A sanctuary sent from heaven

Photo by 112 Carlota Galgos

Charlotte and her husband run a safe haven for the Spanish Galgos and we could talk with her for hours. There is so much passion, love and purpose related to their daily life at 112 Carlota Galgos, their non-profit association that works for the protection of the Spanish greyhound, the Galgo. Every morning they get up to rescue, heal and search for homes that can adopt Galgos in need.

1.     Describe what your safe haven is all about?

112 Carlota Galgos aims to protect the Spanish Galgo by creating a safe place for them to be after they have been rescued from hunters or from the streets. We rehabilitate them because they are often spiritually, mentally, and physically broken. We give them the time they need to heal in body, mind, and spirit. So, once they are ready for adoption, we begin searching for a new family.

2.     What makes you get out of bed every morning?

In the beginning it was a calling and it still is today, because they don’t deserve being treated badly. Along the way I guess the passion has become a purpose. We also encounter people who are quite similar to the Galgos and are also in need. What gets me out of bed every morning is caring for our residence, the Galgos in our care, but also to do the best I can for those who follow and support us. In my communication with others, I do my best to be positive, while speaking from the heart, but I do my best not to show anything to distressing, because I realize that although I can see what happens, others are unable to do the same and it just might cause them to have nightmares. So, I focus on the positive and showing people what the Galgo is all about. This is what keeps me going from day to day, doing the best I can for everyone.

3.     How do you choose their new homes?

I know the dogs so well because I am with them every day and night. Every move they make, how they eat, sleep, play, react and every hair on their bodies. When we read the applications we receive from families, it is quite clear which dog might be the right fit for the family. The last thing we want is to set a dog up for failure, so we put a lot of work into matching the dogs with the right family. We also do home visits to get to know the families better. For families outside of Spain, our sister organizations in other countries do the home visits for us. This way we can also find families in other countries.

4.     Saying goodbye is never easy, do you have specific guidelines or restrictions for the dog’s journey to its new home?

We work with the same transporter who drives the dogs either to their new home or to an airport. We know him very well and he knows how to transport the dogs. Safety and security are paramount when sending the dogs to their new homes. If the Galgos get scared during transport, they are held securely by two collars, a three-loop harness and two bite-proof leashes to prevent them from escaping. We are what and who the Galgos know and they feel safe around us. We like to make sure that the journey is well prepared and safety and security for the Galgos is imperative to us.

5.     How do you prepare your dogs for departure?

I always believe they know when they are ready to leave. I guess this is something you need to see for yourself, but you can see it in their behavior. Especially when we prepare them for leaving by giving them a bath and a new collar. You can also tell that the others know when a Galgos is about to leave. It is quite beautiful.

6.     What are your thoughts on bringing a family dog on vacation, an adventure, or holiday?

I think it’s fine if safety measures are taken into consideration. As they are going places they don’t know it can be very difficult to find them if they are startled and suddenly run away. If people respect their dog’s safety and security, then I think it is great because they always adapt to a new environment if they are with their family. Travelling can be a beautiful thing for dogs. If they need to fly, as long as sufficient time is given to the journey and for resting after a flight, then that is great too. Obviously, it’s better if they don’t have to fly, but if the trip is well prepared and the dog is healthy, calm and strong they will be just fine on a shorter flight.