Podenco Post

Poignant thoughts from a Vet on euthanasia

This is a story from a vet in South Africa. Not about galgos but but probably there are many more vets around the world and in Spain who feel the same as her, putting down healthy galgos in perreras.

'I have been writing this post in my head for nearly 3 years and until today I've never been brave enough to post it. But recently some people doing similar work and facing much the same reality have used social media to speak up about a topic that for so long has not been discussed. Their bravery has given me the courage to finally share my thoughts and experiences about something that I’ve needed to for so long.

Today I euthanased 5 dogs. This is not an uncommon task for a vet to perform and getting into the profession you are well aware of the fact that this is something you will have to do in your chosen career. However, the dogs I put down today were not sick, they were not injured, they were not old and they were not unhealthy in any way. They were not untamed and they were not aggressive. They were perfect, healthy and normal dogs. There was no reason for them to lose their lives today other than that they were failed by humans because of the current overpopulation crisis of domestic animals particularly dogs that so few people are prepared to accept and try to understand.

Podenco Flynn - from Podenco Friends to a forever home in Canada

From Bev Farmer of Podenco Friends.

'A post Ive waited some years to be able to write.

Flynn has been here at the finca a number of years, a special needs Podenco he has been passed over so many times and he just needed that family who would understand him ..

Well the good news is, Flynn has a family waiting for him in Canada!!! A family with many years experience of shy timid dogs that need the support time and patience to learn about a different world, outside the safety of the finca.

I am so happy for him, he arrived so shut down and broken and at first the only person he would allow close to him was me. But over time he has discovered that people are nice and in many ways he is a very happy fun loving dog but he does get worried in situations he is not comfortable with. He will have people that will help him overcome his fears of the unknown to live his life to the full.

Akira Dog Sanctuary - podencos hoping for forever homes

From Hayley O'Brien at Akira Dog Shelter.

'Here are all the podencos that we have who are ready and waiting for their forever homes. They are all special with wonderful individual personalities. Podencos make such wonderful family dogs as they are so affection. Most of our podencos are good with other dogs and really enjoy playtime with their pals. They all walk well on the leash and many are house trained.

If you want to find out their full details please check www.akira-animals.com or the Facebook albums. You can also email [email protected] or whatsapp +34 657 68 95 67.

Adopting a Podenco - what you should know

There are several different types of podenco, from the small Maneto and Erbano to the Canario, Ibicenco and the largest, the Campanero. Generally they are much more active than galgos, make great agility dogs or canicross dogs and are exgtremely intelligent. They make loyal pets so this is what you should know about the Podenco.

Weblink

Read more on this weblink

Rescued dogs have a tale to tell - second hand dogs are the best!

Galgos del Sol - podencos for adoption

See all the podencos available for adoption on this weblink.

Podenca Truffle - happily homed in Italy

From Salva Podenco de Gran Canaria.

'This lovely Gran Canaria podenca was originally called Iris. Now she's called Truffle. When she came to us she was a terrified dog, she lived tied up in a dirty chenil until that time. She knew nothing about the world and was afraid of people, especially men.

Today she lives super happy with hers family in Italy and almost overcame all her fears of the human being. Thank you so much to her family for taking care of her and everyone who helped us through the process for her to get to her forever home. We are so glad to hear from her adopters.'

Podencos In Need Scotland - walking for the podencos

JUST 3 WEEKS TO HELP

Please show your support for our PINS founder Pam, and her Pod Squad, who are taking on the Kiltwalk Challenge this September to raise much needed funds for the dogs

Did you know that Pam and the teams at PINS have rescued over 400 dogs in 5 years? All through daily dedicated volunteering and the hard work involved in rescuing, fostering, forever homes and funding for each dog.

We currently have 40 dogs to rehome, including several saved from the perrera - show your support by sponsoring them here

Donate here

Akira Dog Sanctuary - podencos hoping for forever homes

This link will take you to Akira Dog Sanctuary in Pedrera, southern Spain, where there are several lovely deserving podencos waiting for forever homes.

Please contact the Sanctuary, Hayley, if you have room in your heart and home for one.

This stunning boy is Bang (what a name!!) with gorgeous green eyes. He only arrived at the shelter last month.

Dogs take a piece of my heart