Greyhounds are in need of your heart and home
Animal rescue organizations are struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with one of the biggest obstacles being a lack of financial support.
Fundraising is at an all-time low, adoptions have slowed, and volunteers are stretched emotionally. That said, every homeless pet waiting at a shelter or rescue is well cared for by devoted volunteers, despite these unprecedented conditions.
Fundraising for animal rescue organizations occurs throughout the year. But the larger annual and seasonal events such as barbecues, silent auctions and outdoor trail walks, have all but stopped. Most rescues are currently holding online auction fundraisers exclusively, with occasional private donations continuing from dedicated supporters. Adoptions occur during the pandemic, but they are down significantly, resulting in a reduction of badly needed adoption fee income.
Rhonda Martins is the president of GGPAC (Greyhounds Galgos Podencos Atlantic Canada). Podencos and Galgos are a highly intelligent breed of dogs used exclusively for hunting in Spain. They are often referred to as the Spanish Greyhound. Their long, lean bodies, strong legs, willingness to please, sweet attitudes and graceful moves make them great companions for hunters. Sadly, at the end of the hunting season, these dogs become no longer useful to the hunters and the dogs are discarded. Spain is behind modern times concerning animal rights, evidenced by the fact that bullfighting remains an acceptable part of their culture and tourist trade.
GGPAC and Martins have a very close working relationship with an experienced rescue organization in Spain that focuses on protecting the Podencos and Galgos breeds. Martins has nurtured this partnership for many years, and her organization works closely with their rescue organization. Martins will transport a dog to Canada when she has a pre-approved home for the dog. On average, an estimated 16 dogs come to Atlantic Canada each year. In 2020, only eight dogs have arrived; four in February before the pandemic and four last month. She still has five pre-approved households anxiously waiting to adopt dogs. The adoptions may happen after Christmas, but there are no guarantees during this difficult time.
GGPAC is a well-run responsible rescue with Martins at the helm, and it operates like the domino effect. With eight dogs arriving in loving Canadian homes, it opens eight more spots in the Spanish rescue for more of these majestic dogs. Sadly, the pandemic has dramatically impacted their dedicated rescue efforts in both Spain and Canada.
Dogs authorized and approved for adoption in Spain are exclusively brought to Canada only when permanent pre-approved homes are found. Martins works closely with the Spanish rescue to import well-adjusted, vaccinated, trained, assessed and socialized dogs to Atlantic Canada. She recently completed a punishing trip to save four dogs, but she remains undeterred in her efforts to place these dogs with responsible owners.
The Spanish rescue run by its cofounder, Beverly Farmer, can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ PodencoFriends/.
Even with the stress and strain Martins is currently shouldering, her disposition remains positive and inspirational. Her supporters and volunteers stand by her side, knowing Martins' mission will continue long after the pandemic.
Please be kind to animals.
Tracy Jessiman is a pet portrait artist who lives in Halifax with her husband and their three pets. She is a volunteer with Animal Rescue Coalitions of Nova Scotia. She has been rescuing animals most of her life, but more intimately, animals rescued her.