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Txoco's Story
G.R.I.N. has been following the rescue work of one amazing rescue lady named Silvia Bordetas Gil who lives in Valencia Spain. Last year Silvia coordinated the rescue and medical rehabilitation of an abandoned Podenco named Paquito who found a wonderful home in Colorado through G.R.I.N. Silvia is a person who lives and breathes rescue. Many dogs have crossed her path and for the last 25 years she has been their advocate. She also works with a shelter called Protectora de Segovia for the last 8 years and helps in any other place in Spain through her contacts where she can help. Recently she told us of the story of Txoco.
Txoco is a sweet,beautiful and young chocolate and white Podenco, a hunter's �tool� who was not up to the task and simply taken to the killing station in Valencia. It was his day to die, but Silvia happened to be there rescuing an aging galga when she noticed him and his eyes caught hers and pleaded for help. This happens and when it does one cannot turn away. For Silvia, it was the day to save Txoco, for Txoco it was a turn of fate. He would not die that day. Silvia has routinely rescued animals from the killing station and then takes them to the vet for vetting and to a boarding facility to get healthy and then finds them homes. She routinely visits with �her dogs� and cleans crates and plays with them while there. She pays out of her own pocket the boarding expenses and because she has several dogs there all the time they give her a break on the cost. It is still costly keeping 6 or more dogs but she has a passion to rescue the worse cases. She noticed that Txoco was not eating and if he did he would vomit and not be able to drink. He was becoming thinner everyday. The vet did an exam and xrays that revealed he had a persistant right aortic arch (PRAA) that is a malady of the esophagus. Only surgery will save his life or he will die of starvation. At this point we all ponder the right decision to make, and Silvia could only think of one thing, she had saved him from the killing station and she was going to help him now, to live.
G.R.I.N. and other donars will be sending help her way through our EAF or Emergency Assistance Fund. Txoco is scheduled for surgery next week and we are sending him good thoughts and our prayers for a successful surgery. We thank Silvia for all she does and we will update our readers on Txoco's progress. He will be recovering in the hospital for 10-14 days.
If anyone would like to make a donation for his surgery, small or large, all is appreciated. Just go to our PayPal account and let us know it is for Txoco.
Also, our dream for him would be a forever home here in the states once he is well. If anyone is possibly interested in him just let us know.
Telma Shaw
www.galgorescue.org
odiesden@cox.net
10th Annual Kanab Greyhound Gathering
The 10th Annual Greyhound Gathering in Kanab, Utah on May 15-17, 2009 was a very successful event coordinated by Claudia Presto of the Greyhound Gang www.greyhoundgang.org in order to support a very worthy cause, the work of Dr. Heather Weir of Almost Home for Greyhounds in Nunn Colorado www.almosthomeforgreyhounds.org.
The event brought Greyhound and Galgo lovers together from all over the country. Some came as far as Michigan and Canada, but those that came from the farthest reaches of the world were the Greyhounds and Galgos themselves!
Represented in Kanab were five lucky Greyhounds who traveled from the U.S. Territory of Guam as part of an international rescue that has ultimately saved over 100 Greyhounds. These five greys landed in Los Angeles weeks before, were housed by Homestretch Greyhounds in Fillmore California were then GUR�d (driven) to Yuma and GUR�d again to Kanab by Don and Suzanne Stack in their nice new motor home. Once in Kanab their trip would continue as their final destination was Calgary Canada, being GUR�d once again by Chinook Winds Greyhound Rescue Team of Leah Meeuwissen and Cindy Montgomery. Before the next leg of their trip they rested three days in Kanab and arrived ready to party as this was their first �celebration� of greyhounds they had ever attended! They all loved the picnic and enjoyed the shady spot and grass and blankets to lay on and all the attention and love and pets they received all afternoon. Lonesome Billy stood out as the clown of the group and had all of us laughing at his antics!
Adding to these international �celebs� was another special little Galga from Spain named Kala. Her trip began March 30th from Scooby Medina in Spain, fostered in Colorado for six weeks by Keiko Krahnke to learn all the ropes of living in a home, GUR�d from Colorado to Kanab by Gary Shapiro and fostered in Kanab by Telma and Mike Shaw. This little girl captured all our hearts on her way to her forever home. She did amazingly well for all her travels and loved to wag her tail and get belly rubs throughout her adventure. The day of departure to Canada arrived and she joined her five Guamanian companions for the trip up North. It was a bitter sweet good bye to the gentle but spunky little Galga girl. As reported all six did wonderful on their last leg of the trip to Canada even though the temperatures fluctuated from 90 degrees in Kanab to 40 degrees as they got close to their destination. Leah and Cindy made sure they wore their coats on their stopover in Montana and made nice soft beds for them in the hauler to snuggle in.
