Among the galgos rescued in Murcia at the end of the winter 2010 hunting season was a brindle bitch, living rough in a series of pipes. Tina Solera set out to catch her, but that was easier said than done. Over two weeks went by, the galga evading capture until one day she was spotted sharing a pizza with a little girl. Tina gave a collar and leash to the girl, who got the collar over the galga’s head, and at last she could be taken to the refuge.
The galga went through the usual tests, chipping, vaccinating and preparing for adoption. She was named Lali. I ran an appeal on Galgo News for an adoption home for her and an offer was received from the UK. A home check and references proved this to be one of the best – but Lali needed to be in foster for 6 months to complete her UK Pet Passport. She arrived chez Brennan at the end of June 2010.
As her adoptant already had a cat called Lola, the galga was rechristened Gaby. Since she arrived chez Brennan, she has settled in, gaining confidence living in a home environment and fitting in superbly with our own galga gang. We’ve had some amusing times, Gaby is a terrible thief where food is concerned – comes of having to scavenge to stay alive – but she is a wonderful loving dog who deserves all the comforts which will be bestowed on her in her forever home.
On 12th February 2011 she set off on the final part of her journey from Murcia, Spain, across France to her forever home in the UK. We were so sad to see this loving galga go but comforted to know she will be well loved and lack for nothing.
It has given us an enormous amount of pleasure to help yet another deserving survivor of the hunting hell of Spain have a chance to experience life in a loving environment, and we look forward to updates on her progress flying the flag in England for the galgos.
In the meantime, another galga has arrived chez Brennan, rescued at the end of December from death row in Jerez killing station, for fostering and rehabilitation. Quite a different kettle of fish from Gaby, young, very nervous, never lived in a house environment. With time and patience her personality will develop and she will make a wonderful pet. And her Pet Passport entry for the UK is already underway. More news of her in a separate post.
Comments
4 responses to “Galga Gaby finds her forever home”
Fabulous, thank you Beryl for helping Gaby and fostering her. x
To Tina for rescuing Gaby in the first place and to Beryl & her husband David for fostering her, my heartfelt thanks for all you’ve done for Gaby and for giving me the opportunity to give a home to this wonderful galga. She’s fitted in already as if she’s always been here, learned to live with the resident cat and is proving to be an affectionate, loving dog. To anyone in the UK contemplating adopting a galgo I would say that although it’s a time-consuming process due to the restrictions on bringing animals into the UK, and can be expensive, it is so worthwhile. You will end up with a wonderful canine companion and will have saved one of these extraordinary dogs from the hell that is their lives in Spain.
Thank you, Suzie. Gaby has a most fantastic home with you. and it has been our pleasure to have this great character in our home for 7 months – even though she is the biggest tea leaf we have ever had!! We look forward to hearing more stories of her exploits and adventures. And so marvellous that pusscat Lola has already established who is the boss!
Good on you Galga Gaby, fly the flat in the UK!
Beryl xxx
Hi there! I have a strong feeling that Gaby is my Daphne’s puppy! I would love to stay in touch with you and share photos, if you would be interested. Daphne’s story, location, demeanor, and markings are almost identical to Gaby’s. Daphne arrived November 4, 2008 to the US. Please email me. I would love to stay in touch! C.Azharian@gmail.com. Thank you! ~Christina