WE ARE ON A MISSION

Help us to help the Galgos begin again with A SOUND BEGINNING 

Dogs don't die from lack of veterinary care.

Broken bones will mend – wounds can heal.

But still the amount of dogs dying is staggering and the main reason is due to behavioral problems.

What can we do about it?

Love, Hope, Believe Galgo Adoption (LHB) and A Sound Beginning Program (ASB), two groups from the Chicagoland area, have joined together to aid a shelter in Spain in their efforts at saving the Galgos. Fundacion Benjamin Mehnert (FBM) shelter regularly houses 300-500 galgos (that number can swell to 800+ after hunting season ends). Fact: Over 45,000 Galgos are killed every year. We are committed to their cause…. to end their cruel treatment, find loving homes for those rescued, and to bring light to their plight.

What is a Galgo?

These Sighthounds were once the dogs of royalty - so valued it was punishable by death to harm or steal one. They were bred to hunt hare in a contest between two dogs. As the sport has evolved and the culture has changed, the status of the dogs has sunk to that of a “tool” for gambling. To discard them, the Galgos are hung from trees, dropped in abandoned wells, shot, set on fire or abandoned on the streets. These beautiful, sleek, and soft-natured dogs deserve more. FBM shelter needs support to help these dogs while in shelter and assistance in finding homes for as many as we can.

What is our Mission?

In May of 2016, LHB is sending a team of educators from the A Sound Beginning Program to aid FBM in the following ways:

• to establish a training protocol for the kennel and rescue staff
• to set up an effective volunteer program for visitors
• to put systems in place so those handling the dogs will be able to do it safely
• to ease stress for the dogs while in the shelter by providing enrichment and training
• to provide support for the adopter
• to incorporate veterinary behavior practices to help dogs cope with fear and anxiety
• to provide hands on help and training for shelter staff and regular volunteers
• to bring back 6 Galgos to the USA for rehabilitation and adoption

The commitment of LHB and ASB will extend beyond the initial weeklong visit to the shelter. We will continue to correspond via email and skype to provide support as the shelter implements the programming designed specifically for this unique population of cast-off dogs. We will also continue to provide expertise in helping to assimilate the Galgos that we transport to the USA.

Who are we?

A Sound Beginning is a training and education program designed to increase the number of successful adoptions by educating shelters, foster families, and adopters, on canine behavior. By teaching both ends of the leash, we can give dogs the coping skills needed to help them learn how to trust and live in a world that may have caused them anxiety and suffering in the past. Love, Hope, Believe Galgo Adoption works with rescue groups in Spain to bring Galgos to the USA for adoption. They work on rehabilitation in foster homes to help dogs adjust to their new lives before becoming available for adoption.

How can you be part of this effort?

Donate

Your donation will enable this mission to happen! Educating those who work daily with the Galgos will improve the lives of these dogs and will give the adopter the help needed for a successful transition from life in a shelter to a forever home.

Foster

Consider becoming a foster home for a Galgo. Both Love, Hope, Believe Galgo Adoption and the A Sound Beginning team will support you every step of the way as you help a damaged dog become whole again. For further information please contact either: Travis Patenaude – LHB – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or Julie Dorsey-Oskerka – ASB – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..