Hope for Podencos Newsletter.

‘We aren’t going to lie to you, 2018 has been challenging for the charity.

The year looked set to start off well – as Suzannah Stacey and Irene and Steve Allan had combined their efforts and opened their new centre in November. Unfortunately, all the hard work was nearly lost following the tragic and unexpected death of Suzzanah in January.

Suzannah had committed years of her life to the plight of podencos. Sadly, during her move to purchase the new centre, had not finalised all of the legal documents to secure the funds for the centre in case of her passing. This left the charity in crisis; without its benefactor/owner and all funds tied up in probate. As a result, the Allan’s and supporters had just weeks to raise €120,000.00 from scratch to save the centre, the charity and their home.

With the help of all of you, we achieved the impossible; securing the centre and Suzzanah’s legacy. We can’t thank you enough. You have proved time and again that Together we are Stronger.

Now that we are over this hurdle and had time to catch our breath, we are excited to plan for the future and realise the full potential of our centre. We will keep you all up to date with the mini project plan as they progress: quarantine, nursery, runs etc.

The Suzannah Stacey Memorial Kennel is our next mission and, with the continued support of you all, this lasting legacy will be started in the near future.

As many of our supporters are aware, the Podenco breeds are treated horrendously. Over bred for the hunting season, the dogs are often starved and abused. Tens of thousands end up surplus to requirement each year and are abandoned at the end of the season. Poor performers may be harshly punished, they are not recognised under animal welfare laws and many locals do not see the potential of them to be pets.

But wonderful pets they do make – so trusting and loving despite what they have been through. Take the beautiful Dante currently at the centre. He was found wandering in an olive grove. The reality is, had he not been rescued by the charity, he would have starved (a smashed hip meant he couldn’t hunt). With the help of our supporters, we can get Dante the help he needs and – once he is fit and well – rehome him to someone that will love and care for him.

Too many of our dogs have a story like Dante’s. Too many are abused and come to us broken. But we build them back up and find them their forever home. Please continue to support us so that we can help as many dogs as possible. We look forward to sharing Dante’s progress with you as we get him on the mend.