Part 1 – Galgos en Familia, Alhaurin de la Torre, Malaga Spain

Telma Shaw – GRIN

GEF Shelter

April 25 – May 5, 2013.  I spent 10 days in southern Spain, Malaga area, to visit two of the shelters that GRIN supports and to bring back yet two more wonderful Galgos to the U.S. It was once again an amazing trip and wonderful time seeing my friends and coming along with them on their day to day rescue work. As  usual,  it was a whirlwind of activity. Right off the plane I was met by Vera Thorenaar of Galgos en Family www.galgosenfamilia.org  who recently moved into a new shelter building a few months ago after two years at the one I visited last fall. The new shelter is great as it has everything needed. Inside outside kennels, quarantine area, grooming bathing area, large turnout area and even a washing machine!

Veronica washing bedding

Vera inside the quarantine area

She has a dedicated group of volunteers who have morning and evening duties each day and lots of time is spent with the Galgos socializing..what a great setup for rescue work!

GEF Volunteers

My first day in Spain  we went to pick up a poor galgo who unfortunately was fighting for his life due to illness as he had been on the streets in a lamentable condition for many months. He was at the vets on IV but unfortunately did not make it and the reality of the situation just hit me straight away. It broke our hearts…So many beautiful Galgos abandoned, in need and without these amazing people there would be no chance for them. Maybe Attilla did not make it but many others are now thriving at GEF shelter and for that my spirits were lifted.

Attila we will keep fighting for your brothers and sisters..

Atilla Sweet Boy RIP

Later that day I met the two beautiful galgas who I was bringing back to New York. Laika a playful sweet girl and Dala who I met last October when Vera took me to the kill station to get two galgas out of there. One was Dala and how different she looked now!  She had transformed from an emaciated limping little girl to a happy healthy playful galga with a funny nature now with a wonderful life ahead of her. It was so awesome to watch them run and play in this field before their long journey!

Dala, Aitor and Laika their last day in Spain enjoying a run in an enclosed field.

Laika and Dala enjoying last day in Spain

On the Sunday after I arrived, Vera organized a special day for the shelter volunteers as well. They planned a walk with the shelter dogs on the beach in Torremolinos.  What a production!! Getting all the dogs ready for their trip in the volunteers cars, who goes with who, which two dogs walk well together etc etc..finally we were off..OK the weather played a few tricks..rain and wind, but in the end the sun shined. I had to seek shelter in our car during the rain as I was coming down with a bug, but when the sun came out I walked with a beautiful galgo named Pino on the beach and we had a nice coffee together at a beachside café until the others caught up.

GEF Torremolinos Beach Walk with all the shelter dogs!

Me and Pino Torremolinos Beach Restaurant

Pino and I waited it out for the sun to shine!

We then met at Veras home for a lunch with the volunteers and a meeting about the shelter and procedures for the duties and proper daily maintenance..there were about 30 people in total..a wonderful engergetic and happy group of galgo and podenco lovers!! I sure felt at home!!

Antonio hosting lunch for GEF Volunteers

GEF Shelter Meeting

With all the positive people now dedicated to helping Galgos en Familia, there is progress that I can see amongst the Spanish reaching out to their own, telling them about the atrocities that these sweet innocent hunting dogs endure at the hands of the hunters. More and more dog lovers in Spain are reaching out to the galgos and the podencos. More adotptions within Spain and that is a start.  Change is slow but there is change and that is the hope and what we work for. We can’t save every life but we can change the life of those that are lucky enough to find their way to the shelters like Vera’s Galgos en Familia! Visitors Welcomed!!

PART II of my trip to Spain and the time I spent with 112Carlotagalgos coming soon. and PART III  will be the anatomy of a transport. People often ask how it is all arranged so I will show with pictures how GRIN and others accomplish these crazy, complicated and rewarding transports to get a few dogs to the states!  Stay tuned..

Nieves waiting for her forever home at GEF! Could that be you??

APRIL 14^th-16^th GRIN SPRING TRANSPORTS ARRIVE SAFE IN THE U.S.A.