Kala had her forever home waiting for her and is now enjoying life as a loved companion in British Columbia. Lonesome Billy has also been adopted and it won�t be long before all the rest have their forever homes.
Kanab has become a wonderful destination for all those who join in this gathering which included includes the opportunity to visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary the largest no kill animal sanctuary in the U.S. Many attendees took advantage of the tours of this amazing shelter nestled in the beautiful red canyons of Kanab. Everyone also enjoyed all the activities such as hiking the Pugh Canyon, the Main Street Greyhound Costume Parade, Blur of Fur, Picnics, Yappy Hour and lots of shopping with the Vendors and the auctions.
GRIN was happy to have a booth to raise awareness of the plight of the Galgos and to raise money for the support of the shelters in Spain. It was great meeting new friends and seeing old friends both two legged as well as four which included seven Galgos (Amistad, Aluna, Harry, Inigo, Alitas, Maggie and Kala) who made it to Kanab this year!! Hope to see you all next year!
Telma Shaw
Board Member
G.R.I.N.
www.galgorescue.org
PARADE ON MAINSTREET KANAB:
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SPAIN TRIP SPRING 2009
March 23 � 30, 2009. G.R.I.N. founder Abby Christman and Colorado volunteers Lisa Swartz and Keiko Kranze just returned from volunteering at Scooby Medina Shelter and visiting another shelter near Madrid called Las Nieves. A detailed follow up to their trip will follow. Here is a peek at the lucky dogs that came back with them.
Duke: Galgo puppy. Beautiful Brindle 6 months old. Duke's mother came to Scooby after being found in an emaciated state, frightened, sick and nursing many pups. Duke is the only survivor. Mamma dog is still recovering at Scooby. Puppy Duke was destined to help heal a broken heart as well as being given a chance for a new life. Last October, volunteer Debbie Grega returned from Scooby with a sweet little galga puppy named Loly, she was three months old. Loly was loved and cared for by the Gregas for three months and as fate would have it, she passed during her spay. This was very sad news for GRIN. We knew that Debbie's broken heart could be mended by the pidder patter of another galgo puppies feet tearing around the house! Debbie said yes, and this dream has been accomplished and Debbie is now Duke's new mom! She is happy to say he is a wonderful little guy full of surprises and is being showered with love by both humans and his canine companions. The Grega household is back to enjoying puppyhood and the memory of Loly will live on in all our hearts forever. Visit Loly's Fund for information on how you can help shelter dogs in her memory. Here's to a great life Duke and thank you for mending a broken heart.
Paquito: A Podenco or Podenquito (little Podenco) of 3 years of age had been abandoned, beaten, was sick and was fending for himself on the streets of Badajoz Spain for at least one year. Rescued by a wonderful volunteer named Silvia who works with a shelter called Protectora de Animales de Segovia she was instrumental in putting out a plea for help for medication for Paquito who had tested positive for Filaria (heartworm). GRIN board member Telma Shaw then put out another plea and Don and Elaine Irving of California, graciously sent Paquito the much needed meds, but, there was a snag, the meds were returned by customs. Paquito still needed funding and once again the Irvings came to his rescue. Weeks after his treatment, the thought of leaving Paquito in a shelter after being given a chance to get well, was the catalyst that began the search for his forever home. Again a plea went out and an application came in that was more than perfect for him. Jen and Eric Frank who had rescued a three legged Podenco last year through GRIN, had recently lost their sweet Greyhound Zammy and heard about Paquito's situation and jumped right in to offer their loving home to another Spanish Podenco in need. Needless to say everyone was so happy that he would be coming to the states. On March 30th, volunteer Fernando of Protectora Segovia, drove Paquito from Segovia to the airport in Madrid to meet up with GRIN volunteers and his new life was becoming a reality. Jen and Eric Frank who had been waiting anxiously for his homecoming have fallen head over heels in love with the little guy and their greyhound Murphy and Cervantes have welcomed him into their home with lots of tail wagging and happiness. Although Paquito had been fearful when rescued, he is now opening up and trusting his wonderful new parents. The Franks received a very special letter from another shelter volunteer named Ana about his life and his rescue and she has put up his pictures on the website at (perritosdesegovia.com ) 'so that everyone in the world could see him.� A happy ending to an amazing adventure for Paquito, the little Podenco who could.
Zara: She is a stunning black and white 3 year old Galga from Scooby. This girl won the hearts of volunteers of Forever Home Greyhound Rescue of NY while at Scooby and GRIN was able to bring her back for her Forever Home. Visit their website: foreverhomgreyhounds.com for updates on Zara and other galgos in their foster program.
