Figo	Tole

A Galgo Release Day - 23^rd February 2008 

I travelled to the kennels the day before Release Day in time to have a quick cuddle with the Galgos, which was just what I needed to fit me up for the big day. During the evening I “matched up” the paperwork from the kennels with the GIN paperwork so that everything was ready in time for the arrival of the new owners the next day.

The day itself brought strong winds and bitterly cold temperatures. It was by far the coldest Release Day I have been involved in, but the “warmth” of the occasion soon made the temperatures seem insignificant. As the first new owners arrived the excitement really began. Lots of final questions and answers, followed by the signing of the all important Adoption Form,  meant it was time to go out into the paddock for the release of the first two dogs. Suddenly there seemed to be lots of people all waiting and at last two excited dogs with tails wagging appeared through the gate of the kennels into the big outside world. Seeing happy dogs and delighted faces of their owners who have waited so patiently for so long is such reward. It is hard to imagine how good it must be for the dogs to feel grass under their feet for the first time in 6 months. They somehow know that the kind people who “chose” them some months earlier had arrived to take them home.

Each time the kennel gate clicked and another dog found freedom there were lots of “ooh’s  and aah’s from everyone present but the greatest sight is surely the wagging tails that tell the true story.

Paperwork finally completed for all dogs and everyone fully refreshed meant it was time for the dogs to leave in ones and twos. Poor Bartolo was so shocked to see his kennel mate leave without him he cried out, but was soon consoled after meeting up with the new canine friends he was going to live with. There was a sudden silence as all the dogs had left and it was time to go home and wait the arrival of the next group.

My thanks to Jane and Richard for their hospitality and to Martin, Terry, Carolyn, Tracey and Helen for all getting up at the crack of dawn to be present. Thanks also to Tracey for photos.

Pat

Felix	Diana	Isolde
Bartolo	Kayla	Terry