  Wanted to share the continuing good news of the Galgos and Podencos who have made it safely to U.S.  shores this last week. GRIN Board Member Marylou Hecht and Sharron Thomas founder of Fast Friends Greyhound Rescue in NH braved a quick trip to Murcia/Madrid to bring back four Galgos and two Podencos and we are happy to say everyone is back safe and sound and 6 lucky dogs have begun their new lives secure and safe.  Marylou and Sharron visited with Galgos del Sol and Ibizan Hound Rescue in Murcia.  They also visited the new charity shop run by Diane of IHR that helps raise funds for the dogs in their care. The dire situation in Murcia was  shared with them and the reality of what these rescue groups face is overwhelming. Both Marylou and Sharron have come back again with a new energy to help these dedicated rescue friends in Spain anyway we can! On an upbeat, they were able to spend time playing with the podencos of IHR with the toys they brought for them,  and cuddling some newly born podenco pups as well! They also visited a boarding facility run by a Dutch couple that helps IHR to board dogs until they are either fostered or homed.  Time flew by and the  whirlwind that started on a Thursday in Murcia culminated with the transport of 4 additional galgos from Galgo Connection Spain at Madrid Airport on the following Sunday.  We thank IHR for the transport from Murcia it is always so nice to have them on board to help us at the airport!! Three of the Galgo from GCS, Bella, Troya and Vintage are under the care of Grateful  Greyhounds in NY. Sharron Thomas adopted podenca Millie Mo from IHR as well as bringing a galga in need of rehabilitation for a hip and leg surgery she had, and GRIN brought over the Podenca Arlene for GRIN adopter Nancy Marble who adopted two other pods from us earlier this year, Kaleen and Manolo..

On April 16th – two more lucky doggies came on another whirlwind overnight transport from Madrid to JKF..thanks to Grateful Greyhound volunteer flight patron Don Baldwin who brought back GCS’s Kiko and Mila the podenca two more are now safe!! Thanks also to George Knott and Scott Guttledge for helping us bring Kiko and Mila by sharing their AA miles with us!! Way to go guys!! Thanks Don and also thanks to Donna Terrusa for flying Kiko from JFK to Orlando this week!   whew!!

Don Baldwin no worse for the wear and tear of a turnaround flight to Madrid to pick up these two precious babies..Kiko and Mila! Welcome!!

All the dogs are doing great  and everyone is so happy that we were able to complete this transport into JFK..without any problems…just the regular exhaustion of taking on a transport like this! Thank you to everyone involved.. Here are the lucky dogs!  The galga Joanna was also rescued through Assoc. Argos and brought to Fast Friends as she needs rehabilitation.

Troya the Survivor, Finally To Enjoy Her New Life.

Millie Moe rescued off the streets of Murcia now will enjoy her new life!

Podenca Arlene saved from kill station in Malaga now safe in USA!

Vintage rescued from abandonment and waited a long time for his chance..now forever home..

Kiko rescued from living on the streets..now Kiko on Forever Couch now in Florida!

Mila recovered from starvation now starting a new life.

Bella when recently rescued by GCS…she is a much happier girl now! Welcome Bella!!

]]> http://galgorescue.org/2013/04/april-14-16th-new-dogs-arrive/feed/ 0 http://galgorescue.org/2013/04/spring-2013-bittersweet-transport-continues/ http://galgorescue.org/2013/04/spring-2013-bittersweet-transport-continues/#comments Tue, 09 Apr 2013 21:16:53 +0000 Telma http://galgorescue.org/?p=2900 We have good and sad news…the good news is that on April 7, 2013 two galgos and two podencos can now say they are U.S. citizens! Our Thanks to Galgo Connection Spain for all their work to rescue these four dogs, nurture them and prepare them for the next leg of their journey, that is to their new life in the U.S.  For Pongo, Cee Cee, Tula and Trece life has just begun.

Grateful Greys Trio,
Trece, Pongo and Cee Cee

Teri and podenca Tula in US

 Then there is the other sad side of the story. The fourth galgo who was scheduled to come to Grateful Greyhounds, was named Tommy. A beautiful grey brindle boy who took ill two days before the transport, had emergency surgery and clung to life until yesterday, Monday. We are all heart broken for Tommy who had a wonderful life and family waiting for him. We thank Beatriz Elvira Ribas of Assoc. Protectora Argos, for her love and care during the last days of his struggle and our hearts go out to her and her friend Carmen who cared day and night for him. They did their best and Tommy knew it I am sure. He left this earth being held by angels on this earth. We know he went in peace..Tommy will never be forgotten.

