Bev Farmer of Podenco Friends has done a tremendous amount to raise the profile of Podencos - not quite so 'Invisible' as they were 12-15 years ago when I first started to foster some back in 2007. Here Bev shares the story of how she and her late partner Warren became involved with these wonderful hounds.

'Angela .. the first senior podenco we rescued back in 2013.

I collected Angela from the perrera, she was 12 years old and surrendered by her owner. When I reached to pick her up I prepared myself for the weight of an adult dog. I took in a sharp breath as it was like picking up a puppy, she was so thin. She had a lot of health issues, a huge hernia her ear was a mess and her kidneys were failing.

Despite all of this she was the most loving and generous of dogs such a character .. if ever a dog deserved a second chance at life it was Angela. She spent a few weeks with us living in our home but sadly her body began to fail. Then she spent a few days of intensive care at our vets, she was still very bright in herself but refusing to eat .. We brought her home hoping it may help but she knew her life force was fading .. Angela laid on my lap and let me stroke her for a couple of hours before I made the call to our vets and told them 'it’s time to let her go'.

When we rescue these Podencos we are filled with hope that we can heal them. That they will go on to live a long and happy life with their families. It was so difficult to reconcile that we could not give this to Angela. I cherish the time we spent together, only a short time but what a wonderful few weeks filled with so many precious memories.. She gave us such joy and an insight to how special the senior Podencos are and it would have felt like a lifetime for her.

She had her own bed, walks on the beach, other dogs to play with and when the time came she didn’t die alone on a cold floor. Angela left this world with someone who loved her and held her until she slipped away.

Ten years later and it continues.. after many years of loyal service to their hunters older Podencos are thrown away .. I thank Angela she was the start of my love and respect for the seniors she lit the path for others that found their way to us ..
Such a pure spirit I will never forget you.'

I can add to this story in that many years ago in the very early days of Podenco Friends, an old white Podenca came to my notice, dumped in a perrera. I contacted Bev to ask if she was prepared to get the poor dog and I would publicise and share expenses etc.' Bev was very brave, responded and was able to get Blanca but sadly the poor old lady was in such a state that she died in the car with Bev, she didn't even make the journey. But again, she didn't die on a cold damp floor in a perrera.