From Bev Farmer, Podenco Friends.

It is so important that people hear about the struggles we face in rescue with the Podencos. Blanca’s tragic loss was devastating, but I hope her life was not in vain. Her legacy lives on in every Podenco we have gone on to rescue since.

The perrera where Blanca came from is located deep in the countryside of the Valencia region, where many hunters keep Podencos. For many years, unwanted dogs have been handed in there when they are no longer considered useful.

Since 2012, we have rescued many Podencos from this same perrera. So many arrive because they have grown old, become sick, or simply reached the point where they are no longer wanted.

This photo shows Campeón and me sharing a quiet moment of reflection beneath a tree. He was another dog discarded and handed over to the perrera, his owner walking away without a second thought. What was no longer his problem became someone else’s responsibility to save.

When Campeón arrived, he had numerous health issues. It took almost two years of treatment and four surgeries to restore him to good health.

Stories like his, and Blanca’s, are sadly not isolated cases. They are a reminder of why we continue this journey, despite the heartbreak, because every Podenco deserves to be seen, valued and loved.

Thank you for helping us tell their story.