Polar is a small white galgo puppy, born in February 2013, who was abandoned outside Pepis Refuge, Pedrera, Seville, in early April. He has a deformed back leg which, xray results show, is due to being broken when very young and then left to heal itself. Unless he has ongoing operations on his leg, it will not grow as he grows, which might lead to amputation. I decided to adopt him, as my French vet is marvellous at putting injured/deformed legs back together. The operations will be expensive and I am hoping people will help me with the cost of these, by coming up with some fundraising ideas.

Polar has had his bath today, apparently water went everywhere! On Thursday he leaves Pepis and his friends and begins his journey to France, arriving Friday afternoon.

Is there anyone who would run a sponsored half marathon, do a sponsored walk, a parachute jump, climb a mountain?! I’ll help with publicity and appeals for sponsorship.

As soon as I know the cost of the first operation, which needs to be done as soon as possible, I’ll let you know, but first indications are that it could be 4 figures! Rest assured that I will account to you for all money raised. What shall we call it – 4 legs for Polar? How’s that for starters? Any other suggestions?

It’s over 20 years since we’ve had a tiny puppy, so it’s going to be a BIG learning curve! We’ve had puppies to stay overnight when we’ve brought them back from Spain to be rehomed in France, and the youngest foster boy, Darin, was 11 months old when he was with us. But a 4-month old gangly mischievous puppy is really going to keep us on high alert! We’re already looking around deciding what books and magazines need moving out of reach of being chewed, plants on low window sills and tables, etc. Goodness, the living rooms are going to look bare!

As for the canine gang currently in residence, I expect Bracken will welcome a playmate with leaps of joy! He is only 4 and misses Sahara, as they often played tag around the courtyard. Carmela will think him a nuisance if he pinches her bed. Little Bebe will bark and bark trying to keep him in check – she’s very good at barking to alert me if Bracken is doing something he shouldn’t, so I expect she will be very busy doing the same with Polar. And old Floyd, he’ll probably just grumble.

Polar is being collected from Jane and Alan on 6th June and we will meet up with Sheila and Ian of Europet Transport late afternoon on 7th June.

Look out for the next update after our visit to my vet.

NB. Bracken went to live with his adopting family in the UK but, due to a very serious injury and illness with his new mom, they had to give him up. As soon as MOH David heard the news, he jumped into the car and drove there and back in 2 days – he’d wanted to keep Bracken and he got his wish, albeit for sad reasons.