It’s 10 years since Bev Farmer first met Tilly and so began her journey into the world of the podencos – life was never to be the same! Bev tells her story.

10 years ago this month I encountered my very first Podenco. We had suddenly lost one of our dogs and called into a local shelter. Tilly was curled up in ball shivering and looking so vulnerable, so yes we will have her. She had been discovered in a large refuse bin covered in rubbish with one of her front legs badly broken.

So, having absolutely no idea what a “Podenco” was, we took her home.

24 hours later….. the sad forlorn facade slipped and Tillys true personality became apparent, just one word DIVA.

Over the months she tested me to my limits in the many many years of owning dogs, I had never encountered such a stubborn, manipulative, intelligent, loving crazy dog who never ever ran out of energy. She had a number of behavioral problems, one being that she would self mutilate and on one day had 4 full epileptic fits. But she’s never had one since.

For months it was a battle of wills. My neighbour´s told me all they ever heard from the house is “Tilly Nooooooo”, maybe after she had destroyed the 3rd mobile phone in one week. Yes, I have had to climb up trees to bring her down after she chased cats, I am that person who has sat on a rock in the blazing sun waiting for her ladyship to return when she is ready. But one day something must have clicked and Tilly seemed to calm down and then our relationship blossomed.

She is now an old girl, nearly 12 years old and nearly all white and a little scruffy around the edges, but still has the heart of a 2 year old and can give the youngsters a run for their money.

It is Tilly that taught me so much about the character of the Podencos, experience that is invaluable. Still a companion and friend, she now has another role in life. For she is the Alpha of the pack and rules with an iron rod, not through pressure but from years of experience.

(Some of the pack) Every new rescue we take in, she is the one that welcomes them and is instrumental in their rehabilitation. Approval from Tilly means all the other dogs accept them and they are quickly part of the family. This makes our work so much easier for the new arrivals; they learn from the older more experienced Podencos. Those that are nervous stand back and watch and soon come forward and are wanting cuddles.

So happy gotcha day Tilly long may your reign last

Contact Bev direct to find out more about her podencos waiting for adoption