Tommy and Beatriz

Now unfolds the third part of this story. One which no one knew would continue the circle of love that began with Tommy. His  illness and inability to come to the states, opened the door for another one in his place to come. The lucky boy was Trece the Podenco Ibicenco that had been waiting with no on interested in him for over 10 months! At a moments notice his life changed too. Rushed from his foster home to the shelter, then to the clinic to be processed for his journey the next day to the US..emails flying between U.S. GRIN adoption coordinators and Galgo Connection Spain made it happen! We were so happy but we did not know that Trece would also fill the heart of another set of adopters in New Mexico who had just lost their galgo named Wylie the very next day and would be Trece’s new family.

Wylie RIP

Below is a the continuation of the story told by Judy Paulsen of Greyhound Companions of New Mexico.

Wylie’s condition continued to worsen in spite of consulting with several veterinarians, and using a combination of western and eastern medicine.  The neurological damage he had suffered was irreversible and progressive and he was slowly losing control of all four legs.

Most of all, Wylie and Cyd were given unconditional love and attention they never would have known had it not been for the fortuitous moment Noreen and Berna came into their lives.

Wylie’s condition deteriorated to the point where he was crying out in pain when he tried to move.  Noreen and Berna knew it was time to let him go.  On the evening of April 7, 2013, Wylie took his last breath  in their arms, at the hands of a compassionate veterinarian in a special room at the clinic, furnished to resemble a living room instead of the sterile surroundings of an exam room.  Cyd was there, too.

Wylie had two years and four months of paradise – far from the meager existence and neglect he experienced for the first 6 years of his life at the hands of a hunter, and living outdoors in a dirt pen.
Cyd is very lonely, and Berna and Noreen feel an immense void left by Wylie.  The news that Trece, the Podenco, was suddenly included in a trip from Spain and would arrive soon in New Mexico seemed like serendipity.  Cyd, Noreen and Berna are awaiting the arrival of Trece, whose adoption will be a memorial to the many fond memories of Wylie, the Galgo

Javier Vargas and Paul Shortino

U.S. AND SPANISH ROCKERS PLAN VISIT TO SCOOBY MEDINA SHELTER

GRIN just confirmed that legendary rock singer/musician Paul Shortino, formerly of Quiet Riot and Spinal Tap fame, along with Javier Vargas of The Vargas Blues Band of Spain will be visiting the Scooby Medina Shelter  in Medina del Campo. The band will be on tour in northern Spain this May and are making a special trip to the shelter to meet the rescued dogs and Scooby founder, Fermin Perez Martin, to discuss the challenges that the Spanish shelter faces.

We are so excited that Paul and his wife Carmen have offered to help promote the cause of the Spanish sighthound plight by planning this visit with the band.  The Las Vegan Shortinos recently adopted Dio, a  podenco, through GRIN. The former Ibizan Hound Rescue with his huge ears and loving personality, has completely won their hearts. The Shortinos are now committed to learning about the origin of these dogs, what they have had to endure and how they can be helped.

We look forward to the update and pictures and thank Fermin Perez Martin for embracing our U.S. visitors. We foresee a rocking time for everyone involved!

Check out the Vargas and Paul Shortino concert schedule and if you are in Spain try to catch their show!

ALSO CHECK OUT  WWW.SCOOBYMEDINA.COM

Telma & Mora at GRIN presentation

9th ANUAL WEST COAST GREYHOUND GATHERING  2013 SOLVANG CALIFORNIA

GRIN – Galgo Rescue International Network Presentation

February 23, 2013

Once again, GRIN wants to thank Teri Rogo and her greyt team for the opportunity to do a presentation at the gathering about the situation in Spain and the plight of the galgos.

Telma Shaw, GRIN Board Member and Adoption Coordinator and Mora Gonzani a GRIN volunteer shared with the audience some insight into the work that  GRIN does to help the shelters in Spain. We are happy to say we had a great turn out and thank each person who came and showed their support for the galgos and podencos that need our help.

GRIN Volunteers, Mora, Roni and Valentina helped the event run smoothly!

