In 2007, Galgos del Sol (GDS) founder Tina Solera, moved to southern Spain with her husband and two young children. Little did Tina realize that their decision would change her life forever as well as the lives of hundreds of galgos desperately needing help.
Always an animal lover, Tina could not tolerate the treatment of the Spanish galgos, a traditional hunting dog breed, and decided to devote herself to their rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing. The galgos with their indomitable spirits, needle-noses and long legs, completely captured her heart. One galgo rescued, gave way to another and another until it became clear that the Solera household was vastly undersized for the number of dogs that needed rescuing. There were nights that Tina slept in her car with a newly rescued galgo simply because there wasn’t any more room.
With no prior experience in running a non-profit, Tina established Galgos del Sol, a registered Spanish charity, and became proficient in the Spanish language. Murcia, the area in which the Soleras reside, is a prolific hunting ground making the demands on GDS relentless. In addition to the Solera’s finca, GDS has galgos and podencos kennelled and fostered in various locations locally and has relationships with organizations in France, Belgium, Germany, the UK, and the USA for adoptions.
With over 100 dogs in the care of GDS, major fundraising is underway to build proper kennels to house all the dogs in one facility that will include an education center and provide space for a much desired volunteer program. Presently GDS dogs are in three locations and have reached a critical point. They must expand in order to provide safety and security for the dogs. The land has been purchased, architectural designs have been approved by the local council, and electricity and water brought into the property. Next steps are raising the funds to build the kennels and a small building for storage, minor veterinary care and to serve as a meeting place for volunteers.
In addition to Spain, GDS is a registered charity in the UK and a 501c3 in the US.
This month’s fundraising benefits the galgos’ care. If bracelets are not your thing, please consider MAKING A DIRECT DONATION and checking out their spectacular website and its photos.
You can find bracelets online via Etsy.com. All one-of-a-kind bracelets are a $20 donation. Each comes with a paw charm. Shipping costs vary based on U.S. and international. Please be patient as we are all volunteers and the fulfillment volunteer also has a responsible full-time job.
The following local Tucson venues sell bracelets:
–-Silver Sea Jewelry & Gifts, 330 N. 4th Avenue, 624-9954
–-Clues Unlimited Mystery Book Store, 3146 E. Fort. Lowell Road (SE corner Country Club), 326-8533 (closed Sun/Mon)
–-A K Jensen Apparel, (St. Philips Plaza), 4340 N. Campbell Ave., Suite 72, 529-2775
–-Sissy’s Pet Salon, 7350 N La Cholla Blvd (by Albertsons), 229-9898 (limited selection)
