It’s a dog’s life – looking to move home

Two weeks ago, the main shelter of ‘Galgos en Familia’ in Alhaurín de la Torre was a safe haven for nearly 50 greyhounds, podencos, and mastiffs.

The facility has been left in ruins yet again after the Guadalhorce river’s recent flood. ‘We can’t continue here,’ according to Gill Brunton is the president of the association, and she stands in the middle of the mud-stained wreckage.

The flood, the second in three months, destroyed recent upgrades costing €40,000, funded by volunteers who Brunton says ‘can’t give more.’ The shelter, on rented land near Cártama, was left uninhabitable, with water reaching 1.5 metres. Brunton and volunteers with boats arrived during the flood at 5am to rescue the dogs perched on high points. ‘Without the volunteers and firefighters, it could’ve been tragic,’ she recalled.

Dogs are scattered between volunteers’ homes, and paid boarding facilities. But time is running out. Brunton is appealing for a new, flood-safe location, ideally near Alhaurín de la Torre, where most volunteers live. She hopes the public will also support her. ‘We need a place to give these dogs the life they deserve,’ said volunteer María Bandera, surveying the debris-strewn site.

Brunton is still optimistic despite the setback. ‘I’m optimistic we’ll find a better place,’ she said, acknowledging the challenge ahead but determined to rebuild for the animals’ sake. The group is looking to rent a piece of land in the locality. Please let us know if you know anyone with land available to rent for a fair price.