Galgo News

Fundacion Benjamin Mehnert - update on galgo puppy Sanvi

From FBM

Miracles are ALWAYS FRUIT OF LOVE - Sanvi: When everything seemed lost...

When Sanvi came to us, her little body barely responded. Didn't reflect, didn't react... and for a few moments, we thought we were too late. But then something incredible happened: love, surrender, and hope began to take effect.

Thanks to the tireless care of our vets, the daily affection of caregivers, and above all the work of volunteers from all over the world, Sanvi began, very little by little, to wake up.

Rescue dogs aren't broken - they just experience a lot of bad things...

Dementia in dogs

Of all the dogs I have had in over 7 decades of my life, I have only had one with dementia. One was sadly stolen and never found; one young one was run over and killed; 3 were lost to cancer; one had dementia. The rest lived long and happy lives.

It was my borderline collie (99% border collie/1%spaniel) who developed dementia and it was upsetting to see. I'd find him standing still with no idea where he was, what direction to go in, straddling a low brick wall, snapping when caressed. He was in his teens by then, so it was part of the natural ageing process for him. In the end he became so confused it was kinder to comfort him as he was pts.

This is a weblink about recognising and caring for a dog with dementia.

A weblink to a book by someone living with a dog with dementia.

Do dogs grieve the loss of another dog?

I certainly believe they do. 4 years ago I lost my much loved galgo Polar to lymphoma. Galgo Bracken became very clingy, as did little Podenca Bebe. 3 months after losing Polar we lost Bracken to a tumour in his lungs. Bebe couldn't cope with the loss of yet another housemate and just gave up on life. She would not eat, drink, get off her bed - she was just wasting away, no matter how much we cuddled her, so we had to make the kindest decision to send her over the bridge to join the others.

Do dogs grieve?

Looking after a Senior Dog

It's a sad fact of life that a lot of senior dogs are dumped in shelters and perreras when their owners either can't afford the vet fees for medical care, or in the case of hunters because the dogs have served their purpose and they no longer want them!

This article explains how to care for an older dog, although I'm sure my readers are already well experienced in caring for their senior dog.

The Fate awaiting British greyhounds sent to China

My passion for greyhounds started back in 1994 when a stray greyhound in poor condition turned up at our Suffolk farmhouse. In those days no one adopted greyhounds. Moving to France I discovered the situation for the Spanish Greyhound (galgos) and started my long fight to publicise their plight and help the rescue associations. So it's easy to forget that the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (nothing Great about Britain now!) ignores the plight of unwanted greyhounds transported to a life of hell in China! Would you believe they eat greyhounds in China>!

So for a change from galgos, I'm publishing this latest report from Kerry Elliman who originally founded Greyhound Protection UK which developed into Candi Hound Rescue International. She has been rescuing British greyhounds in China for several years and this is her latest report, from 25/11/2024.

CPR on dogs

Learn about performing CPR on your dog

Life saving dogs

Although not a post about galgos, I wanted to share the thoughts with you. As dog lovers, I am sure you will identify with it.

'This is addressed to those who don't want to rent apartments to people with dogs and also to those who won't rent houses to them:
I can't take my dog to the beach for a walk because it bothers you on your vacation. You also won't let me rent a house if I have a dog, and I can't bring my dog on public transport either.

However, I can take my dog through the rubble to find you after an earthquake, into the forest after you got lost in the mountains without a map or GPS, under the snow because you went off-piste despite the prohibition, into the water because you swam despite the red flag, and anywhere else you might need because, in the end, it's just a dog... but it will find you.

Dedicated to all those who don't love dogs

Add these to the list -

If I'm blind you rely on me to lead you; if I have a medical condition you rely on me to alert you; if I am part paralyzed you rely on me to pick up your phone, get the washing out of the machine, open the door...

Gabapentin for Dogs - what you should know

Read the full article on this weblink.

Separation anxiety in dogs

We have always had more than one dog so we've been lucky that we have never had to deal with the problem of separation anxiety. But galgos and podencos are used to living in packs, so it is something which could be a problem if a rescue is adopted as an only dog. Having said that, some - notably ex racing greyhounds - have to live as an only dog.

This article from the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals PDSA explores the problem.