Regular readers will know the name Bev Farmer, who is a podenco passionata in Murcia and works tirelessly to help abandoned podencos on the route to a forever life. She also takes some stunning photos, I’m hoping she will have time to put together a podenco calendar for next year.

This is her story about Malaika, a young podenca bitch loose on a golf course.

‘There is something so special about Malaika, and the second I saw her I felt a very strong connection and had no intention of leaving her on that Golf course no matter what it took to catch her. Now she is with us and where will remain with us for ever.

Mike, who is a steward on the golf course, tried for months to get help for her and he never gave up. The day we caught her, Mike wiped a few tears away. Hannah, his wife, named her Malaika, which is Swalili for Angel and a perfect name

Here is Malaika’s story

In November 2012 I received a phone call from Mike asking if I could help with a Podenco that had been living on a golf course for over 3 months; other people had tried to catch her but given up, and he was worried about her safety.

A group of us arrived on a Friday morning and the moment I saw her, I just knew I could not give up on this girl, no matter what it would take. Like another of my Podencos, she had a large scar running form her shoulder to her tail and they could have been sisters. All I could see was a very frightened animal who had no trust in people.

It took a total of 4 days and I spent many hours just sitting at the side of her, explaining if she would allow me to touch her, everything would be ok. But we just couldn’t bridge that final few inches. We were so close to catching her on the first day but it wasn’t to be and a she knew the golf course much better than us. It was her territory and was always one step ahead of us.

When we finally managed to catch her it was a moment of joy and tears, such a relief for Mike after of months of trying to get help for her and finally he could be assured she was going to be safe. Also along the way we managed to catch an injured Galgo which Galgos del Sol took her under their wing and made sure she was cared for and is now recovered.

Malaika is now part of our family and will remain with us for ever. For a Podenco that lived feral for so long, she quickly adjusted to her new life and is the most loving affectionate dog. I was always concerned about letting her off the lead, given her history, but decided after a month to try. I have to admit it was with some trepidation that I released the lead, but what a moment of elation! She had a good run and then flew straight back to us, she just revels in sprinting along the beach and always returns when called.

Like many rescues, it takes a group effort and I will be eternally thankful to those who supported me, especially Jan Polson. I contacted her to tell her about Malaika and that the only way we would managed to catch her was to pay to have her darted. 30 mins later she responded to say the funds where there. Jan made a plea on my behalf and, thanks to the generosity of people from Spain and, unknown to me a group from Belgium, they made it possible.

For me the Podencos are truly amazing dogs. They come to me broken physically and mentally, yet no matter what life has thrown at them, they seem to have this ability to embrace a new life and family. Sometimes you see the change in days, others can take months, but they have such a wonderful spirit so loving, and a zest for life.

Here is a video of Malaikas rescue, there is so much sadness associated in the world of animal rescue and then you get moments like this, so special.

(Get a hanky ready, for you will weep tears of joy watching this.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCP_Vp4pVQg