A whirlwind of help has gone out for one unfortunate galga who we named Sofie. Sofie, another one of the thousands of abandoned galgos in Spain had been wandering the town of Badajoz in Spain. A kind rescuer named Isabel, who rescued one Podenco named Paquito that GRIN brought to the U.S. last year, had been able to feed Sofie since February 10th. Each day Sofie came a little closer to eat, as she was petrified of people. Progress was being made.
On April 23rd Sofie appeared at the home at night as she had been doing, but now, things were different. To the horror of Isabel what she saw was Sofie with her jaw hanging, her mouth mutilated and horrific damage to her tongue and teeth. No words could describe the agony she was suffering from what we can only surmise as foul play. Without a proper veterinary hospital for this type of injury, Isabel, desperate to help her, reached our friend Silvia Bordetas Gil in Valencia for help. Silvia known by her friends to do anything in her power to help a dog in distress jumped into action, staying up all night arranging for transportation from Badajoz to Valencia over 500 km away.
Sofie, stunned by her injury was captured easily and immediately her journey began because of some wonderful volunteers eager to help her get to the vet. This is a life threatening injury as she could not even drink water and the probably of infection very great. By Sat. morning at 2:00 a.m. Sofie had made it to the veterinary clinic and her extensive surgery began. The pictures at the clinic are horrific as the extent of the damage was revealed, but, as I write this I can say that the surgeons repair was dramatic. She can now open and close her jaw. The tongue had not been cut out completely, but, she had swallowed it in pain and the vet discovered that she had a portion missing but still had most of it. The prognosis is hopefully that she will recover but time will tell the length of that. A foster home will be needed as she will need special attention.
Many friends of mine were informed of this case by email as it was happening and the love and concern for Sofie has been overwhelming. Funds are being collected for Sofie's surgeries and ongoing care. The need will be great. Donations can be made through G.R.I.N. for Sofie. We will update on her recovery. Thank you to everyone involved in this case, Sofie deserves our help and a wonderful home when she recovers never to be a victim again.
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Today Sofie drink alone, only a little bit but it was good. She doesn't want to eat but the vet gave food with, I don't know in english but I hope you know what I mean, sonda nasogastrica. If all is ok she will need another surgery. I send new pics from today.
Love,
Silvia
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It has come to GRIN's attention the work of the association called Adopcion Animal in Sevilla Spain. Headed up by Isabel Pavia Vazquez and her husband and daughter and a few volunteers, their commitment to helping over 300 galgos in their care is amazing. They are in the process of working on a updated shelter thanks to a contribution they have and hope to be open and move their dogs to this new shelter in the summer of 2010.
G.R.I.N. would like to thank all our supporters for the generous contributions to Scooby Medina to help with the food crisis they find themselves in. We are making a huge difference to the lives of all the Scooby dogs right now thanks to you! Thank you so much and please continue to help us help them as we do not know the outcome at this time. 
Dear GRIN Friends, we reach out to you today to ask that you read this plea below from the Scooby Medina Shelter.
Story by Vera Thorenaar Reddering, foster mom.
A group in Germany uses this private bus to transport dogs out of Spain on a monthly basis. Many associations in Spain have been able to secure a new life for their dogs via this transport. Luna has been lucky to get her spot on the bus for her trip to her foster home in Germany. The trip takes 18 hours and the group of ladies share the drive and it can be exhausting, what with 45 dogs on board!
The sixth annual West Coast Greyhound Gathering in Solvang California, was held Feb 19-21, 2010. Organizer Terri Rogo and volunteers made it another memorable weekend with about 200 greyhounds and four galgos in attendance. The town of Solvang once again rolled out the red carpet for this event and it is great to see all the greyhounds and their people enjoying a relaxing weekend of events, with old and new friends. Even though the weather was not as perfect as the previous five years but it was good for dog walking, so the hounds enjoyed it!
G.R.I.N. recently provided 
G.R.I.N. has been able to mail five boxes of coats to a very needy shelter in Sevilla Spain called Adoptio Animal www.adopcionanimal.com who is caring for over 250 galgos and other dogs as well. Their plea for warm coats for their shivering skinnies has been heard and over 100 coats have been sent. You can see from the pictures that they are enjoying them. Thank you coat makers and GRIN donors, without you this work can�t be done.