Ready for take-off.........here we come Malaga!
This is my fourth visit to 112 Carlota Galgos, this time together with friend Martina.
We are extra excited as we will be seeing the "NEW" finca for the first time :)
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| Touch down........excitement starting to surface! |
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.........and here she is, ..... our Queen of Galgos! So lovely seeing the van pull up with it's so familiar logo and out jumps Charlotte :)
Hurry up and take us to the finca!!!!!! |
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| Here we are......at the gates of the NEW finca, so ready to step within, wondering what will be the first thing we see? |
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| ...........welcome to 112 Carlota Galgos!!!! I am Niebla - the fincas CGD (Chief Guard Dog), the first thing you have to do as visitors is rub my tummy ..........like for QUITE A WHILE!!!!! |
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.....and here a big hug from Dioni, just home from work.
So lovely to see him again :) |
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A bit later.......
No, this is not me getting 1st prize as "Poop Scooper of the Year".......this is me giving Charl & Dioni a gift from Sweden :) |
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| At last, about to enter the orchard.......precious darlings looking at us, curious about the new visitors. |
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| Ok gang......we're coming in! |
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Always the same wonderful experience.......when greeted by these gentle, loving souls.
Me & Martina so look forward to getting to know you all this week :)
The orchard at the new finca is truly wonderful, in every aspect better for the galgos than at the old finca. The bays are beautiful, easier to clean, fans in the ceiling for hot summer days and each bay has a small fenced in area.
The gravel in the orchard is so much better than the surface at the old place which turned into a mud bath when it rained......and cleaning became a losing battle.
The feeling entering the orchard seeing the huts is one of tranquility. I have told Charl & Dioni time and again how very, very proud they should be for what they have achieved in a mere 5 months. And yes, this has been a massive effort by many helping hands during the move and since. I am in awe of a number of people in different countries that have initiated creative fundraising activities bringing in money for all the essentials and practical things that are needed for a good setup at the finca. So yes, there is no question about it, that the global 112 CG community has helped make the finca into what it is today. So with that said.........we should ALL be vey proud of what has been accomplished. |
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| As a new visitor this is a great way to start bonding.......having cuddles :) |
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| Being in the orchard is not just about cleaning, poop scooping, feeding etc.......it's about socialising and just being with the galgos. Some are very forward and social whilst others are still frightened and anxious. So all the more important for them to see and learn that new people coming in is ok and not a scary thing. And little by little you will gain their trust. |
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| Beautiful Mango - so loving and very social, always one of the first at the gate when entering the orchard. |
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| Would you like a kiss Mama Charl....... |
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Martina having wonderful snuggles with Balu.
I used to say to him: oh......here's our GGG (gorgeous gentle giant) :) |
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| Desi - the girl with the amazing eyes........eyes that draw you in and speak to your heart. Desi is a youngster, bouncy and hugely affectionate. She's all over the place and rather LOVES being the centre of attraction, like ALWAYS!! |
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| Tummy rubs for Desi....... |
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Hehehe.........this has to be 1st prize as BEST SNOUT picture of the week!
Who's beautiful nose? You go it...... it's Desi's........ |
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| Sallie - you are one lovely girl and that gorgeous spotty tummy so deserves kisses from your very own Mama & Papa. You're still waiting.......you've waited a very long time but your day will come sweet Sallie.....it will. |
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| For those that haven't visited the finca I can say that lying on the gravel in the orchard having cuddles is perfectly normal and a cherished activity! |
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| May I have this dance with you Desi........... |
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| Dogs all boisterous after breakfast.........ouch, that's my hand in your mouth!!!!! |
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| Playtime............. |
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| A quiet moment with Balu........ |
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Love is the air, everywhere you look around..........
