A photo that captured many people hearts.

bev Farmer of Podenco Friends writes.’This week (23/6/2016) Penelope will be joining her new family, a forever sofa a home where she will be loved and cherished.

I will never forget the day we collected her she was so thin and so scared her fragility and vulnerability was palpable. A moment where you wish you could tell her its all going to be ok and she would understand your words. More shocking once examined by our vets and after taking xrays. She had a badly dislocated hip and a fracture to her ankle but they were old injuries. I cannot imagine the level of pain she suffered and she was surviving on the side of a busy road. Further complications she tested positive for leishmania if left there her chances of survival were not good. In time Penelope became part of the family and her cheeky character began to shine through. Like so many Podencos their ability to over come such adversity always amazes me and she was no different.

I have always had dogs in my life from the day I was born but was 13 years ago I first adopted a Podenco not knowing what one was or what they are subjected to. I have so much respect for this breed its so sad that so many do not. Their uniqueness is undefinable they are truly special souls those who have adopted one will so understand what I mean, for sure they have changed my life.

I am so happy Penelope’s family found her, she will have the life she deserves but its very hard to say goodbye you try not to get attached but its impossible when you work so closely with them, even more so with her. The day the Rotweiler attacked her, a dog more than 4 times her weight …. any thoughts of my safety went out the window as I desperately tried to get it off her. My mind slowed down enough during the attack I actually thought I am witnessing my dogs been killed and there is nothing I can do to stop it. Thankfully she managed to break loose and ran back home but needed many stitches for the serious injuries inflicted to her a few millimeters more and her lungs would have been punctured.

She arrived with us broken, having lived her life in fear of people. But she took a chance and she began to understand there is a different life to her previous one. From a podenco that would scuttle into the corner she engaged in life and would be the first in line waiting for her lead to be put on to go out for her walk.

Penelope got her second chance. She will always be very close to my heart for many reasons, thank you to everyone for being there for her.