Anita Andela has sent us this account of Podenco Day.
So good to see them enjoying themselves. (Photo: Von Nie)
"On Sunday May 4th, I went to Podenco Day because we have an Ibizan Orito (Yvonne) and an Ibizan Andaluz (Baton) - both from A.C.E. I went with Yvonne van Es and her dogs. A.C.E. was represented by an information booth, where you could also buy fun things for the dogs.
It was a beautiful Sunday. The weather was lovely, not too hot so we set off happily. When we got there what a sight met our eyes. Such a huge number of dogs and not just Podencos. There were plenty of hybrids and also Galgos, and cross breeds of all types. But the thing that really stood out was the fact that with so many dogs there was so little noise. Everyone was friendly, not a cross word among the dogs, everyone interested and eager to know how you came to get your dog.
An impression of the Geffense Plas, a lovely, large dog safe area
Geffense Plas is also a safe place for dogs to run around. Everything is fenced and there's no chance that they can run away though of course they can run free in the grounds. The entrances and exits were all guarded by volunteers. They had thought of everything, the organisation was excellent. All we had to do as visitors was to enjoy it all. Of course we visited the A.C.E. booth, which was manned by Nens and her mother, where we got a warm welcome.
There were several foundations, each with their own stand, which we visited as well. Obviously they were representing 'their dogs" but it was so beautiful to see how everyone worked together, all with the same goal - to help as many dogs to find their golden baskets because every life saved is important to all of us. Because this is not a dog show, there is no competitive element.
Everyone was so interested in each other's dogs ... "Where does your dog come from" ... "Mine comes from" ... "Yes I have that problem too" ... Thus we could all learn from each other. I have a good deal of experience with dogs, but I learned a lot on Podenco Day. I'd never such intense a contact with the Spanish varieties as I experienced at this annual event. It was lovely for everyone to get together, for old friends to see each other again and for newbies too.
We certainly enjoyed ourselves and made some nice contacts. Kudos to the organisers for such a well run event. We hope to come again next year and hope the weather will be good for that too. We will also be coming to A.C.E. day in the first week of September. It will be the first time for us but we are sure we will have as good a time as we have done at Podenco Day.
My thanks go to the dog photographer Von Nie, who has allowed me to use some of her pictures because mine were accidentally deleted. "
Anita Andela ( with Baton )
Yvonne van Es ( metHazel )
Canelita and Baton
A delicious sight, Podencos playing in the pool. (photo Von Nie )
Splash! Splash! Having fun with each other. ( Photo Von Nie )
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