Yes, the orchard is a place of love, not only for the galgos but also between humans...... |
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| Soul mates - Charlotte & Dioni |
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| .......and if hugs is on the agenda then I certainly want one too :) |
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| As I said before.........Desi girl likes to be the centre of all :) |
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| .....but this spot is also a favourite by many to just have a snooze on. |
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Comet - the boy with most spots in the orchard :)
Found himself a cosy woolly blanket......but eyeing up the duvet..... |
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| Yep.....the duvet is a winner! |
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Gema - totally relaxed. So love it when they lie curled up like this, all comfy and happy.
Gema is a tiny galga, so affectionate and soft natured, a real "gem" :) |
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| Siesta for Sallie |
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| Hmmmm.........yes, Desi yet again!!! :) Where there's a camera, there's Desi! |
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Dearest, darling boy Leo...
A longtimer at the finca......has come such a long way since I saw him my first visit. Very playful and excellent on the lead on walks. Still cautious and doesn't seek contact but with time you gain his trust. |
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| Kanga - a sensational beauty. Always striking an elegant pose, a natural air of sophistication which is quite typical of sighthounds per se. |
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| ........oh dear, this is really becoming too much Desi!!!!!! Can you perhaps let someone else get caught on camera? |
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Knock, knock, knock.....room service here, can I come in?
Breakfast about to be served! |
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| Kanga - no words needed! |
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| Hey guys.......it's ok, no need to be all concerned. Just coming in to say hi and serve you breakfast. |
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Just look at those crossed paws........the epitome of elegance.
Dogue next for you Kanga!
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| And sweet Balu, such a goofy darling boy....... can also cross his paws :) |
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Mid-day heat...........siesta for Lucas.
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The Quarantine Bay and it's inhabitants
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| Imogen - stunning girl with the softest and most gentle personality. A beauty that as I write this has left the finca and is in her forever home with Papas Fran & Juan. They are besotted with her so love is something she'll be getting in abundance :) |
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Serena - beautiful girl with a body in great condition. Always together with Imogen.......and whilst we felt great happiness for Imogen soon going home we felt sadness knowing Serena would be left behind, on her own, her best friend gone :(
Well........this is NOT how things turned out. Only days after we left the finca we got the happiest news that Papas Fran & Juan were also giving Serena a home. They simply couldn't separate her from Imogen and they followed their hearts as they had also grown to love Serena during their visits to the finca.
Such a happy ending for both girls, now at home with their amazing Papas - love never fails! |
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| Imogen |
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| Hehehe.....yes sweet Imogen, you have every reason to be smiling, so loved by your Papas and forever together with your sister Serena :) |
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| Ahhhh......the moment I've been waiting for, finally meeting the puppies in the quarantine bay. Jimena Dawn (white puppy) and podenco puppy Francesca. JD is blind on one eye and Francesca has a bad leg (an old break that is being assessed). She walks poorly on both hind legs and what the outcome will be we do not know as yet. Both girls are reserved for homes in the UK and we pray that all will go well so that when they are old enough they will be able to travel to their forever homes. |
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| Beautiful, perfect podenco ears :) |
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| Baby Francesca |
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| Pony Oro curious about the wee bundle in Charlotte's arms...... |
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| Jimena Dawn saying hi to Bailey :) |
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| Happiness seeing puppies playing..... |
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| Aha.......so that's where Charl's shoe got to....... the one she's been looking for!!!!! |
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| Puppies need lots of sleep........so sweet. |
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| Francesca - such a wee beauty! |
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| JD.......always very eager for her food. In her short life had to fight for it, so sad to think of the horrid beginning she had...... |
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| I loved cradling JD......it was on the third day I noticed that what she really wanted was to be held. Picking her up she immediately went quiet and lay totally relaxed in my arms. I'm sure she felt calmed by feeling my heartbeat.......... |
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| .........darling Francesca, I so pray that her legs will have normal mobility in time (or at least as ok so she can have a happy life). |
Lucas - the boy that is loved all over the world
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Incidents do happen in the orchard from time to time, but luckily rarely. This time Lucas came into some sort of disagreement with Sam. With Lucas issues are generally "territorial" and here Sam was not at fault as he was tied up to the fence about to eat his breakfast. There was a raucous about the food and since Sam was tied up he felt threatened and Lucas got bitten :(
Poor darling Lucas, here getting sedated in the van so Charl can carry him into the vet clinic. |
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| .....later that afternoon we are back at the clinic to pick up Lucas. While waiting we take the opportunity to step outside on the terrass and admire the seaview from the clinic. |
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| Poor Lulus..........so tired after the anesthetic. But all has gone well, it was a nasty injury but it should heal ok. |
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| Back home we arranged a quiet and shady spot for Lucas next to the stables.......... |
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| Poor sweetheart, feeling low a few days but his favourite bear keeping him company....... |
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| ........but look now, a lot perkier, brighter eyes and even enjoying a chew :) |
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| No longer confined and has taken position by the washing machine and looking towards the orchard..... |
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| At last............back in the orchard again where he loves to be :) |
The isolation bay in the orchard - Zest, Nieves and Felicity
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This is the heartbreaking sight we were up against seeing Felicity and Nieves for the first time.
