HOW WE BEGAN
and a new beginning. What Tina did not realize at the time was that this move would lead her to make a life-changing decision—one that would ultimately transform not only her own life, but also the lives of thousands of dogs desperately in need of help.
Always an animal lover, Tina could not ignore the treatment of the Spanish galgos—a traditional hunting breed—and committed herself to their rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming. What began with rescuing a single galgo quickly grew, as more and more dogs in need crossed her path, eventually making it clear that far greater resources were required than one household could provide.
With no prior experience running a nonprofit, Tina taught herself Spanish and founded Galgos del Sol (GDS), a legal, licensed Spanish charity. The first GDS site was established with the generous support of Gaynor and Les Davies, who provided their property, built the initial kennels, and helped care for the dogs. Located in Murcia, a region with intensive hunting activity, GDS faces a constant demand for its work. Thanks to Tina and Team GDS, thousands of galgos have since been rescued, rehabilitated, and placed in loving homes.
THE CENTER
Thanks to the generosity and support of our donors, the Galgos del Sol Centre is now fully operational and continuing to grow. After years of housing dogs across three separate locations, all residents are now cared for in one protected, legally approved facility.
More than 200 dogs live in multiple kennel blocks designed with indoor/outdoor access, running water bowls, and even piped-in music. The centre includes several exercise areas, a quarantine block, puppy housing, dedicated spaces for mothers and newborn litters, and smaller kennels for dogs who do not adapt well to larger group living. A sensory walk provides enrichment, while agility areas support training and development, and a memorial garden offers a peaceful place for reflection.
The campus also features a reception building, two residences for full-time onsite volunteers, sleeping pods for short-term volunteers, laundry facilities, an education building for school-age programs, a freestanding kitchen, and multiple storage areas. Granny Pants Place houses the veterinary clinic, including a fully equipped surgical suite, a grooming salon, and additional storage. A covered swimming pool is used year-round for rehabilitation and socialization.
GDS’s local and international volunteer program has been instrumental in helping socialize the dogs, and the organization remains committed to providing the highest standard of care while each dog awaits a loving forever home.
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APPRECIATION
GDS would be nothing without all of you!
GIN UK (Greyhounds in Need UK) have supported GDS almost from the beginning. Founded by the late Anne and the late Arthur Finch, Anne is an inspiration to Tina. GIN UK is run by great people who are complete professionals. They have been instrumental in the way that GDS functions and we cannot thank them enough for their support and financial help. GIN has made, and continues to make, a huge difference to the galgos in Spain. There are also a number of volunteers, local and foreign, who have been with us through thick and thin — floods, mice, pooh, flat tires, rivers of urine — who have never strayed from their commitment to the dogs. You guys know who you are and we love you!
ADOPTIONS
We currently place dogs in the following countries. These are the only locations where we have established supervision, transport, and post-adoption support systems in place, and we are unable to expand our adoption reach at this time.
For more information, please contact us using the appropriate details listed below:
BELGUIM, NETHERLANDS, LUXEMBOURG, GERMANY (NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA, RHINELAND-PALATINATE & HESSE)
DENMARK & SOUTHERN SWEDEN
FINLAND (galgo adoptions only)
galgosdelfenix@gmail.com
QUEBEC
archedebrinoe@gmail.com
SPAIN
UNITED KINGDOM
UNITED STATES (New England, Mid-Atlantic, MI, MN, VA, OH)
(JFK is our primary arrival hub, where most adopters will meet their dogs. Periodically, depending on adopter demand and volunteer flight availability, we also arrange arrivals at other destinations served directly by Iberia, including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Orlando.)
UNITED STATES — MASSACHUSETTS
info@greyhound.org