A few days ago GRIN received a notice about a Galgo abandoned on the streets in Puebla de Cazalla, Sevilla. The pictures are shocking, but we cannot turn our faces from what this poor creature has endured. The rescue of this poor boy began with a lady named Macarena who spotted him in this village. The word went out and various rescuers, Lydia, Salva, Jero, MaCarmen and Maca got together and easily caught him due to his weakened and emaciated state. Our friend Silvia in Valencia was informed and was the first to offer to bring him across Spain from Sevilla to Valencia to her vet. She began the urgent transportation link via private transports because of his delicate state of being.
Adopting Ricky
G.R.I.N. received the below email from a new member in France named Peggy. We would just like to acknowledge the good work of many groups in France for continuing their support of the Spanish Galgos. Thank you and we are looking forward to the pictures of Ricky's arrival in France Sept. 15th. Thank you to everyone who helps in this rescue and all the others as well!
- The G.R.I.N. Board
"My partner and I will be adoping Ricky with the help of "Levriers en Danger" here in France. Our plan was to adopt an adult. We have 2 Great Danes, 5 cats, fish, 18 chickens (we do not eat) and a parrot. With what we have Cecila thought a puppy might be better. We just asked for anything that needed a home and would fit with what we have. We live in the country with more than 5 acres of land and 2 big hearts. She thought Ricky would be great so Ricky it is. Here is a photo."
ADOPT A GALGO IN THE FALL?
Hello fellow supporters of GRIN. We would like to take the opportunity to ask our supporters if anyone might be interested in adding a lovely, wonderful and needy hound to your family this fall?
A trip is being planned for September and GRIN may have room for one or two dogs to return to the U.S. but we need to have a loving home awaiting them. If you would like more information about adopting a galgo or podenco, please contact us as soon as possible. We have the opportunity to bring a dog back to both the East Coast and West Coast, so any West Coast adopters, this is your chance! Thank you for your continued support of the Galgos of Spain.
The GRIN Board of Directors
Please contact : Telma Shaw at odiesden@cox.net if you might like more information.
International Greyhound Remembrance Weekend July 25-26
Note from GRIN: Though the cases referenced in this article reference events in the United Kingdom and Ireland primarily, we ask that you join us in remembering all abused greyhounds and galgos worldwide. Thank you. This article was provided by Greyhound Action, UK.
This coming weekend Saturday July 25th/Sunday July 26th is 'National Greyhound Remembrance Weekend' when all abused racing greyhounds throughout the world are remembered. We are therefore asking all our supporters national and international to write letters today to their local and national newspapers about the tragic plight of the racing greyhound. We had a good response when we put out this letter writing campaign last year for 'National Greyhound Awareness Week' and 'Greyhound Remembrance Weekend' and several of our supporters letters were printed in the media so thank you for your support on this. Particularly in the past few months many cases of appalling cruelty to greyhounds in the UK and Ireland have been reported by the national and local media.
Below is a list of all the recently reported crimes to greyhounds in the UK and Ireland and please feel free to highlight any of these cases in your letters as examples of the atrocities inflicted upon the racing greyhounds.
There is a sample letter below. Every letter published around the world will educate thousands of people so every letter counts! Our international supporters can also be involved in this campaign as you can also write to your local and national papers highlighting any cruelty cases in your own country inflicted upon greyhounds/spanish greyhounds (galgos).
Recent vicious crimes to greyhounds in UK and Ireland for your letters please
- A Hartlepool greyhound'Timmy' found dead with ears hacked off
- Pregnant greyhound 'Janie Valentina' found killed with ears hacked off near Bristol
- greyhound 'Amy' found drowned in a potato sack in the river Foyle (Ireland)
- dumped greyhound 'Grace' found in Sittingbourne, involved in a road traffic accident
- greyhound 'Sonny' found stabbed to death in Sunderland
- a recent court case for a Tiptree man for having concentration camp type conditions for his 30 racing greyhounds
- greyhound called 'Douggie' found alive in Bedlington with ears hacked off
- a greyhound called 'Tara' left to starve in Cirencester
- executioner Larry Earle in Ireland slaughters greyhounds unwanted by their trainers for �10 a time
- greyhound 'Frida' found abandoned in the North East of England, emaciated and suffering a severe scold to her back
- WEEKEND OF "CARNAGE" AT MANCHESTER'S "STADIUM OF DEATH"-three more greyhounds killed at Belle Vue track, mutilated remains of greyhounds dumped at popular pier-the carcasses of three dead greyhounds in Ireland have been dumped at one of the most popular bathing areas in the Mid-West
- a most recent exposure of a Dorset woman who kept her greyhounds in filthy, disgusting conditions
- a Birmingham couple convicted of starving two greyhounds to death
- a greyhound found days from death in Fife
- Scotland who was thrown over an eight foot fence into an unused factory.