Totally frozen in fear.....willing the walls to swallow them up. |
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......and Zest, even in this emaciated condition a boy with a zest for life.
Social and forward and very hungry....... he ate with good appetite.... |
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| .........but Felicity and Nieves sadly never touched their food :( |
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| Such a beautiful face.....but totally shut down for any contact. |
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Nieves - galgo & part Husky.
Absolutely stunning and so unique with those spectacular eyes...... |
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| Always together........... |
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| Good boy Zest.......you need every single pebble to fatten you up. |
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| Martina holding Zest while I clean out the bay. He was riddled with worms and other nasty stuff so very important to keep them isolated whilst medication did it's work. |
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| Charlotte conveying calm energies to Nieves.......... |
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| Darling Zest - my sponsorboy. During my entire week you would stand like this with head through the bars wanting desperately to be on the outside. It was hard not being able to explain to you why it was not possible....... |
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| ......but at least I could give you your first EVER bath. And you relished every minute of it :) |
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......but since I've left the finca I have seen wonderful pictures of you now out in the orchard.
Congratulations on your graduation to the orchard!!!
Here you are checking out what Lucas is up to :) |
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.......and LOOK!!!!!!! Even Nieves has graduated to the orchard.
She has come such a long way in a short time, wonderful to see....... |
The Cabin - our home away from home
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| This is the cabin where visitors stay and at the new finca it is so wonderful to wake up right next to the orchard, stick your head out and say good morning to all the dogs :) |
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| Late breakfast after morning duties done was a cherished moment...... |
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| On our third day we were no longer two ladies in the cabin.....since the wonderful Joy decided to move in and from that moment the cabin was overflowing with love :) |
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| Martina fell totally in love with Joy. She experienced a love that took her breath away and was overwhelmed by the beauty and wonderful personalities the galgo breed has - beautiful, soft, gentle and loving beings, always open for affection. It was an eye opener for her......... |
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| Joy - we called her our wee "bear" as she has such an amazing thick coat....... |
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Another favourite visitor to the cabin was darling Bailey.
Once you've given Bailey an apple or two......she knows there must be many more in storage! So when she was let out in the field she headed to the cabin pretty quickly :) |
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| Here you are Bailey....the first apple of the day :) |
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| Such a gorgeous girl you are Bailey....... |
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.....and we musn't forget wee Oro, of course he should have some apple too!