We started our presentation with a slight hiccup, a technical snafu with our audio for a video presentation on the FBM Shelter in Sevilla, but although the sound was only projected through our lap top, you could have heard a pin drop. We know the visuals told the story of this one shelter and how they work to save galgos at their rehabilitation center. Thanks everyone for bearing with us for the first half!! Next year given the opportunity, we promise to do better!!!

Thanks for coming!

We also had a surprise guest all the way from Arizona via Spain. A special little Podenca who GRIN brought here last spring..her name is Trini, originally from Galgo Connection Spain www.galgoconnectionspain.org  Thank you Keith Lewis for bringing your sweet little Podenca so that all our attendees could meet her! She is such a dear little soul a beautiful Ambassadog for the Podencos!!

Keith Lewis and Trini, the fuzzy rescued Podenca from Valencia Spain

Telma and Trini. So nice to meet her in person!!

There is so much that could be said about the situation in Spain. I decided to share some slides of my last trip to Spain in the Fall of 2012 and share from the heart the work we do to help the shelters that we work with. I shared about Galgos en Familia,  Ecija Shelter, 112 Carlota Galgos and Galgos del Sol as these were the shelters we visited in the Fall.

Talking with my hands and my heart.

Mora Gonzani also gave her presentation on one shelter she visited in the Fall. That shelter is the finca/ranch of 112Carlotagalgos in Malaga. Founded by Char del Rio and run as a  family affair full of love and hard work for the galgos and podencos.  She also talked about an amazing blog site www.yeartohelp.com written by  a fantastic roving  photographer Martin Usborne of the UK who visited Malaga and Chars shelter,  to learn about the plight of the galgo. Thanks to his beautiful artful photographs he has been able to donate to the cause of the galgos and has a following that is also helping by supporting his work.

Slide show showing one of Martins haunting prints.

We enjoyed and appreciated having the opportunity to share our passion to help the  galgo’s “cousins” of the greyhounds at a greyhound event and we are touched by the people who want to help us help them. Thanks for your support!! We also want to say a BIG thank you to all those folks who brought bag after bag of collars, leashes and coats for our shelters that we support. These supplies are very much needed in Spain. As the dogs are adopted out, they are sent with a martingale collar for safety, and as we know, they are not readily available in Spain and also the cost is prohibitive. We are so happy to be able to send these supplies with our volunteers who go to Spain.  Next shipment leaves with me in April. Thank you so much everyone!

Part of the “loot” our wonderful supporters brought to Solvang for the galgos in Spain!

The second half of the donations given by attendees of the event!

We were able to spend some time in the beautiful Solvang area as well with our galgos and greyhounds!

Paws Park in Buellton near Solvang

Telma and Valentina Toledo at Vetrans Hall

On Saturday evening we had the pleasure of hearing Dr. Couto speak once again at the Solvang Greyhound Gathering. Dr. Couto is an amazing advocate for the greyhounds and the galgos!  He shared with us his recent work in research as well as sharing his passion for volunteering in Spain at Scooby Medina Shelter www.scoobymedina.com with his veterinary students. We thank Dr. Couto for all he is doing for the health and benefit of greyhounds, galgos and sighthounds world wide!

Dr. Couto and Telma Shaw

Dr. Couto and Teri Rogo with a thank you from the Solvang Greyhound Gathering

Wow what a great time we had.. here are some final shots from the event..

Hundester’s boy with chicken!!

Sammy and Fernie in Solvang!

Max with Telma and mom Mora

Joanne and Gayle at Lemos

Work Hard, Play Harder.

and Benefit Wines fundraisers to GRIN for sales made through June 30, 2013!

In addition to their range of scented candles, they’re now selling a range of wines as well, and both feature adorable and awesome greyhound and galgo labels.

The folks at Leaving Tracks recommend stocking up to use them as gifts or to enjoy for yourself (and who can’t use a relaxing candlelit evening with a bottle of wine?).

Please help support us by supporting them, and treat yourself or your family or friends as well.

Leaving Tracks’ Charity Wicks candles are here, and the wines can be viewed here.

The first of approximately 18 adoptions have begun!  On Jan. 27^th the first two galgas have made it to the USA.  Helen/Bella a black beauty from Galgo Connection Spain www.galgoconnectionspain.org and Baby Sofia an adorable brindle pup from www.112carlotagalos.com  have landed! They did great on the trip and are both enjoying their new lives..some adjustments as is normal, but these little galgas are doing great considering the change of life and the journey!

