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Every year in Spain, tens of thousands of Galgos are born and bred to hunt hares. They endure a life of fear and cruelty and when they are no longer useful, they are savagely terminated.
Even though Galgos need our help all year long, World Galgo Day was started so that we can unite and speak with one voice about the plight of these beautiful dogs. February 1st was chosen because it marks the end of hunting season when many Galgos meet a fate worse than the life of cruelty that they have already endured.
I purchased my first DLSR in August of 2014, with a goal to tell the story of these dogs through photography and show how I see them through my eyes. My first Galgo, named Leena, gave me this new voice through photography and my goal is to share her story with everyone I can. These are some of the portraits I had the honor of taking of these rescued Galgos and other hunting dogs of Spain.
The shelters do everything they can to rescue the ones they can, even if they are already bursting at the seams. Please help spread the word about the Galgos.
More info: Instagram | stinkeyephotography.com | Facebook
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Final score:
47points
I’m a dog photographer and an advocate for animal rescue and animal rights, in particular, raising awareness for the plight of the hunting dogs of Spain. I have won international awards and have been published across international print, online media, and magazines.
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#2
Final score:
44points
#3
Final score:
44points
The Spanish greyhound, and Podencos, are two of the most persecuted breeds, but very few people have ever heard of these rare dog breeds. They are used as Hunting Dogs to catch hares in the Spanish countryside. They spend their lives in damp, tiny, dirty holes or windowless shacks deprived of daylight, exercise, and affection.
#4
Final score:
43points
I learned more about Galgos in 2012 after adopting Leena, a Spanish greyhound. Her previous owner was planning to abandon her because she was no longer useful. She was an absolute blessing and angel to have in our family.
#6
Final score:
39points
On June 23, 2013, my wife and I started an Adoption group for Galgos called Love Hope Believe Galgo Adoption. We had never been to Spain, did not know anyone in Spain and could not speak Spanish but we were determined to help find these beautiful dogs their forever homes.
I love doing studio photos, but most importantly of the dogs my wife and I have fostered. When the dog has become very comfortable around me, it allows me to truly capture their personality and quirkiness. I try to show people how I see them through my eyes.
#10
Final score:
34points
#12
Final score:
33points
#15
Final score:
29points
#16
Final score:
29points
#17
Final score:
28points
#20
Final score:
27points
#22
Final score:
26points
Laura Probst 3 years ago
This looks like a still from a Nicholas Sparks romance film. Totally getting a brooding and deeply thoughtful, leading man vibe from this pup. 😂😂😂
#25
Final score:
26points
Jette Wang Wahnon 3 years ago
Will you love me ?? I will snuggle with you on your couch,follow you into the bathroom and share your every meal (hopefully) I am a Velcro-dog !
#27
Final score:
26points
TheLuggage 3 years ago
Nope. None of this artificial make-up, please. These animals deserve better.
Travis Patenaude (Submission author) 3 years ago
Learn the story this image is telling about the dogs past.
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#28
Final score:
25points
#29
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25points
#30
Final score:
24points
#31
Final score:
24points
Jette Wang Wahnon 3 years ago
Battle-scared, part of his ears are missing....wonderful to see he finally has a safe haven..
#32
Final score:
23points
#33
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23points
#34
Final score:
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Laura Probst 3 years ago
Man, the eyes on all of these dogs - you know they've seen some s**t. Poor puppies.
Photographs are a powerful medium to tell untold stories and highlight the narratives that often go unnoticed. Just as the hands in artistic photography reveal emotions and connections, the imagery of Galgos showcases the stark reality and plight of these dogs.
To delve deeper into how photography can uncover compelling stories, explore the visual narratives captured through hands.
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What do you think ?
John Brindley 3 years ago
I n the Canary Islands they are called Podencos, but their lives are much the same. They are beautiful, sweet natured dogs that deserve better.
Travis Patenaude (Post author) 3 years ago
Yes, Podencos are beautiful dogs. I will share images on World Podenco day also.
Load More Replies...
Bobbie Meyers 3 years ago
But, then don't they have to replace them every year? Doesn't that get expensive? These people have no heart, should be tortured in the same manner. But you'd think they wouldn't want the expense.
Jette Wang Wahnon 3 years ago
One should think so and would if this was a country where there are laws and officials to enforce the laws,These atrocities do not happen in cities but the country-side and the Galgueiros are a tight-knit community.Nobody tells on any-body and with no witnesses the law cannot be enforced. So many are also injured and then put down or simply not good enough hunter so can be discarded.Some only live to produce puppies or give blood to others...especially the ones used for races....there is BIG money in dog racing....I could go on and on,but it is very painful for me as I have had Galgo rescues for more than 30 years.Photo,two of my pampered darlings that were wrecks when I rescued them IMG-5206-6...de31e1.jpg 
QuirkyKittyGirl 2 years ago
They are beautiful creatures. The ones with the masks made me giggle.
