How Adopting A Galgo Español Helped Me Find Purpose In Life (33 Pics)

I have always struggled with depression, ADHD, and dyslexia. However, in October 2012, I found myself in an especially dark place. Fortunately, a moment of clarity allowed me to realize what I was about to do, and I stopped myself. That same weekend, we discovered two Galgos had just arrived in Chicago and were available for adoption. The following weekend, we adopted Leena. When I learned that Leena’s previous owner planned to hang her from a tree because he deemed her no longer useful, the irony was not lost on me.We spent months helping Leena learn to trust people again, and in the process, my focus shifted away from my own depression. Leena literally saved my life. She has also taught me to be more open about my struggles with depression and has given me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone.After adopting Leena and witnessing her trauma, we wanted to learn more about her past and the lives of hunting dogs in Spain.More info:Instagram|Facebook|stinkeyephotography.comThis post may includeaffiliate links.

We spent months helping Leena learn to trust people again, and in the process, my focus shifted away from my own depression. Leena literally saved my life. She has also taught me to be more open about my struggles with depression and has given me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone.

After adopting Leena and witnessing her trauma, we wanted to learn more about her past and the lives of hunting dogs in Spain.

More info:Instagram|Facebook|stinkeyephotography.com

This post may includeaffiliate links.

A Lifeline In The Darkness: How A Galgo Español Saved My Life

The Plight of the Galgo EspañolGalgo Españols (Spanish greyhounds) are primarily used for hunting or coursing hares in Spain. During the hunting season, which runs from October to January, many of these dogs live in deplorable conditions, confined in dark sheds when they aren’t coursing. They are neglected and subjected to barbaric training techniques, such as being towed behind cars, trucks, and motorcycles at 30 mph for 15-20 miles.Hunters, known as Galgueros, dispose of Galgos at the end of the hunting season in horrific ways: hanging them from trees, throwing them into wells, starving them, beating them to death, or simply abandoning them. It’s estimated that tens of thousands of Galgos are killed every year in Spain.

The Plight of the Galgo Español

Galgo Españols (Spanish greyhounds) are primarily used for hunting or coursing hares in Spain. During the hunting season, which runs from October to January, many of these dogs live in deplorable conditions, confined in dark sheds when they aren’t coursing. They are neglected and subjected to barbaric training techniques, such as being towed behind cars, trucks, and motorcycles at 30 mph for 15-20 miles.

Hunters, known as Galgueros, dispose of Galgos at the end of the hunting season in horrific ways: hanging them from trees, throwing them into wells, starving them, beating them to death, or simply abandoning them. It’s estimated that tens of thousands of Galgos are killed every year in Spain.

A Lifeline In The Darkness: How A Galgo Español Saved My Life

If abandoned, these dogs are often hobbled to prevent them from returning to their owners. Those that survive abandonment languish in state-run shelters, where they ultimately die.

A Lifeline In The Darkness: How A Galgo Español Saved My Life

A Mission of Rescue and RehabilitationIn response to what we learned; we started an adoption group for Galgos in Chicago called Love Hope Believe Galgo Adoption (www.AdoptaGalgo.com). Despite having never been to Spain, knowing no one there, and not speaking Spanish, we were determined to help.Our first transport brought four dogs from Spain. To promote them for adoption, we needed good photos, but my initial attempts were subpar. Fortunately, a professional photographer fromHeartsSpeak.orghelped us, and her images inspired me to improve my skills. I watched countless YouTube videos and bought photography courses. My goal was to joinHeartsSpeak.organd offer my services to dogs in need. A year later, I achieved this goal.

A Mission of Rescue and Rehabilitation

In response to what we learned; we started an adoption group for Galgos in Chicago called Love Hope Believe Galgo Adoption (www.AdoptaGalgo.com). Despite having never been to Spain, knowing no one there, and not speaking Spanish, we were determined to help.

Our first transport brought four dogs from Spain. To promote them for adoption, we needed good photos, but my initial attempts were subpar. Fortunately, a professional photographer fromHeartsSpeak.orghelped us, and her images inspired me to improve my skills. I watched countless YouTube videos and bought photography courses. My goal was to joinHeartsSpeak.organd offer my services to dogs in need. A year later, I achieved this goal.

A Lifeline In The Darkness: How A Galgo Español Saved My Life

The Power of Photography

A Lifeline In The Darkness: How A Galgo Español Saved My Life

Capturing the Soul of a Dog

I love photographing dogs because their emotions are so unfiltered. I aim to capture their personalities and show people the beauty I see in these animals. Understanding dog body language helps me communicate with them, making them comfortable in the studio and allowing me to capture their true expressions.

A Lifeline In The Darkness: How A Galgo Español Saved My Life

How You Can HelpIf you feel compelled to help the hunting dogs of Spain, here are some ways:–Raise Awareness: Share their story. The more people know, the more pressure can be put on the Spanish government to change the laws and protect these dogs.–Volunteer: Spend time at a shelter in Spain, whether it’s for a day or a week. Veterinarians can perform spay and neuter surgeries, and dog trainers experienced in positive reinforcement can help rehabilitate abused dogs. Shelters also need help with social media, fundraising, and finding foster and adoptive homes.

How You Can Help

If you feel compelled to help the hunting dogs of Spain, here are some ways:

–Raise Awareness: Share their story. The more people know, the more pressure can be put on the Spanish government to change the laws and protect these dogs.

–Volunteer: Spend time at a shelter in Spain, whether it’s for a day or a week. Veterinarians can perform spay and neuter surgeries, and dog trainers experienced in positive reinforcement can help rehabilitate abused dogs. Shelters also need help with social media, fundraising, and finding foster and adoptive homes.

A Lifeline In The Darkness: How A Galgo Español Saved My Life

–Adopt or Foster: Galgos are intelligent, good problem solvers, and excellent jumpers. They require a 6-foot fence or commitment to leash walking. They shouldn’t be off-leash in open areas as they can reach full speed quickly and run for miles. They usually get along well with other dogs and can live with cats and small dogs.–Transport Dogs: If you travel to Spain from the United States, you can help transport dogs to adoption groups in the USA. Flights need to be direct from Spain to the final destination in the USA.My main goal is to raise awareness about the plight of these dogs in Spain. By sharing their stories, we can put pressure on Spain to change its laws and protect these wonderful animals.

–Transport Dogs: If you travel to Spain from the United States, you can help transport dogs to adoption groups in the USA. Flights need to be direct from Spain to the final destination in the USA.

My main goal is to raise awareness about the plight of these dogs in Spain. By sharing their stories, we can put pressure on Spain to change its laws and protect these wonderful animals.

A Lifeline In The Darkness: How A Galgo Español Saved My Life