The evidence is there, let's use it!!!
If you require any further information on the plight of the racing greyhound please visit the Greyhound Action website www.greyhoundaction.org.uk.
Google search your local and national newspaper email/snail mail addresses (email is preferable as it is quicker) and send a letter of remembrance. There is a sample letter below� please copy and paste this letter, feel free to edit, or if preferred write a letter in your own words. Keep all correspondence polite. Name and full address must also be supplied.
If you would like to sponsor or offer a forever home to a rescued greyhound, visit the website links of these brilliant greyhound rescue charities in the UK (their contact details will be on their websites):
- Greyhound Rescue West of England (GRWE) http://www.grwe.com (once into the site please click on 'Support us' and then go into 'sponsor a dog')
- Greyhound Lurcher Welfare and Rescue (GLWR) http://www.glwr.org.uk (once into the link please click on 'Our sponsor dogs'.)
- Greyhound Gap http://www.greyhoundgap.org.uk is looking to fund their own rescue shelter and need donations now to help do this so please consider making a donation to help the dogs- http://www.justgiving.com/kennelsraiser
All these marvelous charities help abused and unwanted greyhounds and lurchers. If you would like to rescue an ex-racing greyhound please visit your local reputable greyhound rescue or contact the above charities.
Greyhounds are wonderful companions and contrary to belief they do not require a lot of exercise, two twenty minute walks a day is all they need, they are real couch potatoes and all deserve a loving forever home. If you have cats or small furry animals please seek advice from the rescue to find the perfect greyhound buddy for your family.
IMPORTANT
If you would like to do an information stall/and or a peaceful remembrance ceremony outside your local greyhound track this coming weekend in your own area contact Greyhound Action immediately for leaflets/posters etc at info@greyhoundaction.org.uk or call 01562 700043/07703 558724, www.greyhoundaction.org.uk.
Lastly please join us in lighting a candle in your own home this weekend in remembrance of all those precious souls who have needlessly lost their lives. The fight continues to ban greyhound racing for its inherent cruelty. We rely on each and every supporter globally for the success of our online campaigning. We all make the difference!
Sample letter
Dear Letters to the Editor,
This coming weekend Saturday July 25th/Sunday July 26th is National Greyhound Remembrance Weekend. This is a special commemorative weekend set aside in the memory of all the unwanted/abandoned racing greyhounds that have tragically lost their lives at the hands of the greyhound racing industry.
As a greyhound lover it is my hope that the general public will spare a thought this coming weekend for all those racing greyhounds that have suffered and died needlessly.
In a recent government report it has been stated by the RSPCA that "at least 20 greyhounds a day - either puppies which do not make the track, or 'retired' dogs aged three or four - simply 'disappear', presumed killed". In the past few months, there have been numerous cases reported by local and national media of appalling cruelty inflicted upon unwanted greyhounds in the UK and Ireland; these include brutal killings, mutilations and severe neglect.
This is a travesty and as a supposed nation of dog lovers, the UK should hang its head in shame. For those members of the public that support the racing industry by betting on greyhounds, many of them may not be aware that they are contributing to the perpetual suffering and slaughter of thousands of unwanted greyhounds every year. I am therefore urging all readers to boycott greyhound racing and visit this website link www.greyhoundaction.org.uk to learn more about the plight of the racing greyhound.
Lest we forget!!
Best wishes,
Name
Address
Many thanks for your kind and much needed support
Greyhound Crusaders/SWAP team UK
'Pioneers for change'
RIP darling Greyhounds you are in the hands of the angels now. We will never forget you.
Animal Rights Conference 2009, Los Angeles CA.. July 17-19
Galgo Rescue International Network (GRIN) attended their first Animal Rights Conference 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Along with well-known animal rights causes, GRIN established their cause as one worthy of national and international awareness. The turnout was huge and there was a great deal of interest in what is happening in Spain, and how GRIN has been helping to support existing shelters.
Public awareness of the plight of the galgo and other hunting breeds continues to spread throughout Spain due to the efforts of Spanish, American, and other European influences. Many people at the conference were not aware of the treatment of Galgos, Podencos and other hunting dogs in Spain and applauded our efforts to raise awareness. We met people from all over the US, Canada, and even Spain.
The four day conference was attended by Keiko Krahnke, Julie Krahnke, Telma Shaw, Wally Lacey, and Don and Elaine Irving. Many people also inquired about galgo adoption here in the US. GRIN maintains that raising awareness, perseverance, and an international team effort is what will make a difference in the future for the Galgos, just as it has for the racing Greyhounds here in the U.S. Compassion has no boundaries, the Galgos need our voices.
Telma Shaw
Board Member
Galgo Rescue International Network
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Podencos
What is a Podenco?
