rescued by an amazing lady. Through her dedication and love, and the expertise of her vet, Kamal has been given a chance to spend the last months of his life in a loving and caring home in France.
Be prepared to shed many tears as you read his story.
Like thousands of galgos every year, Kamal was abandoned, and ended up at the refuge at Arganda, near to Madrid. For 11 years he lived in a cage 2 x 2m square, with 2 other dogs.
Kamal, this son of the wind, was no more to roll in the grass, experience freedom. He couldn't see the mountains around Madrid, just dirty wet walls and wire mesh. No one gave him attention, he was forgotten.
11 years passed - that's 77 human years! His muscles wasted, his heart suffered, his body became covered in sores. He became a shadow of his former self. He waited to die.
At the end of May 2008, his cage door opened, a lady appeared in a ray of light. She was blond, like the angels; Cristina, a volunteer with association Perrikus, had found him.
For several days Cristina had spoken with the people in charge of the refuge, who claimed Kamal was happy with them and it would be better for him to spend the rest of his life there! It has a name - Diogene - a denial of reality and refusal of help. There was no reasoning with them.
Not surprisingly, Kamal was very frightened of Cristina when she entered his cage, he trembled and his teeth chattered, he was ready to die. Cristina knelt down on the dirty floor, talked to him gently and took time to gain his confidence.
After about an hour, when Cristina felt he was ready, she picked him up in her arms - Kamal was incapable of walking - and carried him out to her car and away from his living hell.
Her vet gave him a complete examination. Not surprisingly, the diagnosis was not brilliant. Kamal had heart problems and was very weak. He also had terrible diarrhoea and his teeth were in a disgusting condition.
The vet only gave him a few months to live. Cristina determined that he should spend the rest of his days in comfort, knowing only kindness and love.
Every day he had treatment for his heart and antibiotics for his mouth infection. Vitamin supplements were necessary to help him find the strength to walk again. He became strong enough to walk in the park, watch the birds, even wag his tail!
After a month, Cristina felt he was strong enough to make the journey to France, where another guardian angel was waiting to adopt him. Kamal, the old hunter of Arganda, was going to spend the rest of his life as a domestic pet!
I had the privilege - and I feel it was a privilege to meet a dog who had suffered so terribly - to have Kamal in my home for a night, an overnight stop on his journey to his new home near Paris.
It was wonderful to see him walking around the garden, sniffing the plants, even just standing at the French doors looking out onto green grass, red and pink roses, bees on the purple lavender. His body carries many scars, his skin hangs over his bones, his muscles are wasted.
But he has survived 11 years of hell, and because of Cristina and the team at L'Europe des Levriers, he has a chance to experience what every dog should know, a loving home, a comfortable bed, plenty of food and water.
Rescuing Kamal from the refuge created many problems for Cristina, but now that Kamal is safe in France, she sent this message.
"Please post Kamal's story, because it is the story of so many other galgos who are somewhere waiting to die.
I don't mind anymore if this creates problems for me . Now I know he will be safe and you can be sure that I miss him so much...
I see him everywhere in my home. Where he was lying, when he made his joy dance while I was preparing his food...I see Kamal in every corner of my house and it hurts very much not to have his "good morning" anymore.
He has given me so much, that it is impossible to explain and I thank him for this. He has been the most important galgo in my life.
I thought I had nearly lived any situation with galgos, but Kamal....well he is a star from a different place. He is the king of galgos, the most magnificent dog I ever met, and he will always remain in his special place in my heart.
The saddest thought is that I probably won't see him again....and how will I ever thank him for teaching me so many things."
Thank you so much, Cristina, for being such a wonderful saviour to this poor old dog.
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Recal Extremadura Working to Raise Awareness
A letter from Mada Sanguino of Recal Extremadura:
I hope you are well when you read this message. I contact you to thank you for your parcel with DOXICICLYNE. Actually, it has come in the best moment, because we had no more and we had to buy it, so we have earned such and important quantity of money. Nowadays, with your medicines, we are treating a dog with lots of tick's bites, that has caused a strong malnutrition and even an inflammation on his extremities; fortunately, he is getting recovered and we hope he will be better very soon.
Besides, I am attaching some pictures from the opening of our exposition titled EL GALGO COMO NUNCA LO HAB�AS VISTO ("The Greyhound as you never saw before"). It is a selection of sixty-seven photographies of some of the 463 greyhounds we have rescued and given on adoption, once they have arrived to their new homes. At the beach, seeing the snow for the first time, playing with the children... it is the first exposition of this kind done in our comunity, Extremadura, land of hunters, and it is being visited a lot. Our purpose of removing the consciences of people and showing the greyhound as a pet is succeed.