Helen Rescued off the Streets of Sevilla

Helen now in Atlanta!

Helen is living in Atlanta with the Read Family and Baby Sofia adopted by GRIN friend Debbi Harvey, is a snowbird in Florida for a month before going home to NY   Both these girls have made it, made it past the abandonment, the abuse and the pain which is the life of the galgo in Spain. Though whatever their scars reveal about what they have been through, their spirit to live and to give love to a kind human never fails to amaze. A new life awaits them filled with joy and love..Welcome home girls!

Baby Jessica/Sofia Found Crying on a doorstep and rescued

Baby Jessica Growing up safe and sound now.

Our February transport brought us galgo Raul from Galgos del Sol www.perrosdelsol.es  Raul, was terrified when he arrived at GdS. He had endured a very cruel life at the hands of his hunter. He came to GdS wide eyed and terrified but within a short time at the shelter his true nature began to reveal itself. He began to trust. He is a loving and kind galgo who even “smiles” when he trusts. I must admit that we had our doubts at first as to how he would do on a long journey but we saw lots of positive changes as time went on and we decided to give Raul his big chance! His adopters, George and Scott, had the perfect situation working from home so that Raul would have lots of companionship both human and canine and he has surprised everyone with his mellow attitude and love for attention.  We are so proud of Raul, who came to GdS  so scared but learned to trust again and so soon..

Raul at GdS Shelter

Along with Raul, GRIN has had the pleasure of arranging the transport and adoption for two galgo puppies from Galgos en Familia www.galgosenfamilia.org in Malaga. These two were so lucky that a hunter gave them up rather than raise them. We were very shocked that he gave up to females as we know they like to keep them for breeding, but we are not complaining!!! Thank goodness Veronica was there to rescue them and that  GEF was able to take them under their care.

Mariposa and Lola/Calina are now enjoying life in the states. Mariposa is in foster care with SHUG (Sighthound Underground) in VA and she will be up for adoption in the future. Lola is living in VA  with mom April Lamb. We are happy that both little ones were able to travel together and are doing fantastic.

Mariposa & Lola in Spain after rescued

Finally, one more space was available coming back and our flight patrons George and Scott offered to bring one more back with them and the lucky galgo was Ringo from Sandra Baas and SAGE. A full transport is a good transport!

Next transport is in March, and will be to Dallas Tx. A little tripod named Kate from Galgos del Sol will be making the journey to the forever home of Wiltse Parker Compton. So excited for the ones mentioned and the ones still to come! Updates will  follow on the April and May transports…stay tuned..

Saving one dog won’t change the world but the world will change for that one dog!

Guapa In the Rubbish

Someone named her Blanca Guapa, after a rescue by Galgos del Sol on the streets wandering and eating trash strewn about the area; I guess she was lucky cause her buddy was in-side the dumpster with a bad spleen.

She is about 7yrs. I have been told.  I had been looking at 9 pictures of the dumpster #15 rescue when I just spotted her….a very cute little white girl;a somewhat roman nose with foxy eyes, and from the pictures on that street in Spain, she seemed very inquisitive about what she was doing there dumped for survival.

Guapa on the Street in Murcia by dumpster

On the streets

I had immediately contacted the G.R.I.N. folks I knew to inquire.  I had not been able to get the first galga I feasted my eyes on; so I anxiously awaited the news for getting this 2nd girl. When it was YES, I was so excited.  I remember Telma Shaw’s comments “She is a very ethereal galga”.

I believe it was July 2012 when I discovered the trash pictures from Spain on-line.  There were 4 galgos I think.  Little did I know at that time, my favorite boy greyhound would be diagnosed with Osteo-sarcoma within a 2 wk. span of the Guapa flight to the U.S.A.  When all became said and done, an extremely heart wrenching experience that I was forced to come to terms with and endure just before the arrival of this new girl I had now deposited money on.  I honestly have to admit I began to question everything about what I was doing, two weeks before her arrival.  Because loosing him was so hard, and unfortunately had to put him down one week before her arrival…..Guapa that is, to Pennsylvania from Spain! Yet it was the right thing to do for him, because amputation of a limb was not an option, when there was no idea where this was spreading?

