Mary Macdonald is a member of GPAC – Galgo and Podenco Rescue Canada – and last May travelled with 2 friends to Spain to take back 5 podencos and a galgo. Here she tells of how Chaval joined her family in Canada.
‘Chaval is a Galgo from Scooby Medina. He was rescued from a Perrera at the age of eight months. When looking at Scooby’s website and available dogs – a task that is not easy because they all deserve a loving home – Chaval caught my interest because he had been at the rescue so long. When I inquired about him I had learned he had been there so long because he was considered a “ cripple “. He had an old calcaneus fracture of his right hind leg from some unknown trauma. I decided I would adopt him regardless and in May 2018 he became a part of my family.
He had some health issues when he arrived, excessive water drinking and excessive peeing and he needed to gain weight. After a few tests he was diagnosed with Diabetes Insipidus, which is managed by Desmopressin drops in his eye twice a day for life and he started to gain the weight he needed. After I got a diagnosis and treatment, I had his leg X rayed, not thinking anything could really be done since it was such an old fracture.
His X rays were reviewed by Dr Runyon an renowned Veterinary Orthopaedic Surgeon here in Atlantic Canada . She could actually repair his leg. I was so happy for my little man as I like to call him. On August 15 , he had his surgery to repair his fractured Calcaneus. He has been doing well but the biggest challenge is keeping my little man on restricted activity. He is a gem of a dog, sweet , “ cheeky “ and affectionate. I’m so happy to have been able to adopt him. He did come with some emotional scares. He can be very stressed and nervous if he has to leave the house, but over time with confidence-building training he can hopefully put all that trauma behind him.
He’s now been for his post op checks and is doing really well.’
Thank you Mary, for sharing the story of Chaval’s adoption with us.
Chaval on the last leg of his journey to his forever home on Prince Edward Island.