Coming March 31: Say Hola to ZARA our beautiful little 3 year old Spanish bundle of joy. Zara is as sweet as she is lovely and we simply cannot wait for her arrival. Unfortunately she was unable to accompany us when we returned from our trip to Spain on Feb 12th because her passport had not yet been issued but we expect her to be here with us in March or perhaps april when the next crew of volunteers comes back from the SCOOBY shelter.
Kala: She is a beautiful 2 year old Galga. Abandoned and brought to Scooby, Kala is a happy go lucky puppyish girl who is being fostered by Keiko Kranze who volunteered at Scooby and helped bring her over. She is very social and is living happily with four greyhounds and is waiting for that perfect forever home. She is very interested in kitties so an appropriate home is needed. Kala loves to spin her tail when you talk to her and is silly and loves playing with her toys. She is submissive to the greyhounds she lives with but does better with non alpha girls but she sure loves playing with them. Kala is all galga and her personality keeps coming out... we wish her the best... she's come so far for her forever home, is it you? Update: Kala will be taken into Canadian group Chinook Winds Greyhound Rescue to find her forever home. We wish Kala the best in life and know they will find her the perfect home.
Julia: She is a lovely mature, 5 or 6 year old, somewhat wiry coated galga. Not to much is known about her background but she must be resilient to have made it this far. She has the Roman nose and sad eyes that are distinctive of the galgos. She is loving, sweet, funny and playful and just wants to find her forever home to settle into. Julia is being fostered in Colorado and has shown a great ability to adjust to many situations as they come. She gets along great will dogs of all sizes is presently living with three greyhounds and doing beautifully. Julia has come this far, if you have a space in your home for a sweet Spanish senorita, and lots of love to share with her, and of course lots of soft beds, please contact Telma at: odiesden@cox.net
Paolo: A young Spanish hunting dog from Scooby brought over by Lisa Swartz finds love and a new life of safety and security. Thanks Lisa.
Our Mission
Working closely with Spanish galgo shelters, G.R.I.N. raises awareness of the galgo's plight through international educational campaigns and fundraising. We also aid shelters and assists with adoptions for rehomed Galgos in the US.
What is G.R.I.N.?
The Galgo Rescue International Network is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit animal welfare organization run entirely by volunteers and was founded in 2006 by Abby Christman with the help of Judy Greenfield and Bev McInis. Abby, a member of the Board of Directors of Operation Scooby (which ceased operations in 2009), had travelled to Scooby Protectora De Animales on two veterinary rescue missions funded by Operation Scooby. The need for veterinary help (Operation Scooby's primary mission) is immense, and Abby saw during these missions that the need for practical help existed as well. Abby, Judy and Bev joined forces to create G.R.I.N. - their 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 US from Spain, and to inspire change in the treatment of the galgos through public informational/educational campaigns. Bev stepped down from the BOD of G.R.I.N. in February 2007, and Telma Shaw was asked to move into her position.
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.
Read MoreGalgo Adoption
GRIN serves as an adoption agency for individuals in the
We highly encourage you to read information about the Galgos prior to adoption. Some of the sights that will be helpful are:
- www.galgorescue.org (this website)
- www.scoobymedina.com
- www.operationscooby.org
Interested parties should apply as soon as they can as we are limited in the number of dogs we can and will bring to the United States. We typically determine who our adopters will be and then pick the dogs to be transported. After submitting your application it will be reviewed by our adoption board. If your application is accepted a 50% deposit is required to ensure a spot in the next transport. We reserve the right to change the adoption fee as transportation costs are highly variable (you will be informed of any changes at the time of your application approval - we will not make last minute changes).
Sincerely,
Telma Shaw and Kim Malone,
Adoption Coordinators
Galgo Rescue International Network
Read MoreSpanish Shelter Aid Programs
G.R.I.N. has delivered hundreds of coats, collars and massive amounts of medical supplies to Scooby Protectora De Animales and 12 other shelters in Spain. Our work has evolved since G.R.I.N.�s inception in 2006. Originally, we were working with fewer than five shelters, but thanks to our dedicated volunteers we have expanded the reach of our work to include more than a dozen rescue organizations � including podenco rescues on the Canary Islands!
One of our greatest challenges is getting the supplies from our storage facility in Colorado (and other locations throughout the US) to the shelters in Spain. We rely on volunteers travelling to Spain to deliver the supplies to the shelters. Unfortunately, mailing the supplies is problematic and impractical. Not only is the cost significant, but we cannot send medications (due to customs regulations), and packages we can send (such as coats) require a customs tax upon receipt in Spain.