So, I tried to move myself from the bitter to the sweet, Telma said; and pick myself up to move on.  And so the pictures of her on the streets kept me going, but I kept hashing  the questions of Guapa in the house; whether Guapa would be O.K. here?  At the same time I knew I could not turn back, the flight itinerary, payments, people involved….were all set in stone.  Emotionally everything came to a head from the stresses of loosing my beloved greyhound, and it was making me worry about “who” I was getting within a week, and I was still l grieving badly over my P.D. (greyhound)

Was she going to be able to be calm in the house?  Who was she? What would she do?  Was she going to chase or injure the cat?  Would she climb all over things in the house? How is she going to be in the car when transported from JFK International to me?  Would she be house broken? Would she jump child gates? Our fence? Would I leave her alone when I went to work with the 3 other greys?  Would they fight?  I admit, I started to FREAK!

I was saying to myself “You idiot, …..maybe you should have talked to Telma more about these things”.  Never-the-less, we went from July to NOW, November; and it is now Nov. 25/ she arrives JFK.  O.M.G.

I was to excited, a combination of fear, loss, and excitement, and trying to arrange the work schedule to just go get her made me so anxious, …….just had to get her A.S.A.P. The transport of Guapa from J.F.K. to Pennsylvania was not set in stone, and at the last minute, I was finding out I had to drive farther than I thought to receive her.  The transport people did become a huge support though, and took alot of worry off my shoulders cause they had kept Guapa over night.  ”Ty” the transport fellow told me what a “good” dog I had, and he surely eased my tensions. It was a long day, a long night, and Guapa transported well. I met “Ty”, it was pretty late at night, and once I saw Guapa…..I got all the energy to drive all the way back home. Whew! In the car I looked at her, she looked at me, and I talked to her all the way.  She slept…..I drove…..realizing this happened! Finally.

We arrived home about 1or 2 a.m. do not recall.  She went out to fenced area did her business, I put her in my bed with me; she was wonderful with the other greys, and they welcomed her. She was tired.  Like an angel…all I can say from all observation and from this point is that Guapa just “fit-in”–there has been nothing to do to “train” Guapa.  She has been a little snow white from the get-go.  She was fostered well by Kay-lee in Spain, she does have 2 little front teeth missing, and bears the scars of the hard life.  Potty training and all the behavior seems to have come with the package. She does understand “No”. She does prefer the doggy beds over mine now, and feels better with the pack.

Due to survival mode instinct she does have a keen interest with our Pennsylvania deer population. My only suggestion to anyone getting a galga/galgo is having a collar that is surely one that cannot be slipped over the head.  I have used a martingale type small choker, when outside cannot be slipped over the head.  I use a cotton web canvas lead of 20ft. also inside my 4-5ft fence until I feel she is trustworthy…..with these darn deer one could poke its body around the cornor, so I am leary. Especially at night.

Guapa has made no attempt at jumping the fence, and minds the perimeters, but Guapa flys when she runs, and plays.  If anyone thinks this 7 yr. old is not strongly ATHLETICA, think again.  Guapa flys, and gives my male 6 yr. old greyhound a run for his money.  She seems more agile, and jumps up and down in a cute way. She can dust these American greyhounds quick.

Guapa loves to ride in the car, go to park, jog with me once in awhile…..loves the woods trail; loves whipped creme at Starbucks.  For the most part she is very happy I believe.  All the worries are gone and she is settling into life at 10 Webb Drive.

Guapa eats 2x a day, and does patrol food bowls, but it seems to be harmless patrol.  When it comes to food Guapa is ME, me, me,!!!! ME over here, me, me!  She likes treats, and responds to them.  She has learned to share, but can also be quick to be fiesty and finicky with the other greys.  We have had to work on share.

Guapa has taken to “Rapid” my male greyhound, and they give each other a run or two.  Shhh, don’t tell anyone, she sleeps with him alot.  Her haircoat is getting softer, and she got a new coat, collars, and pj’s.

If anyone asked me, these dogs arrive with their little hand made coat, and passports and are simply easy and ready to move in.  THANKS! for my girl to everyone involved.

Debi Page

Guapa’s mom.