Our first visit as a team of volunteers to the Cadiz kennel, Animales Vagabundos, was a great success. An ensemble of dedicated professionals and volunteers, the team consisted of both Spanish and Americans--two veterinarians, a dog behavioral specialist, a professional photographer and five animal lovers.

Upon arrival, I began to unpack, and attempt to organize the situation. Meanwhile, the rest of the team let the horror of the environment soak in. We're starting late in the day, 3:45 p.m., and our photographer, Tony Lee, wastes no time capturing the overall dismall feeling one gets here.

Not minutes later, the dog catchers arrive with two puppies. Here, a passionate rescuer, expresses the shock and pain she feels at seeing such a hopeless place.

One of our first tasks is communicating with the man who fights against Spanish mentallity to save these dogs, Juan Jesus. This time, Dr. Sandra communicates quickly and effectively for us. She tells me that Juan Jesus is paid for only 16 hours by the city, but consumed and determined to help these animals, he works three to four times what he's paid for. 

Here we see Juan Jesus in the galgo pen.

 

We waste no time in setting up, and getting to work. Tables, needles, syringes, vaccines--all must be prepared. American and Spanish work side by side to prepare vaccines for the dogs.

Dr. Kelly Rada, an American vet living with her husband at the Rota Naval Base, volunteers her time to help save the galgos with us. Her support and help promoting this project ensured the success of our first volunteer day.

A tireless professional, Dr. Kelly thoroughly examines each dog. Many do not pass muster, and are quarantined in a sick cage. Sick dogs do not recieve vaccines for two reasons, one, it could kill them, and two, vaccines are a precious resource that must be used on those dogs most likely to survive.

In addition to vaccinations, numerous bight wounds are cleaned and treated. This day, we see a fresh trap amputation, broken pelvic bones, fresh gashes and wounds. Everyone gives their hearts to help the wounded.

Dr. Sandra gives her heart to the animals. She feels the pain deeply, and wishes to save every one. Sadly, she can't.

The day sees several of our volunteers break into tears. Our dog behavioral specialist is deeply moved.

I take a moment to assit Dr. Sandra with her work. Most of the day I spend moving dogs in and out of the holding pen for their examinations.

We work into the dark, vaccinating 40 dogs this day. These dogs will soon go to Scooby, a galgo refuge in Extremadura, Spain. Because, they're properly vaccinated well before their trip, they're more likely to survive the hardships of travel. They must also recieve Rabies shots 4 months prior to entry in most countries. We're attempting to get them on their way.

Dogs wait for their turns, anxious for contact with loving humans. Galgos, a Spanish Greyhound, are docile and loving creatures that make wonderful indoor pets. Unfortunately, in Spain, they're seen mostly as hunters, and are disposed of after their usefullness subsides. Even more sadly, 20 to 30 thousand galgos are culled every year by hanging, drowning, or being drug behind a car, as they just don't make the cut. These are the lucky ones.