Poor Oro has a severe overbite so had difficulty in getting hold of the apple pieces, I had to cut them into very small bits. |
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| So happy that Oro became a member of the finca family. Wonderful company for Bailey :) |
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| After zoomies in the field.....a morning snooze. |
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| ........and snuggly cuddles with Martina. |
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| Good morning Joy........rise and shine! |
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| Breakfast served......... |
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| ..........and lovingly being handfed as well :) |
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| Would love to share my breakfast with you Bailey but since you have your allergies and a strict diet I can only give you apples and bananas! |
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| An unexpected visitor to the cabin........Beethoven, who shamelessly took possession of my bed! |
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| And here comes Lucas with Sofia for a visit....... |
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| Hi Lulus.........how lovely to see you so perky again after your injury. |
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| The Del Rios.........popping over for a beer with us at the cabin :) |
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| Yeehaw Bailey........Charlotte getting you to do zoomies round the field :) |
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| .........Bailey really stepped up the pace and flew across the field! |
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| Such a happy horsey :) |
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| Feeding Bailey was also a daily chore. Here I'm about to surpass myself by throwing this piece of hay up into the basket on the wall..... |
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| One, two, three and here she goes!!!!! |
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| Voila!!!! Pretty impressive stuff...... a hidden talent, shame I'm not 30 cm taller, could have been a basketball pro!! |
Work and "provisional" projects around the finca
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| Sand has arrived and Dioni and Neizan are busy preparing the foundation for the pool....... |
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| Good work Dioni, almost done! |
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| Dioni building fencing for the last bay in the orchard........ |
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| ......and Martina varnishing. |
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| Dioni is away but creative ladies take action and try to make a shade cover for Bailey & Oro in the field! |
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| ..........busy at work, hoping our plan will work! |
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| .....almost finished! |
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Yey!!!
We did it and the horses are there for the first time.
Project completed!!! |
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......oh nooooo!!!!!!Disaster has struck......... our shade cover has collapsed. We should have listened to "Building Engineer" Neizan who warned us this would happen!
HELP Dioni........yet another "provisional" project for you to fix ;) |
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Charlotte having fun in the field with family dogs.
A happy Ebro coming in leaps and bounds...... |
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Beautiful love.
Ambo has a very special and loving way he looks at Mama Charl........total devotion. |
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Children having fun with water on a VERY hot day.
Beth part of the action as she's real crazy about water....... |
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| Beth trying to "catch" the water :) |
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| Lovely cooling shower for Bailey..... |
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| Niebla - CGD (Chief Guard Dog) on watch! |
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| Daily tummy rubs for Niebla is a must.......this is how she recharges her batteries and prepares mentally for training sessions with her PT! |
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| Niebla: NOOOOOO..........did you say that PT Susie is on her way!!!! Can't we just have tummy rubs on the agenda today? I've heard from a very reliable source that too much training is dangerous!! |
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| Ebs: Hmpf.......how could you possibly insinuate that this MESS has anything to do with me. Beats me how this happened........ an "educated" guess tells me that the rats have been at it again! |
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| Sweetest Dobi in his characteristic pose with paws crossed. |
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| Beethoven....no longer a baby, yet still a "baby" in his playfulness and boisterous self :) |
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Charl demonstrating the new ramp for the van.
Brilliant..... no more having to lift dogs into the van. |
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| ..........I can without a doubt say that the chooks have been served gourmet food all week as I gave them yummy left overs from our dinner every morning :) |
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| Snack time for Oro & Bailey |
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| Mocha........Charlotte's gorgeous cat, very dear to her......... |
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| Building Engineer Neizan........in hard concentration with yet another of his many projects. |
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Family dogs having a blast in the sand that was delivered!
Shame it was the very same day I had bathed them all!!! |
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| Look at you Niebla!!!! That scarf needs a good wash! |
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| The empty carton from a delivery is a "perfect" place to rest for Ambo........ |
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Ohhh nooo........here she comes , my PT is heading towards me. Too late to hide :(
I guess this means yet another gruesome training session...... |
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Well done Niebla....you're a star!
The sprint session is over......now we can move on to the hill session and we'll be done for the day :) |
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| Modelling the new 112 Carlota Galgos hood jacket |
A longed for visit by Tarzan's Mama & Papa............and Rosa the Vet, comes to medicate, vaccinate and take blood tests
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| Finally.....I get to meet Tina, Tarzan's new Mama :) |
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Tarzan (now called Tigger) and Mama Tina.