If you will be travelling to Spain and would be willing to carry supplies to the shelters in need, please contact abby@galgorescue.org .
In addition to supplying the shelters with veterinary and practical supplies, G.R.I.N. makes financial grants to the rescue organizations we have established relationships with. The following details the criteria by which grants are given. All of our assistance programs are part of the great umbrella title of SHELTER AID.
[important title=Emergency Assistance Fund]From time to time G.R.I.N. will come to the emergency aid of special cases, such as individual animals in need of extensive veterinary care or shelters facing extreme hardship. We have established the G.R.I.N. Emergency Assistance Fund for these special cases. Currently, grants through the EAF may be up to $500. If you know of a special circumstance or financial hardship facing a shelter, please email abby@galgorescue.org.[/important]
[important title=Loly�s Fund]Loly�s Fund was created in 2009 after the heart-breaking death of a galga puppy named Loly , a G.R.I.N. rescue from Scooby. She had been adopted by the volunteer who brought her to the U.S. Loly died during a routine spay procedure and her death rocked all of us. Loly�s Fund was created in her memory.
Through Loly�s Fund, G.R.I.N. gives a $325 grant to a different shelter/rescue organization each month. The shelters are chosen each month based upon need. We encourage individuals to make donations to G.R.I.N. earmarked for Loly�s Fund as monthly donations to the fund up to $500 will be donated to the shelter of the month in addition to the $325 grant![/important]
Read MoreTHE DOG DAY OF SUMMER IS ALMOST HERE!
Philadelphia, PA- That's right! �The Dog Day of Summer� is a Pet Fashion Show and Fundraiser being held to benefit Italian Greyhounds and Spanish Galgos. If you are unfamiliar with these breeds, they experience a great deal of hardship and need help.
The number of abandoned Italian Greyhounds is on the rise. While these pint-sized greyhounds are adorable, they are a high maintenance dog and require the right environment. Due to their delicate build and the dental problems they experience, they are often in need of medical treatment. This requires extensive funding to get these dogs ready to be placed in their �forever homes.� Italian Greyhound Rescue finds loving homes for Italian Greyhounds that have been abandoned, lost, or surrendered.
Galgos, or Spanish Greyhounds, are similar in appearance to their larger American cousins, but are used to hunt small game in Spain. The horrors inflicted upon these beautiful dogs is unimaginable! Often they are crammed together in dark sheds and malnourished, but the way they are killed is even more gruesome. Finding them hung from trees around the Spanish countryside when hunting season ends is common. Since there are no restrictions on breeding Galgos, many are killed at the age of two.
Galgo Rescue International Network (G.R.I.N.) works closely with, and provides assistance to Galgo shelters in Spain to raise awareness of the Galgo's plight through international educational campaigns and fundraising and acts as an adoption agency in the United States.
The unique canines that will be walking the runway and displaying various designer styles at The Dog Day of Summer are registered therapy dogs. These dogs and their owners visit people in hospitals, institutions, schools, and long term care facilities. Together they provide well-needed emotional support to those in these institutional settings and offer a caring respite from the daily routine.
The Dog Day of Summer will be held on Sunday June 7th, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Tiferet Bet Israel , 1920 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422.
Abby ( aka Julia)
UPDATE: Julia now known as Abby has been adopted...
Abby is living happily in Colorado with her new family and greyhound pack. She has adjusted beautifully and loves her new life of being spoiled by devoted mom and dad!
Julia will steal your heart. A sweet galga from Scooby Medina of 5 years of age. She has a very mellow personality and gets along very well with other dogs. She is very sweet and adjusts quickly to new circumstances. She is loving life in the states with her foster family and is looking for her forever home to complete her dream.
Are you the one she is looking for?
Please email Telma Shaw at: odiesden @ cox.net for more information about Julia.
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Kala
UPDATE: This little galga has made her home in British Columbia after a long adventure from Spain. She is doing great in her new home. Loves her walks and especially the beach, chasing birds. She has found a loving home and great life in Canada! Kala is also a calendar girl as she made it in the 2009 Chinook Winds Greyhound Rescue Calendar!
Enjoy your life Kala.
Kala is a beautiful 2 year old galga who just came from Scooby Medina Shelter in pain this week and is ready for her forever home. She has been fostered with reyhounds and does great with them. She is very sweet and affectionate and wags her ail when you talk to her. Kala is high prey so no kitties for her to live with. She has discovered the comforts of home and is ready for a soft bed to call her own.
Would you like to help Kala find the happiness she so deserves? She has come this far and is just waiting for that very special family.
Email Telma Shaw at: odiesden @ cox.net for more information on Kala.
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