Callum gives up holiday to care for abused dogs
AKIND hearted student from a Widnes college has gained work experience at a rescue centre for dogs in Spain.
Callum Ellis, aged 18, from Cronton Sixth Form College has spent time at Galgos Del Sol.
The rescue centre was established in 2007 and looks after abandoned Galgos dogs (also known as Spanish greyhounds), the most abused breed in Spain.
Bred for hunting, they are often abandoned on the streets and left to fend for themselves once the hunting season ends.
The staff at the rescue centre nurse the dogs back to health and also work with local hunters, educating them in the welfare of their dogs and encouraging them to bring any unwanted dogs to the rescue centre.
The animal management student has also gained experience working with aban- ● doned animals while volunteering at a retired greyhound charity and as far afield as Thailand.
He had already spent his last summer holiday at Galgos Del Sol on a volunteer pro- gramme and was invited back to help around the turn of the year.
Callum said: “I first became aware of Galgos Del Sol via social media after seeing a video of a dog they had rescued; it was heartbreaking.
“I decided I wanted to do something to help, so I spent my summer holiday last year on their volunteering programme.
“This experience has really helped me with my animal management course at college and with my other volunteering work in the UK.
“It was an emotional experience and hard work but it was very rewarding.
“The founder of the charity, Tina Solera, was an inspiration and I feel privileged that I was able to play a part in the wonderful work they do and make a small difference to the dogs’ futures.” ●