So lovely to see them and Tarzi is looking very happy and in beautiful condition. |
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| Tarzan showing the medal and 1st prize rosette he won in the Adana Dog Show |
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| Charl will always love you Tarzan.......she's so very proud of you and happy that you have the best family you could wish for :) |
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| Hi Tarzan........it's wonderful giving you a hug & kiss again and my heart sings for you, knowing the happy life you are living with Mama Tina & Papa Phil. |
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| Tarzan modelling the 112 Carlota Galgos vest. |
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| Baby Jimena Dawn....about to get her vaccination. |
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| Rosa, the Vet, preparing her work........ |
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| Such a good girl you were JD! |
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| And now Imogen's turn....... |
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| Poor Dobi........he's not been feeling the best during our visit. Lacking in energy, so blood tests were taken. A few days later he was luckily feeling a bit better. |
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| Rosa at work in the orchard....... |
Azor - a galgo boy handed over to the finca by a galguero
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Azor- one of the "lucky" ones. A galgo boy that at least had a galguero with enough "compassion" to give him up, to hand him over to 112 Carlota Galgos. For he was no use to him any longer, with a bad leg.
Here we have just picked him up. A beautiful boy that given time will truly shine. |
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| All will be well Azor.......a new life awaits you. |
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| Poor boy........riddled with ticks so Dioni sprays you. |
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| Five days later we visit Azor where he's in residence. A beautiful place run by an english friend of Charlotte. Wonderful environment for Azor to be in, to rest up and simply find peacefulness within, being fed and looked after he can build strength. |
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| Bless you beautiful Azor......when there is space at the finca you'll be coming "home". |
Dog walks and bathing
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| Time for a walk into the hills (jippie says Niebla!!!) |
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| Ok guys.....we're ready with Niebla in lead position! |
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| Not so bad after all is it.......getting a break from the orchard and seeing something else :) |
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| Niebla decides when it's time for a short breather........ |
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| From above......a birds view of the finca. |
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| Almost home Sam......such a good boy on the lead and we took you for many walks. |
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| A short walk for Lucas to strengthen his injured leg....... |
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| A walk with the fincas "miracle boy" Mr Ebs......is of course a must when visiting :) |
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| Smilies for the camera Ebro :) |
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| Bath time for Mango |
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| Soon all squeaky clean........ |
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Balu & Mango - clean and smelling like roses :)
So lovely bathing them and I'm sure they liked it...... |
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| Darling Joy also needs a refreshing clean....... |
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Such a good girl, amazing thick coat and once dry, it shined beautifully......
Our little "bear".......we love you so much. |
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| Bath time for Zest........a first in his life and he loved it! |
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| And now time for puppies........first out is Jimena Dawn :) |
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| Ahhhh........that's no nice being shampooed and sort of massaged. |
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| Baby JD......I could cradle you like this forever........makes me all gooey. |
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| Francesca next........the water in the hose is till nice and warm from the sun. |
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| There's a girl, almost done. You've been so good...... |
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| All finished, now cuddles wrapped up in the towel :) |
Bar-be-que with the Del Rio's.......our visit is drawing to a close
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| Master Chef Dioni at work....... |
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| Voila.......please be seated, ready to serve! |
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| The Master Chef deserves a hug for this bar-be-que, done to perfection! |
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| HELLLLOOOO.............are you ALL blind, we're waiting and wondering when we're getting our share of the yummy stuff on the table??? |
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| Mother & daughter.....special love. |
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| .......and likewise the special love a Mother has for her first born, Sebastian. |
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| You have the prettiest smile Sofia! |
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| Me & Martina. Friends before but now our friendship taken to a new level. For that I'm very grateful. We have had an amazing stay together, have worked so well as a team and I've so much enjoyed our many talks, discussions, not to forget ALL the laughter, but also the many tears and hugs. We'll be back, that's for sure! |
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Darling Clara........the look you give your Mummy says it all!
