The plight of the Spanish Galgo is important to understanding why SHUG – and other groups

around the world – are working so hard to bring them over from their native country and find them new homes. We know they are abused, abandoned, neglected and killed. We’ve heard the stories of them being hung from trees or thrown down wells. We know there are dreadful pictures.

And we know there are parallels for Salukis, too. They are hit by cars and left by the side of the road. They are abandoned to live in the harsh conditions of the desert or allowed to be struck by stick-wielding children because the dog is their “toy.”

It’s this treatment that compels SHUG to act – and for you to support us. But we won’t ever show you the horrible photos. And we don’t dwell on the ugly realities.

What we do is emphasize the positive. We emphasize dogs being recovered, helped by shelters in their native countries and being adopted by wonderful families who love them dearly. SHUG dogs make great pets. That’s the positive that we focus on.

Similarly, SHUG is an apolitical organization. We're not going to lobby against dog racing, hunting, etc. As smart shelters in Spain have learned (and greyhound groups in the U.S. have also learned) building bridges with hunters and trainers goes much farther to benefit dogs than verbal search-and-destroy missions.

So we know the negative is there. But at SHUG, it’s all about the positive changes we’re making to these much deserving dogs.