Spanish Greyhound Rescue: A Network of Care and Support

The Spanish Greyhound Rescue network is a lifeline for these beautiful dogs. It's a collaborative effort among dedicated individuals and organizations who share a common goal: to provide a safe haven and a second chance at life for these gentle souls.

Spanish Greyhounds are a rare breed, and their numbers are dwindling due to a lack of breeding and a high rate of abandonment. This makes it essential for rescue efforts to be well-coordinated and comprehensive.

The network relies on a network of foster homes, where the dogs can receive the care and attention they need until a permanent home is found. These foster homes are often provided by experienced Greyhound owners who have the space and resources to care for these dogs.

The Spanish Greyhound, also known as the Galgo Español, is an ancient breed that originated in the Iberian Peninsula over 2,500 years ago.

They are a sighthound mix, possibly Irish Greyhound and Sloughi or Deerhound, and are known for their speed and agility. Galgos are fast coursing dogs, bred for hunting and coursing, and are generally smaller than racing Greyhounds.

Their coats range from short hair to long and wirehair coats, and they come in a variety of colors. The purebred Galgo Español weighs between 44-70 pounds and stands 23-29 inches at the shoulder.

Galgos are playful and energetic dogs that require regular exercise and socialization. They tend to be wary of strangers at first, but bond strongly with their adoptive families and make wonderful companions.

Galgo Rescue International Network is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization run entirely by volunteers.

They work closely with Spanish shelters to raise awareness of the Spanish Greyhound's plight through international educational campaigns and fundraising.

Their primary goals are to provide practical help and supplies to the Spanish shelters and to inspire change in the treatment of the Galgo Español and the Podenco through public informational and educational campaigns.

Unfortunately, the life of a galgo is often marked by cruelty and neglect. Galgos who have outlived their usefulness are often hung from trees, shot, or dumped into garbage heaps.

Some galgos are thrown alive into deep abandoned wells, a fate worse than death. The fortunate ones are the dogs whom the hunters, or galgueros, take to one of the country's few sanctuaries.

These shelters take in the unwanted, abused, used-up animals and provide them with shelter, food, and the hope of a forever home.

Galgo Rescue International Network is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers. It's dedicated to the welfare of the Spanish Galgo and Sighthounds worldwide.

GRIN was founded to establish a relationship between animal shelters in Spain and animal lovers in the US and around the world. This connection helps raise awareness of the plight of the Spanish Greyhound.

The organization works closely with Spanish shelters, raising awareness through international educational campaigns and fundraising. They also aid shelters and assist with adoptions for rehomed sighthounds in the US.

GRIN's primary goals are to provide practical help and supplies to Spanish shelters and to inspire change in the treatment of the Galgo Español and the Podenco through public informational and educational campaigns.

Rescue Centers play a vital role in Spain, with many organizations working tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome abandoned animals.

Tina Solera runs Galgos Del Sol, a Spanish-based rescue center dedicated to the rescue of Galgos, Podencos, and other breeds.

Galgos Del Sol was started by British ex-pat Tina Solera in 2007 and offers various ways to get involved, including adoptions, volunteer programs, sponsorship initiatives, and donations.

Casa de Postas is a small animal shelter located in the town of Almonte, supported solely by donations, and allows rescued animals to share a refuge with their caretakers living in semi-freedom.

112 Carlota Galgos is a non-profit center that rescues, heals, and arranges adoptions for Galgos in need.

Ibizan Hound Rescue focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming Spanish hunting dogs.

Last Chance Animal Rescue, based in the Malaga region, aims to find loving forever homes for abandoned animals coming into the El Paraiso perrera.

Perros sin Casa rescues abandoned, maltreated dogs and puppies in Almeria, South eastern Spain, and brings them back to full health for adoption.

Podenco Friends provides sanctuary to abandoned Podencos, allowing them time to heal and learn to trust again in readiness for their forever homes.

Podencos All Over Spain is an organization dedicated to the rescue, adoption, and transport of Podencos.

Scooby Medina is a Spanish-based shelter and sanctuary that has been providing a home to mistreated and abandoned animals for over 30 years.

These Spanish-based shelters work closely with animal support groups throughout Europe, the UK, USA, and Canada to coordinate adoptions.

Many of these rescue centers rely on donations and volunteers to continue their vital work.

Check this out: Greyhound Adoption

Lynn Osborn, a Vancouver Island woman, made a trip to Malaga in Spain in 2016 to meet the dogs at a shelter dedicated to their protection.

The group she founded, part of the national non-profit Extraordinary Galgos & Podencos, has found new homes for 700 dogs across the country.

Since the Island chapter started in May last year, the group have found 26 galgos a home with families in B.C. and Alberta.

They work with shelters in Spain, like the one Osborn visited in 2016, which send dogs to Canada.

The group holds an application process and finds families to look after the dogs.

They ensure the dogs are going to families that are committed to looking after them.

Since they started, they haven’t had a single dog returned to them.

These gentle dogs, often called "couch potatoes", don't need a lot of running.

A good fenced yard with a good five, six feet fence is perfect for them, as they can jump.

Chiqui is a 2-year-old blue Galga who was rescued by Galgo's Rescue Almeria after suffering from cruelty and fear in her past.

Born on 20/08/2022, Chiqui has had a challenging start in life but is now thriving in a stable environment.

Morante is a 2-year-old male Galgo, born on 22, and has adjusted well since arriving in the UK.

Morante is a smooth, confident, and sociable dog, particularly enjoying meeting new people.

Additional reading: Old Spanish Pointer

SOS Galgos, a non-profit organization, has been working tirelessly for nearly 14 years to expose the cruelty inflicted on Spanish Greyhounds, also known as Galgos.

They report on the issue through national and international media, highlighting the fact that around 60,000 Galgos are tortured and killed each year in Spain.

The organization's efforts include promoting the Galgo as a companion animal within Spain and educating children in schools to break the cycle of cruelty and promote empathy towards all animals.

SOS Galgos has managed to rehome nearly 2500 Galgos and has been working closely with the local police force to achieve this goal.

The organization's team strongly believes that international pressure on the Spanish government is necessary to improve the situation regarding Galgo cruelty.

SPCAI has been supporting SOS Galgos since 2013, committing $40,000 in two grants from the Shelter Support Fund in 2016 to help build an educational facility promoting humane education, advocacy, and Spanish Greyhound adoptions.

This facility is expected to be opened in 2017, making a significant difference in the lives of Galgos in Spain.