Congratulations Manuel & Pilar!
Instead of traditional wedding favours, they chose to support rescued podencos. Thank you for being part of that. It means a lot to us at Hope For Podencos, and to the dogs still waiting for their forever homes. We hope you wear your badge with pride and enjoy learning a little more about podencos and what we do.
About Hope for Podencos.
Hope For Podencos is a registered charity, but we are more than that. We are a community built by those working towards the same goal. Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, rehome, spread awareness and provide support for Podencos of all shapes and sizes. We do this through our extensive network and dedicated team.
The Invisible Dogs of Spain.
Podencos are often referred to as 'Invisible Dogs' or 'The Great Forgotten'. They are the most abused dog in Spain. Bred to hunt and kept in squalid conditions, often chained — these 'working dogs' are not protected by Spanish animal welfare law. It can be difficult to imagine the suffering they endure, hidden from view.
Read more about their story here.
Photo of Steve and Sanchos taken by The Faithful Hound Photography
How we work.
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Rescue
Most of the Podencos rescued by us have either been abandoned in the countryside or are from Spanish Perreras (dog pounds). Often these Podencos have been subjected to long term abuse, neglect, or are puppies that have been cast out. Many may have suffered mental and physical abuse with no veterinary care, meaning they can take time adjust and settle. But despite their suffering, most are incredibly resilient and forgiving — and they make the most fantastic companions.
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Rehabilitate
After their arrival at our Spanish network, each Podenco will be assessed in a variety of situations — with other dogs, different people, and we can also cat test if needed. This helps us understand their needs, what type of home they will be suited to, and gives us the vital information needed to finde their perfect forever home. All our Podencos are microchipped, vaccinated and vet checked to be cleared of medical conditions, or so we can advise of any special needs they may have. They are also neutered if they are at an appropriate age.
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Rehome
We provide all passports and travel documentation and transport to you (DEFRA guidance followed). We send our Podencos in a martingale collar and 3 strap harness — the safest equipment for them — and provide a free GPS dog tracker (subscription required). You will be given all the necessary information and guidance to prepare for your new arrival, as well as ongoing support for when you need it. We will always keep the Podencos' best interests at heart and do our best to ensure a good match for their forever home — we want a happy, successful adoption. Full rescue back up can be provided for every dog.
What are Podencos like?
Smart, curious and clownish, they have a profound awareness of their surroundings and a real sensitivity to their humans. Podencos reward their human companions with loyalty, love and affection, and are wonderful family members. Their display of love can vary from super velcro cuddly dog to a little aloof — and being honoured that they spend time in our presence!
They are super versatile in all kinds of home set ups, many thriving in multi-dog homes, with cats and with children, or equally loving life as an only dog with their one special person. They will all require exercise and mental stimulation, but with the right amount can learn to be calm and settled at home. Whether you want to run regular 5ks or do an hour ambling walk each day, we can find a Podenco for you.
As well as placing our Podencos in loving homes as adored family pets, we have also successfully re-homed our Podencos as therapy dogs, canicross athletes and agility competitors. Given the right support and training, this incredibly adaptable breed can truly turn its hand to almost anything.
Could you give a Podenco their forever home?
If reading this has made you curious, we'd love to speak to you about adoption or foster. Every one of them is looking for their forever home and their forever person.
Why do we raise funds?
Even though we are fortunate to have a Spanish network who rescue and rehabilitate the Podencos in Spain, we need to make sure we cover all costs for this — street rescues, vet checks, vet procedures and surgery, neutering, vaccinations and treatment, food, stimulation and care. Even though we take adoption fees for rehoming, this simply doesn't cover all the costs involved in rescue, and we would never risk the work of our network by not covering the costs for our own dogs.
None of this can be done without the support of our incredible community and supporters, and sadly none of it can be achieved without donations. So whilst we no longer have the running costs of a centre of our own — there is still so much to be done!
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Sponsor a pod
We understand that not everyone can adopt a Podenco, but that doesn't mean you can't have one in your life. By sponsoring a Podenco you contribute to all the financial costs during their stay in kennels.
You can pick a pod on our Adoptions page and click the Sponsor option on their profile to donate a regular amount each month (you can cancel at any time). Once adopted we'll notify you via email and invite you to choose another Podenco to support.
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Resident fund
We have many pods come through our Spanish network — some are adopted super quickly, but some need additional time to settle, or treatment to be well enough for transport. Some are simply overlooked.
You can contribute to our Resident fund by clicking the button below to donate a regular amount each month (you can cancel at any time).
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Donate
Sometimes we are raising for particular causes — surgery for a pod in need, transport for pods going long distance to and from the centre, supporting other charities such as the FSH march in London and the Mismos Perros, Mismos Derechos legislation campaign.
You can make a one off donation by clicking the Donate button in the header or below.
Follow us on social media.
We understand not everyone is in a position to adopt a Podenco, but there are still so many ways you can help. Please FOLLOW us on social media and SHARE our beautiful pods — you have no idea the power of a like, comment or share. It only takes one person to see that post to find a dog their forever home.
Subscribe.
Our newsletter is a great way to stay up to date with the Podencos and puppies!
A message From Manuel and Pilar.
Maybe a good place to add in the picture of their own dog.
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