The breed is believed to be a variation on the original Ibizan Hound, otherwise know in Spanish as the Podenco Ibicenco.� There are several types of Podencos, distinguished mainly by size and/or region where located.� Examples are the Podenco Andaluz, Podenco Manchengo, Podenco Canario and the miniature Podenco Enano.� The Podenco was originally bred to be used for hunting small game such as rabbits, but have been known to be used to hunt game as large as a wild boar.� The general temperament of the Podenco is similar to the galgo and greyhounds.� They are very smart, eager to please, but sometimes stubborn.� They are gentle, loyal, love to relax, but love exercise and interactive playtime too.� Most have an amazing ability to jump, so a secure fence is a plus!
For additional reading on the breed, check out these sites:
Ibizan Hound Rescue
Aza Hounds
Why they need our help.
Much like the galgos and other breeds used by Spanish hunters (galgueros), the Podenco faces a very grim life.� Galgueros view their hunting dogs as a �tool� and strictly as property they own.� A Podenco's life is typically spent on a short chain with no shelter from the scorching or freezing temperatures or in dark sheds sometimes packed so tightly with other dogs that they cannot even lie down.� Since there is a belief among galgueros that dogs hunt better when they are hungry, the Podenco is usually starved or fed and watered just enough to keep them alive.� After hunting season ends or when a Podenco is no longer useful, they face much the same fate as the galgo.� They are sometimes hung or poisoned, but more often they are driven to a remote location and abandoned, sometimes being beaten, having legs broken or in one known case, having their eyes gouged out so they cannot find their way home.�
Here is a link to a story of one very lucky Podenco! Sebas, a Podenco, was rescued dragging his foot in a horrible trap, from the streets of a Spanish village. He was rescued by the animal rescue organization Evoluci�n Madrid. They tended him and fostered him. He was later adopted to France. He is a Podenco. That is an ancient dog race, older than the Pharaohs. They are found all over the Mediterranean and in Spain. Along with Galgos, they are overbred and used as hunters' tools. Then they are discarded, shot, poisoned, hung when they are no longer required. Receiving less publicity than Galgos (Spanish greyhounds), they share the same ugly fate. They deserve our attention. Let's all work together for all dogs.
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You Can Help
The Galgo Rescue International Network welcomes individuals who want to volunteer their time to helping the galgos. If you think you would like to be a part of G.R.I.N.'s mission, please contact abby@galgorescue.org.
Some of the tasks we need help with include:
- Recruiting donations of medical supplies from veterinarians (unused, unwanted, expired, etc.)
- Contact the Spanish embassy to demand legislation and action protecting the galgo from inhumane treatment and abuse
- Acquiring donations of dog-related items (collars, coats, beds, art, pictures, knick-knacks) from artisans for auctions
- Acquiring gently used dog collars, leashes and coats to send to the Spanish shelters
- Travellers going to Spain - are you willing to haul supplies to the shelters for G.R.I.N.?
- Coatmakers! If you sew, we have a job for you! Contact telma@galgorescue.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
- Veterinary professionals - volunteer your time to a Spanish shelter and make a difference!
- Fostering - if you are interested in temporarily fostering a galgo, let us know!
- Grant writing - we are looking into applying for a number of grants to further our mission
- SPREAD THE WORD! Information is power!
- And many, many more opportunities exist!
Thank you for supporting G.R.I.N. and the Spanish galgos!
Please visit the "Send Letters" tab for more detailed information on letter writing campaigns and the "Fostering a Galgo" tab for information regarding fostering opportunities.
About G.R.I.N.
The Galgo Rescue International Network (G.R.I.N.) was founded to establish a relationship between the galgo 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 in Spain - the Galgos.
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 aids 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, 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 36 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 $3000 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 of Spain either through direct donation or 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. was originally designed to work with only the Spanish galgo, but it quickly became apparent that our help was needed with other breeds. 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. Our new slogan is "Dedicated to the Welfare of the Spanish Galgo and Sighthounds Worldwide".
Aren't There Enough Dogs In the US In Need of Homes?
The pet overpopulation is truly an overwhelming issue. All over the world animals are bred indiscriminantly. There are not enough homes available for the animals that are products of intentional breeding, much less all the "accidental" breedings. 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 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 US, 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 US. Our goal is to raise awareness and promote change in the way animals are treated everywhere.
Coat Makers - Keeping the Galgos Warm
The Spanish Galgo is much like the greyhound and all other sighthounds in that they have thin coats at best, very little body fat, and are not well-suited to life outdoors. The shelters do a marvelous job at providing safe shelters for the dogs so that they can escape the ravages of the weather. But even so the dogs - by necessity - spend much of their time outside. The summers are brutally hot and the winters can be painfully cold and snowy.
