With the end of the hunting season, which took place last month, hundreds of hunting dogs have been abandoned. The social problem of abandoned dogs roaming the streets of local villages is very visible this time of the year.
At Galgos de Sol, we are dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming these dogs. This can be a lengthy process, depending on the different needs of the dogs. Our final aim is to put ourselves out of business and to bring this recurrent tragedy to an end. We believe educating the next generation is the way forward. Therefore, Galgos del Sol put together a comprehensive education program for students aged 6 to13. The program consists of 2 lessons.
Firstly, we offer a 60 minutes school visit by a Galgos del Sol educator. On this visit we explain who we are and what we do in our animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. We give a small presentation about how dogs communicate and how to behave in the presence of a dog.
These special skills are very important to learn at a young age. They can prevent small accidents, like dog bites. As part of the second lesson, the students get invited to GDS for a day-out. At the centre, the students participate in a sensory walk, similar to the one the dogs experience. It is an excellent opportunity to explain what our dogs learn and enjoy there.
After the walk, the students participate in a doggy memory game and a small theater sketch, followed by a short break during which we provide fruits and water. After the break there is a short presentation about the lives of hunting dogs, especially galgos and podencos. To finish off the visit, the students get to express their creativity colouring and writing a story, maybe about a galgo they met on the street.
The education program‘s aim is to bring awareness to the issue of abandoned hunting dogs, to promote understanding of their behaviours and needs and to encourage good dog keeping. We know that educating the next generation is the way forward to stop the grave social issue of abandoned and mistreated dogs.
Galgos del Sol is based on the Mar Menor coast, in San Javier. If you would like us to visit your local primary school, please send us an e-mail: galgosdelsolkatalin@outlook.com .
