Project Shelter Me

Project Shelter Me is an initiative to draw attention to the suffering that Spanish hunting dogs have to endure.

Hunting traditionally has a prominent place in Spain. Spain has the dubious honor of being a frontrunner in Europe when it comes to the number of animals killed per year. Galgos and Podencos are the breeds mainly used for this hunt, bred for hunting and used as tools to enable hunting. After the hunting season, these dogs are dumped in large numbers. If they are too old, not fast enough or just not good enough, the lucky ones will be brought to a shelter. They will have a chance for a better life. Unfortunately, many dogs are not that lucky. They are hanged, thrown into a well, burned or shot. The dogs that are allowed to stay with the hunter but are no longer suitable for hunting are often placed on a chain in a barn and used for breeding.
By constantly keeping this abuse under attention, more and more people are becoming aware of these atrocities, partly through the attention on social media, education and the political lobby. Project Shelter Me is a small-scale initiative started by Anneke and Cathalina to give the communication a boost.

Spanish Galgos and Podencos are used for hunting in Spain because of their speed. Most of them are not treated as animals but as tools for hunting.

About us

Shelter Me is an initiative of two dog friends. Anneke and Cathalina got to know each other through volunteer work for a foundation that tries to give the Spanish dogs a chance for a better life in the Netherlands.

We both have rescue dogs and enjoy the happiness in life that they are now allowed to experience on a daily basis. We are advocates of adopt don’t shop.
Very often people say that adopting does not solve anything. Adopting a dog certainly does not solve the total problem but makes a very big difference for the individual dog.
That is why we would like to bring this group of dogs to your attention in the hope that a lot of attention will attract wider attention and can make a positive contribution to a culture change in Spain.

The Galgo

The Galgos and Greyhounds are very gentle and sensitive dogs. Despite their often sad past in Spain, they are generally dogs that don’t show an ounce of aggression. They are flexible and resilient and can usually adapt very well to their new living environment, in the countryside or in the city.

In the house, these dogs are generally very calm. They rarely bark and prefer to sleep on a soft resting place, preferably the couch, all day. Provided they get plenty of exercise, of course.

The Podenco

The Podenco is very lively and temperamental, but also independent and often stubborn.
He is very curious, likes to be with you and also sometimes ‘help’ with the household or gardening. Most Podencos are also great at picking food or digging holes if you’re not paying attention.
Cuddle? Please, if it suits him/her. The Podenco is usually affectionate to ‘his’ people and somewhat aloof with strangers. He is therefore a good watchdog in the sense that he’s usually alert in case of danger.