GDS OUTREACH

We are committed to raising awareness through a variety of venues. It's not enough to rescue and rehome the galgos and podencos, we work continuously to get the word out. Our VIDEOS, BILLBOARD CAMPAIGN and SCHOOL EDUCATION PROGRAM are three of our approaches that reach different audiences in different ways. Additionally, to help with our constant and burgeoning day to day expenses, we run two charity shops. One isthe headquarters for the GDS Education and Rescue Centre. We feel strongly about inviting our local community to learn about the importance of our work and hopefully, they will be interested enough to get involved.

VIDEOS
The work we do can be so heartbreaking and relentless that we will use humour as an outlet. We also create videos of the raw side of animal rescue that show our reality and the situations that we face on a daily basis. More of our videos are viewable on our Youtube channel.

GDS BILLBOARD CAMPAIGN
GDS established a public service campaign to promote the plight of the galgos and podencos. Tina’s brainstorm are billboards that can not fail to be noticed. The first placement was stolen — twice — within days of its installation. Clearly, people are taking notice.

Photograph: Tina Solera

Photograph: Paul Croes

In association with protectora ADAM and Grati, STERILIZE YOUR DOGS.

Photograph: Paul Croes

Photography & Design: Dutch Galgo Lobby

16 Dog a Day Celebration

Photograph: Paul Croes

Photograph: Diane Hughes, Ibizan Hound Rescue

Photograph: Nadine at Greyhounds Rescue Belgium.

GDS EDUCATION CENTRE
Since the beginning, it has been the goal of GDS to establish an education program in the local schools as well as onsite. Providing knowledge is key to break the cycle of breeding, misuse and abandonment in a community where the tradition has carried on for generations. The children that we present to are between the ages of 9 and 12 and many of their fathers are galgueros. Tina has always said that once someone meets a galgo, they will fall in love and it is true of children. They have only known galgos as hunting tools and street scavengers, never as family members. Upon meeting a few of our galgos, they are completely enchanted with their gentleness and affection. ith our new dedicated Education Building (thanks to Greyhounds in Need) and an initial grant to jumpstart the program (thanks to Dogs Trust), we have an active program for kids and teachers to come onsite. They play interactive games, watch demonstrations with the dogs and learn about kindness to animals as well as the history of the galgo. Involving the local community is a massive step towards helping the galgos regain their position as Spanish treasures.