This text by concerned volunteer Paco Jones, a volunteer in Spain, is about Galgos but applies to every living being:
“Today I followed a discussion at one of the Galgo forums. The topic: when is it safe to let your dog run without a leash. Many golden tips were given. Comments like “I left mine after a week” or “Mine was left the second day.” “I wanted to see him enjoying running so badly”.
I couldn’t believe my eyes. I realize that many adopters are pretty reckless, but I did not know that so many people are so careless with their Galgo.
Do you really think that if you’ve adopted a Galgo, you immediately become an expert and know everything. Do you really think you KNOW your Galgo?
• I was there when your abused Galgo ran across the open field. When his hunger was greater than his panic and fear.
• I was there when they threw stones at your Galgo, wherever he showed himself, looking for something to eat.
• I was there when it took us weeks to make a plan, how to approach him and eventually capture him. And then his eyes told us he was expecting a slap from us.
• I was also there during those first days, when our every move seemed to be a threat to him.
• and I was there too when he made his first cautious attempts to play, his first jumps, his first kisses.
When this Galgo, which we rescued, healed, cared for and rehabilitated, is now happy at your home, it is thanks to our efforts and carefulness. Do not endanger his safety and well-being by being careless and nonchalant – he deserves so much better.
Please don’t consider yourself a Galgo expert just because you adopted one. That does not give you the right to put their safety on the scale. If you haven’t witnessed their worst moments, then you can’t understand that thin belt is their grip. The only difference between one life and the other. “
Paco Jones