This isn’t the story of Marco and me fostering a dog. It’s the story of a beautiful galga who left a refuge in Spain and found a new life in the UK thanks to Project Galgo, and went on changing the lives of many people.
Fostering had been one of those ideas that lingered quietly in the background of our lives for a long time — something we talked about but never acted on. Life was always too busy. Then one day, we realised we’d be home for three uninterrupted months. I turned to Marco and said, “Shall we try fostering?” He said yes, almost absentmindedly — and before he knew it, I had filled out Project Galgo’s fostering form.
We had become dog parents two years earlier. Our greyhound, Tora, is calm, sociable, and a joy to be with. We were curious about what life might be like with a second dog. But we also knew our busy lives, and a flat with no garden in Central London weren’t ideal for all dogs. So temporary fostering seemed a sensible way to try, with an acceptable level of risk.
Contacting Project Galgo opened our minds. A warm reply from Helena, followed by a friendly (and thorough!) home check with Paul, and we were officially in the system. We were a bit anxious — we only had three months before a long trip abroad.
Then a photo of Maria appeared on my screen. Helena humbly wrote, “Of course, if you think she’s not suitable, no problem at all — there are many others in need.” Honestly, I don’t think we even read that far. We were already in love. I replied YES immediately.
The process was smooth, efficient and reassuring. Marco and I are both perfectionists, so we appreciated the attention to detail. Maria looked so sweet, so fragile.
We learned she was at Galgo Rescue Almeria (@galgorescuealmeria). She had been handed in by a galguero, and her coat was dotted with many scars.
Within a week, we had an arrival date and all the necessary information. We also began thinking about how to find Maria a forever home. We had a few ideas — friends who had recently lost their dogs, acquaintances, connections. We were determined to help build her future.
Maria arrived on a Friday morning in June. Her transport had been delayed en route from Spain, and we were tracking her GPS signal with our hearts in our throats. Helena generously drove her all the way from Kent to our place. Meeting Helena in person for the first time felt like reconnecting with an old friend — she was warm, energetic, full of grace and affection. She handed Maria’s lead to me with confidence. Tora came to greet her, and we were all so excited.
Maria was tired and a little scared. But just a few hours in, she seemed to know she could trust us. She began to relax.
We had prepared for the worst, but we were lucky. Maria was quiet and gentle. Tora helped by simply ignoring her — no barking, no growling, just calm companionship.
We didn’t love the name Maria, though, and she did not respond to it. Since we’d chosen a Japanese theme for Tora (which means “tiger,” fitting for her brindle coat), we renamed Maria to Shika, meaning “deer” — perfect for her colour and shy, graceful nature.
Shika adapted quickly to Tora’s routine. She was wary of going outside and had quite a few accidents indoors, even if we gave her frequent walks and took her to quiet green spots every hour. Sometimes she’d walk for an hour and still wee as soon as she got home — ouch! But she learned, at her own pace. She became affectionate, playful, and such a joy. She bonded also with Marcus, one of our greyhound friends who is usually quite diffident and wary of all other dogs.
We loved her deeply, but time was ticking. None of our initial adoption leads worked out, and we started to worry. Living in Central London was taking a toll on her, even though she showed us nothing but love.
Helena found a backup foster home and introduced us to Mike. I felt disappointed — like we were failing. Mike reached out, and while I appreciated the help, I was still determined to find Shika a home within our circle.
But it wasn’t meant to be — and that turned out to be the best thing.
We agreed to meet Mike and wife Sue in Peterborough for the handover on a Sunday, in mid-August. That morning, Shika seemed to sense something was changing and wee’d generously on her bed. After a train ride, we met Mike and Sue and took the girls to the park. It was instantly clear: Mike and Sue were wonderful.
They reassured us we’d stay in touch and see Shika again. They didn’t have to promise that — they just understood what it means to love a dog, and to let it go. They own two whippets themselves, and seem to occasionally care for every dog in the Midlands!
We spent a couple of hours together, then they drove away with Shika in the back.
It felt like we hadn’t said goodbye properly. It was devastating — for a few hours.
Then the updates started. Photos, messages, stories. They became the most precious news. Mike and Sue kept her name. Shika bonded beautifully with her new whippet sisters. Soon she started travelling in their van, exploring the UK. And then came the best news: they adopted her. She fit into their life perfectly.
We recently travelled North to celebrate Shika’s fourth birthday at Mike and Sue’s place, with Tora in tow. Shika welcomed us with love and excitement. She is a gorgeous confident girl now. We walked in their beautiful countryside admiring Shika’s “dinosaur feet” (Sue’s definition) that allow her to run at ease on every terrain.
Sue told us how much Shika changed their life. They weren’t sure about adopting a rescue dog. But Shika turned out to be an absolute star, all their neighbours and friends were curious about her, her breed and her scars, and learned her story.
Daughter Ellie ran the Brighton Marathon carrying Project Galgo’s flag to the finish line. More fostering, more connections and more adoptions followed.
Fostering does also this: it opens people’s minds and hearts to new possibilities.
It is hard to describe the gratitude, affection, friendship, and pride we feel every day.
On the way back after Shika’s birthday reunion, I thought it would be a good idea to write all this down, to express how much energy, work, and love goes into fostering a dog — and how much joy it brings.
Project Galgo made it all possible for us. Shika’s journey opened a new world for us. It started with a whim, a few emails, a photo of Maria, Marco saying “she’s beautiful” with tears in his eyes, and a warm hug from Helena when she delivered her to us. The rest is Shika’s story.
Sue and Mike — and their daughters and dogs — have become dear friends. We message almost daily. We know we were lucky with Shika; she was an “easy” dog, carefully picked for first-time fosterers. Not all stories are like this, but they all share the same love and effort from everyone involved.
Project Galgo is always in our hearts. We have fostered again. It just feels right.
To anyone considering fostering a dog: if you’re serious and can commit, do it. Make a plan, be honest about your availability and limitations, and talk openly with Project Galgo (or other charity of choice). They’ll help make the best arrangements for you. The learning curve can be steep — but oh, so rewarding.
To anyone who thinks “I could never foster, it is heartbreaking to let the dog go” I say: just do it. If you have the possibility to help a dog in need, put your feelings aside and do it. Yes it is hard to let them go, but you will have so much love and gratitude left in your heart you will certainly want to do it again, I promise.
To anyone who isn’t sure about adopting a rescue dog rather than a “pure breed” puppy: we could argue forever, so why don’t you just give fostering a try instead? You will be contributing to saving a dog and – who knows – maybe your new companion will help you make up your mind.
To our beloved Shika, and all the friends and and people – including those we never even met – who helped her and will help her on her journey: thank you.