The Galgo Rescue International Network works hard to provide the galgos with fleece coats to keep them warm during the cool fall and freezing winter weather. Coats are brought to the shelters from all over Europe and the US. To date, G.R.I.N. and Operation Scooby have collaborated to take more than 600 coats to the shelters.
Coat Makers Unite!
Want to help make a difference to a galgo? We are doing that one coat at a time. If you are interested in helping us, we would love to hear from you! Sewers and even non sewers can help. Ask us how!
We are always in need and accepting donations for fleece. Contact my email for the shipping address. If you want to sew I can mail patterns on request or follow the pattern on this site.
So far, we have been able to make approximately 500 coats in the last few years, and volunteer sewers have added hundreds of coats to our supplies over the last year. The push this year is to help the smaller shelters as well, so their galgos will be warm this winter. As you know, coats wear out so this will continue to be an ongoing project. Please help us help them.
A special thanks to the sewers who have helped make this happen.
For more information please contact Telma Shaw - Click here to send an email to Telma
Downloads:
How to make a coat (pdf 665 kb)
Coat Pattern (pdf 92kb)
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Fostering a Galgo
GRIN is in need of foster families to temporarily host galgos when they arrive in the U.S. Some dogs just need several days in a foster home before they go to their forever homes. Other dogs need a place to stay until the right adopter is found. If you are interested in fostering, please contact galgorescue@galgorescue.org. If you have a cat, the dog will be tested at the Spanish shelter for his/her compatibility with cats. They tend to have good house manners and learn the ropes from the other dogs in the household.
Care Policy & Guidelines
Part 1. . .GRIN Care Policy
1GRIN dogs, as a rule, will be spayed or neutered and updated on all inoculations prior to placement in a foster home.
2GRIN will maintain an information file on all foster dogs. These files will include pertinent information on each individual dog including a physical description of the dog, health records and acquisition information.
3GRIN maintains the ownership of any and all dogs placed as a foster dog until such time the dog has been formally adopted.
4Veterinary care shall not be rendered to any GRIN dog without prior authorization by a Board Member or Officer of the organization. In the event of a life-threatening emergency, veterinary attention should be sought immediately. Documentation space from a licensed veterinary doctor shall be submitted to GRIN prior to any reimbursement of veterinary expenses.
5Any veterinary care or attention required for a GRIN foster dog due to neglect or disregard of GRIN policy will be the responsibility of the foster person.
6GRIN reserves the right to inspect any and all foster dogs while in foster care.
7GRIN will reevaluate all foster dogs kept in foster care after thirty (30) days. At this time, a decision may be made to relocate the foster dog should such a move be of benefit to the dog.
8GRIN is responsible for the adoption and placement of all GRIN dogs. While the input and judgment of the foster person is invaluable to the placement of foster dogs, the decisions concerning permanent placement will be at the discretion of the space placement / adoption coordinators and / or the GRIN Board of Directors.
9GRIN assumes no responsibility or liability for damages caused by a foster dog. This includes injury to a resident dog, a person, or damage to property.
10The foster home and property may be inspected by a GRIN authorized member prior to acceptance into the GRIN foster program. Additional annual inspections may be made. A record of inspections will be kept on file with GRIN.
11The foster person(s) must complete a foster care agreement and release form agreeing to all the conditions and statements as written.
Part 2 . . . Foster Guidelines
1No one convicted of animal abuse will be eligible to foster GRIN dogs.
2The foster dog will be kept as an indoor family pet while in the care of the foster person.
3The foster dog will be kept in a secure indoor area during those periods of time when the foster person is not available to supervise the actions of the dog.
4The foster dog will be fed daily and in such amounts as to maintain ideal body weight.
5The foster dog will have access to fresh water.
6The foster dog will always be exercised on lead (leash) even in a completely secure fenced area.
7The foster dog will receive care and personal attention so as to develop social skills and good house manners.
8The foster dog will be supervised while interacting with any and all animals while in the care of the foster person(s).
9The foster dog will be supervised while interacting with any and all children while in the care of the foster person(s).
10The foster dog will be protected from hazardous materials or products that may be harmful to the dog.
11The foster dog will be kept in a safe environment and protected from conditions and / or experiences unsafe for pet animals.
12The foster dog will receive any necessary veterinary care consistent with the GRIN policies (see items 4 & 5 on page 1 under Foster Care Policy).
13The foster dog will wear, at all times, a secure buckle collar with appropriate identification tags.
14The foster dog will not be transported out of Colorado nor is it to reside in a location other than that which is stated on the foster persons agreement.
15The foster person(s) will immediately notify GRIN should any problems arise in connection with the GRIN foster dog including, but not limited to health or behavioral concerns, loss or theft of the foster dog.