Once we finish the exposition in the place we have it now (local university), we have four places more to show it, two of them in the city of Merida (Roman city), and after that we want to organice meetings in some schools of our city, showing the pictures and talking about our work. We are very excited with this project. We also are thinking of offering the exposition to other cities near from here to extend the diffusion as far as possible.
Indeed, the day of the opening we had an stand with pamphlets and information. Also, we gave to all the people who went to the presentation of the exposition your postcards about the adoption of greyhounds. With the nerves, I forgot to take a picture of it, I am so sorry!!
Once again, thanks a million for the antibiotics and all your support. Best wishes,
MADA SANGUINO
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Banners Make Huge Impact at Spanish Protests
by Telma Shaw
In Spain the rescue organizations take to the streets to get their message across and GRIN has been able to help them do just that. In 2007 banners 4 ft x 10 ft with individual logos funded by GRIN and made in the U.S. by Bob Smith of Homestretch Greyhound Rescue were flown to Spain by GRIN rescuers. GRIN delivered these banners to seven shelters and has helped these small groups with their efforts to raise awareness about the atrocities committed daily upon thousands of �hunting dogs� - the galgos and podencos of Spain. Please click "read more" to see what a few of the groups have said!
From Cristina Garcia Moreno Presidednt of Galgos Sin Fronteras: �I see you have prepared everything (we sent) with much love for our Galgos and we appreciated it from our hearts, also the great banner for Galgos Sin Fronteras which we will use in public.
From Mada Sanguino from RECAL Extremadura: �The packages arrived and we feel truly grateful to you, everything you sent is a huge help to us, the banner was a very pleasant surprise. It will be great for us to display each time we take to the streets for one cause or another. It will also be useful to us at our annual contest for non pedigree dogs. Another affair in Oct. will be the show put on by animal protections organization of the province of Badojoz and I will ask them if we can display our banner so that everyone can see it. Please express our deepest and sincerest appreciation to all the members of your organization. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.�
From Encarni of DDEVIDA: �Thank you very much to GRIN to everyone who has helped, thank you for the awareness materials, its essential in the attempt to change the way of thinking in our country. When we put up the flag/banner you sent us, there will be an enormous smiles on our faces. Soon, very soon it will be on show where everyone will see it.�
From Nuria Blanco de Andres of Amigos de los Galgos: �This is a message for the people of GRIN, we have made extremely good use of your present �the poster�, it has been one of the best presents we have ever received. We have used it in every protest we have attended opposite the headquarters of the government in Madrid. There has been a series of synchronized protests all over Spain to ask for a new Law of animal protection. Amigos de los Galgos has been there, in all the protests. You can see it in our Spanish website of Amigos always your poster/banner was there with us."
G.R.I.N. would like to continue to help in this area and we need your help. Donate to our BANNER FUND and help us help these organizations to continue to get the message out across Spain , it is making a difference..
Click on the videos to see how passionate these folks are for the rights of the Galgos and all abused animals..Help us now!! Send us a check or PayPal earmark Banner Fund. Thank you as always for your support.
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Virtual Adoption at Scooby
by Diane Ward
Scooby Medina in Medina del Campo Spain is responsible for the care of many dogs, cats and other animals. The cost to support these animals is very expensive. Scooby depends on donations from around the world to support the costs for living, food and medical care of all animals and the maintenance of the premises. One way that you can help is to virtually adopt one of the animals that will most probably stay at Scooby for a long time.
The Virtual Adoption program gives you an opportunity to help support an animal as if it were your very own! You choose an animal on our website that you are smitten with and that animal becomes YOURS for one year even though you can�t bring him/her home. You will be the guardian of this wonderful, needy animal. You support the animal by way of a reasonable annual donation that is tax deductible. You can pay for your adoption monthly, quarterly or annually. You essentially become the animal's guardian and friend.
To learn more about the Virtual Adoption Program you can email Diane Ward at virtualadoption-northamerica@scoobymedina.com or go to our webpage at http://www.scoobymedina.com/home_en.htm and click on Virtual Adoption on the left-hand side of the page.
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G.R.I.N. at Greyhound Gathering in Kanab!
The Galgo Rescue International Network is delighted to announce that we will be hosting an artisan booth at the Greyhound Gathering in Kanab, Utah May 16-18, 2008. The Greyhound Gathering, hosted by Claudia Presto and the Greyhound Gang, is an annual fundraising event for Almost Home for Hounds and features many fun and exciting events including live and silent auctions, many speakers, and a ton of fun things to do with your hounds. If you are attending the Gathering, please be sure to visit the G.R.I.N. booth located in the Artisan Vendor Hall at the Best Western. For more information on the Greyhound Gang and Almost Home for Hounds, visit www.greyhoundgang.org and www.almosthomeforhounds.org.