The Podenco, a noble hunting breed, is one of the most abused animals in Spain. They are owned, for the most part, by hunters who like many others in Spain, see no need to neuter their animals. As a consequence there is always a steady supply of young dogs to take replace the older ones.
Those puppies that are not needed are
disposed of - in the garbage, by the side of the road and worse. The faithful
dogs and bitches that have served their time – a year, maybe two – are hung
from the trees. If they are not hung they are taken a distance away and their
legs broken so they can’t make it back, or they are stuffed down drains, burnt
or kicked to death. They are not considered worth a bullet or a clean death.
As if to add to its problems, the breed
is not well known outside Spain. Even in this country, people are ignorant of
their superb qualities and of the fact that they make perfect family pets. And
that’s such a shame for Podencos are sensitive, affectionate, bright and
intelligent.
Like the Bodeguero, the Podenco can be
something of a clown. They are great fun to be around. Possibly because of
ignorance of the breed, Podencos are often overlooked when people are
adopting. In this respect they are similar to Bodequeros. Yet both breeds
are so worth rescuing, they make a delightful addition to a family -even a
family with cats, certainly a family with other dogs and children.
The sweet and affectionate dogs here are
just a few of the many who are currently living at El Refugio, or in foster
care in Spain, Belgium and Holland. All of them so deserving of a forever home.
They will reward you with unconditional love and loyalty.
Luca Telma
Luca is in foster care but he's more than ready for a family of his own. This affectionate, cuddly dog is the perfect companion. He loves to play, he loves his walks but is happy to stay home when you're at work. That's no problem, he'll wait for you quietly and greet you with great joy when you return. He's fine with children and other animals.
Telma dumped at the killing station with her puppies. They were given away and she was left there alone ... frightened, lonely, bemused. But we saved her. She's good and social with other dogs and she finds them reassuring. Hugging is new to her and she's decided she really, really likes it.
Myrek Rubiata
Myrek was brought to El Refugio by a lady from the Czech Republic. She had found him, she couldn't keep him and had made the rounds of all the other shelters. They had refused to take the dog. What could Fabienne do? Another Podenco. There are already several hundreds in our care. But it was El Refugio or the killing station. So now he's with us - very scared still but we are winning his trust.
Rubiata Like Telma, and like so many others, Rubiata was dumped at the killing station with her puppies. These too were given away or sold to Spanish Children - Christmas presents we hope will last beyond the first few months. Poor Rubiata was going to be killed. She's now with us, getting over her fear and learning to play for the first time.
Amber Tinkel Twinkel
Amber is a sweet and quiet rough haired Podenco. She's very submissive and careful with people because of all the dreadful treatment she's experienced in her life. She's a real darling with the most beautiful eyes you can ever imagine. All she needs now is a loving family who will adore her as much as she'll adore them.
Tinkel Twinkel was found on the street by a Spanish boy. He seems to have been on the street for a long time, fending for himself, scavenging for food, risking harm on the busy roads. He's a very sweet dog who enjoys the attention he gets. He's sensitive and loving and needs a family who will love and respect him. He'll repay you a thousand fold.
Voske Lucita
Voske was left at our gate just before the year ended. Just left there with her friend Vincenta. No explanation. Just dumped. Who could do this to such a beautiful dog. She's very frightened, but sweet and gentle. Who will make the coming year the best time she's ever had?
Lucita was saved from the motorway on Christmas day by a young girl and her family. The girl was crying her eyes out, she was afraid the poor dog wouldn't have a chance. But they all have a chance with us. Lucita is just adorable, a mini-Podenco, fine and elegant like a little deer. Lively, happy and friendly - a darling dog.
Leo Pepino
Leo is beautiful and young and when he came to us he was very scared. He's made great progress but what he really needs is a supportive boss who will build up his self confidence. He's been with us for just a year, he's already nearly three, and we don't want him to wait too much longer for his own loving family who will help him to blossom and thrive.
Pepino Another mini Podenco, Pepino is a lively, sweet boy with all the clownish and endearing qualities of the breed. A handsome fellow with his pure white coat and rakish 'pirate' patch on one eye, he's only just come to us and we hope it won't be long until he finds the wonderful home he deserves.
Darko
Darko is a gigantic hugger. He loves people, he adores children and is great with the other dogs. He was found tied up outside the home of one of our Spanish mothers in Alora. Handsome and intelligent he's a wonderful example of the breed. All he needs now is a home of his own.
