A new future in France

Anna Clements and Albert Sordé drove five galgos to Toulouse this weekend, two of whom went to their definitive homes and three into fostercare. Carol, Bueno, Bruno, Elvis and Caramelo can all look forward to a new life in France. We'll soon be posting a link to the video of their journey. on the blog.

SOMBRA SHALL GO TO THE BALL

Sombra was the guest of honour at Toriki's wedding and, as you can see from the photo, both looked stunning . Toriki is the niece of Lola Bustillo who is a keen supporter of our cause.

We are very grateful to the Bustillos for taking the opportunity to show how a galgo is another member of the family in these beautiful photos. Thanks also go to the designers 'Los Pepes' who are always helping us out and who not only dressed the bride but Sombra too, designing a special collar for the occasion.

DO YOU WANT TO ADOPT RICHIE?

Richie is a wonderfully affectionate galgo who was found in Teruel with a broken back leg. We were told that his owner had abandoned him when he broke his leg and he had gone a year with the leg untreated. As you can see from the photo, the break had consolidated very badly. The traumatologist Xavier Totusaus, who kindly reduces his fees to help galgos in need, spent 3 hours operating on Richie’s leg. It was a very complicated operation as a nerve and surrounding blood vessels were trapped in the bone that had fused together.

We hope that Richie re-gains full use of his leg and that he finds a family that will treat him with as much love and affection as he has to give.

BUENO EN FRANCE!

Bueno was caught in a trap in a village near Seville called Valencina. He was found by Jose Luis who immediately called the local police. They proceeded to release the galgo and take photos of the scene with a view to prosecution as laying traps is an illegal practice. Bueno was transported to Veterinos clinic in Sant Cugat where the staff took great care of him, dressing and treating his wound daily. We're very grateful to Jose Luis and his family for rescuing him and for looking after him until he could be sent to us in Barcelona. We'd also like to thank Veterinos and all those who donate their time, effort and money to help galgos like Bueno. He is now in foster care in France where our colleagues at Le Relais des VIP Off Courses are seeking the perfect forever family for him.

FOUR GALGOS, FOUR STORIES

The following galgos were found injured and urgently needed SOS GALGOS' help.

1. Blanca
Blanca is a lively, young galga who was found in Almeria with a broken leg. She underwent surgery and was fitted with external fixators. As soon as she has recovered and the fixators removed, she will be adopted by one of our members who has two other dogs and a big garden.

2. Gabo
This beautiful, black galgo also needed external fixation of his leg which was broken when he was run over twice in Jerez. Once he recovers from his leg injury, he will be go to live with his forever family and their golden retriever in Esplugas.

3. Lola
Another injured galga, she was fitted with a prosthesis to mend her broken leg. Once it was removed, she was spayed and is now ready to travel to France for adoption.

4. Shiva
She was founded abandoned in Seville and needed a plate to be surgically inserted in her leg.

PLAN TO EXPORT IRISH GREYHOUNDS TO CHINA BLOCKED

The Irish Greyhound Board's plan to export greyhounds to Chinese racetracks was blocked by the Department of Agriculture in May of this year. The proposal to send racing dogs to a country where animal welfare standards are notoriously low caused widespread alarm amongst animal protection groups, including SOS Galgos. Director Anna Clements travelled from Barcelona to Dublin in April to join representatives of other greyhound rescue associations from around the world to protest against this cruel injustice to greyhounds. The agreement would have been a "business opportunity" for the Irish Greyhound Board with no regard for the welfare of greyhounds, abandoned to their fate in a country that routinely kills dogs and cats for their fur and meat. Whilst on this occasion protests were successful, greyhound defence groups must continue their fight to protect greyhounds' rights within an industry that capitalises on the greyhound's speed at the expense of its welfare.