Author: Craig McGinty

  • The protozoal parasite giardia in dogs

    The protozoal parasite giardia in dogs can be a minor nuisance or a royal pain to treat and totally clear.

    Symptoms of giardia in dogs include diarrhea, maldigestion, and malabsorption. Diarrhea is often intermittent, based on the parasite’s life cycle.

    Giardia is contagious in dogs as long as giardia cysts remain in the feces. It can be difficult to clear the infection.

    Read more: The Giardia Parasite in dogs

  • Poem of a dog

    Poem
    I’m the one who’s always waiting for you.

    Your car has a special sound that I have imprinted on my senses, I can recognize it in a thousand.

    Your steps have a magic bell.

    Your voice is music to my ears.

    If I see your joy, it makes me happy!.

    Your scent is the best.

    Your presence moves my senses.

    Your waking up wakes me up

    I contemplate you sleeping and for me you are my God, I am happy watching your sleep.

    Your look is a ray of light.

    Your hands upon me, hold the lightness of peace and the sublime display of infinite love.

    When you leave, I feel a huge void in my heart.

    I keep waiting for you again and again.

    I am the one who will wait for you all your life today, tomorrow and forever:

    I am your dog

  • No a la Caza: Unveiling the plight of Galgos in Spain

    Caza
    From Bev Farmer of Podenco Friends:

    On February 4 in 48 cities across Spain and various European locations, passionate individuals took to the streets to protest against the overlooked victims of hunting—Galgo, Podencos and other working breeds. Despite the recent enactment of new animal welfare legislation in Spain.

    These laws primarily focus on personal pets, leaving Galgos, Podencos, and similar breeds classified as “animals de renta” or animals of use to people, devoid of the protection afforded to companion animals.

    The Sporting Heritage of Galgos:
    Coinciding with this outcry for animal welfare is the culmination of the LXXXVI Campeonato De Espana de Galgos en Campo, a prestigious competition that has been a cornerstone of Spanish culture for 86 years.

    The championship, hosted in the Valladolid town of Nava del Rey, determines the best greyhound in Spain and, by extension, the world, in the open field. The victor will be awarded the coveted Copa S.M – El Rey, highlighting the significance of the sport.

    Historical Roots of Galgo Racing:
    To appreciate the gravity of the competition, one must delve into its historical roots. The sport of Galgo racing gave rise to numerous associations de Agricultores y Ganaderos in 1910, scattered across various regions in Spain.

    The first official governing body for Galgo racing was the “Club Deportivo Español,” which operated from 1929 to 1932. In 1939, the Spanish Galgo Federation was established, overseeing and organizing Galgo racing in its diverse modalities.

    The Dark Side of Galgo Racing:
    Despite the grandeur of the championship and the history surrounding Galgo racing, a pressing issue remains largely overshadowed— the fate of Galgos that don’t make the grade.

    The breeding of these dogs is driven by the pursuit of elusive champions, with successful competitors being treated well and holding significant monetary value. However, the majority of these animals face a bleak future once their competition days are over. All in the pursuit of owning a champion and lifting a trophy in celebration comes at the expense of thousands of Galgos suffering.

    The Aftermath:
    As the competition season concludes, numerous Galgos find themselves abandoned, injured, or sick. Overflowing Perreras (dog pounds), injured and dead Galgos on the streets, and the tireless efforts of rescues paint a grim picture.

    Conclusion:
    “No a la Caza” serves as a poignant call to action, urging society to acknowledge and address the often-neglected consequences of the sport of Galgos. Beyond the glitz and glamour of the championship lies a harsh reality for the majority of these noble dogs, along with the Podencos and other working breeds.

  • Forgive me, mommy

    Dog
    I was there where you left me for two whole days. Sleeping right on the side of the road. I was terrified of the noise from the cars but I did not move.

    Last night one of those cars stopped and she got out. She invited me to lunch but I said no. She invited me to come sleep at her house and I also said no. I tried to explain to her that I was waiting for you but she wouldn’t listen.

    She pulled out a leash and said I couldn’t stay there any longer. I bit her several times and ended up peeing on myself as I growled and cried! She didn’t understand that she was separating me from you! She took me against my will and we drove off! I was so sad because I knew you were going to be worried. We ended up at her house.

    I kept screaming hoping you would hear me but you never came. I vomited because of my nerves, feeling so sick. I kept telling her I had to go back because you were going to think I abandoned you when you saw I wasn’t there! I, who love you with all my heart and soul have not stopped crying since we separated a few days ago. I want you to know, I would never do that to you.

    I don’t know where you are now or why you stopped the car and left me there. Surely you had something very important to do. Can you come find me now, mommy?

    Today I ate because my tummy was hurting. I also slept on a very soft bed. And by accident I also wiggled my tail a bit. I’m so sorry, please forgive me.

    She’s just being really nice to me. She said I could stay forever. She’s calling me Milo but I already have a name. When you pick me up you can tell it to her. You’ll see how surprised she’ll be when you explain to her that this was a big mistake.
    Because mommy, you’re coming back for me, right?

    Author unknown

    “Pets are not disposable when we don’t want/need them anymore. They are a lifetime commitment. They are family! Thank you so much to everyone who adopts and rescues them.”

  • Paul the Podenco

    Screenshot 2024-01-29 12.41.33
    Gorgeous Paul was born 13.01.21 He is typical of the podenco breed. Very clever and so elegant. He shares his kennel with 5 other dogs of similar size. He gets on with male and females without issues.

    ​Paul would like someone who won’t leave him for long periods and a garden where he can explore. He likes being a sun king.

    ​He loves car rides, is gentle on his lead and a pleasure to walk. He can be rehomed with older children and families with other dogs.

    ​He is neutered, blood tests all clear. He has his own passport and is ready to travel.

    Learn more >>

  • Free Spanish Hounds campaign march

    Hounds (1)
    The first of February marks the end of the Spanish hunting season. Dogs that ‘didn’t make the cut’ are brutally discarded.

    On the first weekend of February, animal lovers gather across Spain and in other European cities, to protest about the treatment of the dogs and call for a ban on the hunt with dogs.

    There is a peaceful protest taking place in London UK: 03/02/2024

    Free Spanish Hounds website

  • Still can not get online

    This is why we are still offline at home : Car burst into flames after brake failure

    Apparently the heat melted some of the BT equipment and 2 weeks on they are waiting for replacement parts.

    BT tell us it could be another week before we are back online at home. Thank goodness we have the computers in our local library!

    Many thanks for your patience,
    Beryl

  • Back soon

    Due to internet connection problems I am struggling to write any new articles.

    Hopefully things will be back to normal very soon.

    – Beryl