I’m a Galgo – A Spanish Greyhound… my destiny, as that of many others of my breed, was to be abandoned or killed by those who used us to hunt. I’m here to tell you that your destiny can change in the blink of an eye or the swish of a tail! My name is Apollo or Apolo as my name is properly spelled here in Spain. I was used as a hunting dog in Toledo and when I was no longer useful I was abandoned. I suppose that was better than the hangings and drownings some of my fellow galgos suffered.

I was rescued by a wonderful organization called Animal Rescue España. I was thankful but fearful still that someone might come along to harm me once again. To my joy, someone did come along but it wasn’t to harm me, it was to give me the life I always dreamed could be possible! My human is from the United States and lives in Madrid. Up to now she only had the company of my now cat sisters but she needed me in her life, we were meant to be together! I know it, I can feel it in my gut every time I look up from my spot on the couch and see her there, watching over me. I watch over her too! I bark when men come anywher near me, I’m scared of men but my mom is teaching me that not all men will hurt me. It’s a slow process but I’m getting there.

The best part is that my cat sisters dont entirely hate me! I try to play with them but they don’t ever seem to be in the mood. The other day, the little black one called Lady Vader, let me boop her nose with mine! My new mom was very excited about this. I love to sleep on my back and take over the whole couch (Or the bed when mom lets me). I know I look a bit silly with my long limbs sticking out in different directions but its just sooooo comfortable! A soft couch to sleep on all day (I loooooove to sleep!), a yummy bone and lots of cuddles.. now THIS is what life is about!

I’ve learned that life as a galgo is dangerous but it can also be the best one ever when you finally find the human that is there to love you with all of their being so that you can love them unconditionally in return. If you’re in a difficult situation, never give up hope that something better is right over the horizon.