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How Adopting A Galgo Español Helped Me Find Purpose In Life (33 Pics)
I have always struggled with depression, ADHD, and dyslexia. However, in October 2012, I found myself in an especially dark place. Fortunately, a moment of clarity allowed me to realize what I was about to do, and I stopped myself. That same weekend, we discovered two Galgos had just arrived in Chicago and were available for adoption. The following weekend, we adopted Leena. When I learned that Leena's previous owner planned to hang her from a tree because he deemed her no longer useful, the irony was not lost on me.
We spent months helping Leena learn to trust people again, and in the process, my focus shifted away from my own depression. Leena literally saved my life. She has also taught me to be more open about my struggles with depression and has given me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone.
After adopting Leena and witnessing her trauma, we wanted to learn more about her past and the lives of hunting dogs in Spain.
More info: Instagram | Facebook | stinkeyephotography.com
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SlothyK8 2 years ago
Thank you for posting this. My bestie adopted a galgo four years ago and he's the best boi. My partner and I lost our two greyhounds in 2022 and 2023 and we're not planning on adopting more (we have cats now...sigh), but if we were it'd be galgos. They are SO badly treated and deserve homes where they can be their loving, affectionate, goofy selves..
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nomnomborkbork 2 years ago
This one looks like he still remembers bad things. Breaks my heart.
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Houndywoman 2 years ago
Beautiful in black! I have a rescued ex-racing Greyhound. Got my first in 2015 following a nervous breakdown and learned about their plight but also that of the Galgos and Podencos. I can't bear to read about the cruelty any more but do what I can to advocate for rescues (and donate when I can). Beautiful photos.
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Danielle Defoe 2 years ago
Thank you for sharing your story and your talent in photography. These dogs' story deserves to be told, and you are doing just that. Bravo.
Victoria Howell 2 years ago
No creatures should be used for the entertainment of humans. Never! Thank you for rescuing Leena and finding your purpose - helping all Galgos.
Houndywoman 2 years ago
I will never, ever understand how a sentient human being can be so cruel and callous as to harm, let alone enjoy the cruelty of hurting any animal. Dogs are the most loving and loyal of creatures and it really hurts when I have to acknowledge we can never stop it totally.
Your pictures truly capture the beauty and soul of these hounds. Added a picture of my handsome hunk (Micky) from the racing industry and his pal (Blaze) that I fostered before he came. Micky is fully spoiled. We lost Blaze last year but he was also very loved and spoiled.
Thank you! 20221007_0...5de0cd.jpg 
somnomania (she/her, queer) 2 years ago
i had a pair of rescue greyhounds many years ago, they were some of the weirdest, sweetest dogs i've ever known! also it was great watching one of them do huge laps around the yard at top speed while the other stood glued to my leg as i watched.
Load More Replies...
LakotaWolf (she/her) 2 years ago
I remember your image of you saying goodbye to Leena as she rested her head on your shoulder even as she wisped away over the Bridge... I wept. I felt your powerful love for her - and hers for you - over the years and miles. Thank you for what you do for these dogs. Thank you for sharing them with us. Their hearts are beautiful - and so is yours.
Travis Patenaude (Post author) 2 years ago
Thank you for your kind words.
Load More Replies...
Multa Nocte 2 years ago
What fabulous, beautiful dogs! Thank you for sharing these lovely photos!
Marian Lindsay 2 years ago
What inhuman and inhumane treatment of these poor dogs. I know that other "seasonal" hunting dogs and coursers are often abused in North America - racing dogs have suffered in the U.S., sled dogs and hounds in my part of the world have suffered, but as people realize this is happening, things are changing. But this kind of treatment is beyond the pale! Do the Spanish people realize what is happening? Are there rescue groups and publicity about this problem in Spain and surrounding countries? I can't imagine that there wouldn't be a lot of people who would be horrified that this goes on in their country, and would want to help stop it. It's great that Americans are helping, and maybe others in different parts of the world. I would hope that anyone seeing this try to help, if they can. (I certainly hope this isn't a hoax or AI "game".) We all have a responsibility to make a positive difference in the world, wherever we can. God bless these victims of human cruelty and ignorance.
Houndywoman 2 years ago
I'm in the UK. Am aware of a Spanish charity called Galgos del Sol. They have quite a strong following here. There's another charity for Podencos but I can't remember their name. So there are Spanish charities out there. I guess we tend to be more familiar with our national charities. It's every country though sadly. Awareness is important, but painful!
Load More Replies... Jackie Wacky 2 years ago
These are beautiful pictures, and the sweetness of the doggies really comes through. Good luck with your project in rescuing these dogs, and in raising awareness of their treatment. Leena would be proud of you.
Danielle Defoe 2 years ago
Thank you for sharing your story and your talent in photography. These dogs' story deserves to be told, and you are doing just that. Bravo.
Victoria Howell 2 years ago
No creatures should be used for the entertainment of humans. Never! Thank you for rescuing Leena and finding your purpose - helping all Galgos.
Houndywoman 2 years ago
I will never, ever understand how a sentient human being can be so cruel and callous as to harm, let alone enjoy the cruelty of hurting any animal. Dogs are the most loving and loyal of creatures and it really hurts when I have to acknowledge we can never stop it totally.
Your pictures truly capture the beauty and soul of these hounds. Added a picture of my handsome hunk (Micky) from the racing industry and his pal (Blaze) that I fostered before he came. Micky is fully spoiled. We lost Blaze last year but he was also very loved and spoiled.
Thank you! 20221007_0...5de0cd.jpg
somnomania (she/her, queer) 2 years ago
i had a pair of rescue greyhounds many years ago, they were some of the weirdest, sweetest dogs i've ever known! also it was great watching one of them do huge laps around the yard at top speed while the other stood glued to my leg as i watched.
Load More Replies... LakotaWolf (she/her) 2 years ago
I remember your image of you saying goodbye to Leena as she rested her head on your shoulder even as she wisped away over the Bridge... I wept. I felt your powerful love for her - and hers for you - over the years and miles. Thank you for what you do for these dogs. Thank you for sharing them with us. Their hearts are beautiful - and so is yours.
Travis Patenaude (Post author) 2 years ago
Thank you for your kind words.
Load More Replies... Multa Nocte 2 years ago
What fabulous, beautiful dogs! Thank you for sharing these lovely photos!
Marian Lindsay 2 years ago
What inhuman and inhumane treatment of these poor dogs. I know that other "seasonal" hunting dogs and coursers are often abused in North America - racing dogs have suffered in the U.S., sled dogs and hounds in my part of the world have suffered, but as people realize this is happening, things are changing. But this kind of treatment is beyond the pale! Do the Spanish people realize what is happening? Are there rescue groups and publicity about this problem in Spain and surrounding countries? I can't imagine that there wouldn't be a lot of people who would be horrified that this goes on in their country, and would want to help stop it. It's great that Americans are helping, and maybe others in different parts of the world. I would hope that anyone seeing this try to help, if they can. (I certainly hope this isn't a hoax or AI "game".) We all have a responsibility to make a positive difference in the world, wherever we can. God bless these victims of human cruelty and ignorance.
Houndywoman 2 years ago
I'm in the UK. Am aware of a Spanish charity called Galgos del Sol. They have quite a strong following here. There's another charity for Podencos but I can't remember their name. So there are Spanish charities out there. I guess we tend to be more familiar with our national charities. It's every country though sadly. Awareness is important, but painful!
Load More Replies... Jackie Wacky 2 years ago
These are beautiful pictures, and the sweetness of the doggies really comes through. Good luck with your project in rescuing these dogs, and in raising awareness of their treatment. Leena would be proud of you.
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