I have to admit, I felt quite relieved when I first saw the announcement. When I initially came across the post about these dogs, there had been very little reaction on the original Facebook page. I did think twice about sharing it, knowing there would undoubtedly be a huge response, and there certainly was. Once I had posted, I felt a responsibility to try to help find a solution. I was also very aware of the scale of the undertaking and what it would involve.

I had noticed people tagging Galgos del Sol on my post and, in all honesty, I was encouraged to see they were in a position to step in and take control of the situation.

The end goal has always been to get these dogs out to safety and into a place where they can receive the care they so desperately need. That is now going to happen, and that is all that matters.

For some perspective, it took five years to bring this case to court. These dogs have spent that time living in incredibly stressful conditions, denied even the most basic necessities. Poor nutrition, being chained and unable to move freely, and the prolonged deprivation they have experienced will inevitably have taken their toll.

From our own experience of taking in Podencos from similar situations, we know that the impact can be considerable. Many will have chronic health problems and behavioural issues as a result of what they have endured. Some will need extensive veterinary treatment, time, patience and a great deal of individual care. Getting them out is just the beginning.

I understand that a number of the rescues who originally reached out with offers of help are now in contact with Galgos del Sol, and arrangements are being made for the dogs to be transported to their new destinations shortly.

Thank you to everyone who reached out, shared the post and offered to help. I will be eternally grateful.

Knowing that the Podenco family, even in the most difficult of circumstances, is still there and willing to stand together restores your faith in human nature.

There has also been a huge positive response for the Podencos in terms of awareness. The post reached almost 300,000 views, with thousands of shares, many from people who had never previously followed our page. That means a lot of new people have heard about the plight of the Podenco and joined our community.

We’ve also received a number of adoption applications and enquiries from people interested in learning more about the breed. We’re working our way through these and hopefully there will be some good news to share before too long.

These large rescue cases often bring out the very best in people who want to help, and they put the Podenco firmly in the spotlight. But we must remember that this is only the beginning. Finding safe places for the dogs is one thing; preparing them for adoption and finding the right homes can be a much longer journey.

And let’s not forget that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of other Podencos still invisible, waiting in perreras and rescue centres across Spain. Their circumstances may not have attracted the same attention, but their need for help is no less urgent.

Best of luck to everyone involved in making this happen, and thank you for being there when it mattered.

For now, let’s hope these 110 Podencos can finally leave their past behind and begin to experience a life they have never known.

The video posted a couple of days ago by the perrera shows some of the dogs I’m not sure exactly when the footage was taken, but one thing is very clear: these dogs need help.