Yes......of course Mama Charl loves you to the moon and back. |
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| Charl: oh you silly goofy boy.......what do you mean do I love you more than anything? |
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Charlotte: of course I do Ebs - you are my BIGGEST love - sorry Dioni ;)
I nursed you back to life and the love I feel for you can't get any bigger. |
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This picture is so incredibly moving.......all I see in it is pure, beautiful & gentle love..... from one to the other.
This is what 112 Carlota Galgos is all about - LOVE.
Healing broken souls through love and getting love in return.
The finca brings love to all, not just to the galgos but also to people. Hearts with sadness within can feel lighter and more at peace after a stay at that finca. I have felt so after each visit.......... |
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A wonderful evening draws to a close.......we had back to our cabin after a lovely bar-be-que with two very special people, Charlotte & Dioni. Two people that have totally dedicated their lives to the plight of the galgos. It is a life that is hugely taxing and demanding almost beyond comprehension, 24/7......never a days breaks. On and on they toil away, saving and rehabilitating and rehoming galgos.
This is not a refuge.......this is a sanctuary, a place where love and healing is at the forefront. Where broken souls are reborn...... where broken souls that have known nothing but darkness and unimaginable abuse.....here learn what love is. Learn how soft and loving a human hand can be, how the sweet and soothing voice of a human can ignite a feeling within they've never felt before. They learn to receive love and to give love and affection in return, they learn to embrace life and to erase their desperately painful and sad pasts.
Standing there as evening turns to night......all quiet and peaceful within the orchard, not a sound.....and you are filled with gratitude for the precious darlings sleeping soundly, with bellies full, several of them already reserved, with anxious forever Mamas & Papas waiting for them. This is what makes it all worth while, this is the reward that Charlotte & Dioni take with them when all feels overwhelmingly too much....and they know that tomorrow is another day and another galgo to be saved......and another one......and another one....... |
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Good-night all..........we go to bed with some sadness as this is our last night at the finca.
Tomorrow we head home..... |
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Farewells are so difficult. This is a farewell to darling Joy as she will be leaving for her forever home in July. We are so very happy that she is going to have a wonderful life with Mama Debbie in Orlando, Florida.
.....but this is not a farewell to the finca as we will be back, no question about that! |
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| Struggling to hold back tears.........I've loved cradling you baby Jimena Dawn (JD) and I know you've loved lying in my arms. Dear wee girl, you need so much love and affection and this you will get as there is a forever home awaiting you. This is a massive comfort for me to know..........wishing you happiness wee one, always! |
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Niebla - as your "official" PT I can only conclude that you did exceedingly well during my visit. You accompanied me on every single walk and no matter how much we got fiercely BARKED at by dogs at houses we passed I always felt safe, calm and secure with you by my side.
When I told you to up the pace a bit from your so characteristic "waddle" you pushed yourself into an impressive trot, which always made me smile :)
I'm hazarding a guess.....but think you possibly might have lost a full cm from your waistline during our visit!
But above all dear Niebla, you are, and always will be the fincas CGD (Chief Guard Dog), and as such I thought it befitting to adorn you with a PINK safety scarf, showing one & all the high status you hold at the finca. Keep up the good work Niebla.........your PT is very proud of you. xxx |
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A last picture before heading to the airport.
Smiling to the camera is difficult when tears are falling........... |
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| So a final hug......... |
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| .....and another one |
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Night has fallen when we leave Malaga. An amazing week at an end....... together with Martina I've shared laughter, happiness, tears, tears and more tears, hugs, poop scooping, washing blankets, washing dogs, cleaning the van, feeding dogs, cleaning bays, varnishing bay fencing, walking dogs, feeding horses and chickens, doing "provisional jobs", sweeping, sweeping, and more sweeping, going to the vets, picking up galgo from galguero etc.......but above all what we take with us home is the beautiful LOVE we have felt in the orchard.......just being with these amazing dogs - the Spanish galgo - a breed that has everything and more you could wish for in a dog.
This is NOT Good -Bye, this is see you soon again.........
For more information, please go to:
www.112carlotagalgos.com |