IlovemydogShilo 3 years ago (edited)
After the Hunting season around 60,000 of these beautiful dogs are literally tortured to death. Their masters believe that the more the dogs suffer the more successful next year's hunting season will be, The poor dogs are stabbed and left to bleed to death. They have acid poured all over them and then thrown into huge pits on top of each other and left to die. They are lunched by string and left to hang from a tree branch and left to die. Their cruel owners call this one player piano because when the dogs are hanging with the string cutting into their throat their front legs are flailing up and down making it look like they are playing a piano. These deaths take days to come and the poor dogs are screaming in agony the whole time they are dying. These are beautiful intelligent loyal noble dogs and this is how they are treated. It is absolutely disgusting heartbreaking and cruel and should be stopped NOW. Recently Spain passed a law to say that dogs are sentient beings and should be treated as such and that anyone being cruel to them will face the full force of the law. I really hope that this new law extends to these beautiful dogs and that their unnecessary suffering will end once and for all. Look at this video to see what I mean. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buV5vS-I7PM
intermezzono1 2 years ago
dont ever write something like this, something so horrible and graphic without saying trigger warning.
Load More Replies...
Miss Frankfurter 3 years ago
WTF!!!??? Can some kind of galgos rescue center be established? Education, education, education! Some kind of special law passed? Something? This shatters my heart.
Ozacoter 3 years ago (edited)
There are plenty of rescues and organizatuons helping them in Spain. And many laws. Spain has quite good laws against animals abuse. Thats not the problem, its that they are rarely enforced and that most hunters are heartless monsters.
Load More Replies...
Ongawa Nakata 3 years ago
You CLAIM this article/collection is TO save them but SO lil into is given- the platform you have while ppl casually peruse this photos is HUGE and a HUGELY missed opp to help save them :(
Travis Patenaude (Post author) 3 years ago
You should read my other articles here on boredpanda. They cover their story.
Load More Replies...
John Brindley 3 years ago
I n the Canary Islands they are called Podencos, but their lives are much the same. They are beautiful, sweet natured dogs that deserve better.
Travis Patenaude (Post author) 3 years ago
Yes, Podencos are beautiful dogs. I will share images on World Podenco day also.
Load More Replies... Bobbie Meyers 3 years ago
But, then don't they have to replace them every year? Doesn't that get expensive? These people have no heart, should be tortured in the same manner. But you'd think they wouldn't want the expense.
Jette Wang Wahnon 3 years ago
One should think so and would if this was a country where there are laws and officials to enforce the laws,These atrocities do not happen in cities but the country-side and the Galgueiros are a tight-knit community.Nobody tells on any-body and with no witnesses the law cannot be enforced. So many are also injured and then put down or simply not good enough hunter so can be discarded.Some only live to produce puppies or give blood to others...especially the ones used for races....there is BIG money in dog racing....I could go on and on,but it is very painful for me as I have had Galgo rescues for more than 30 years.Photo,two of my pampered darlings that were wrecks when I rescued them IMG-5206-6...de31e1.jpg
QuirkyKittyGirl 2 years ago
They are beautiful creatures. The ones with the masks made me giggle.
IlovemydogShilo 3 years ago (edited)
After the Hunting season around 60,000 of these beautiful dogs are literally tortured to death. Their masters believe that the more the dogs suffer the more successful next year's hunting season will be, The poor dogs are stabbed and left to bleed to death. They have acid poured all over them and then thrown into huge pits on top of each other and left to die. They are lunched by string and left to hang from a tree branch and left to die. Their cruel owners call this one player piano because when the dogs are hanging with the string cutting into their throat their front legs are flailing up and down making it look like they are playing a piano. These deaths take days to come and the poor dogs are screaming in agony the whole time they are dying. These are beautiful intelligent loyal noble dogs and this is how they are treated. It is absolutely disgusting heartbreaking and cruel and should be stopped NOW. Recently Spain passed a law to say that dogs are sentient beings and should be treated as such and that anyone being cruel to them will face the full force of the law. I really hope that this new law extends to these beautiful dogs and that their unnecessary suffering will end once and for all. Look at this video to see what I mean. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buV5vS-I7PM
intermezzono1 2 years ago
dont ever write something like this, something so horrible and graphic without saying trigger warning.
Load More Replies... Miss Frankfurter 3 years ago
WTF!!!??? Can some kind of galgos rescue center be established? Education, education, education! Some kind of special law passed? Something? This shatters my heart.
Ozacoter 3 years ago (edited)
There are plenty of rescues and organizatuons helping them in Spain. And many laws. Spain has quite good laws against animals abuse. Thats not the problem, its that they are rarely enforced and that most hunters are heartless monsters.
Load More Replies... Ongawa Nakata 3 years ago
You CLAIM this article/collection is TO save them but SO lil into is given- the platform you have while ppl casually peruse this photos is HUGE and a HUGELY missed opp to help save them :(
Travis Patenaude (Post author) 3 years ago
You should read my other articles here on boredpanda. They cover their story.
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