LITE OM MIG............

Den 7:e mars 2005 var en väldigt speciell dag för då föddes jag på kennel Balzac. Fader Ch Leyendas Spongebobsquarepants och Moder Ch Balzac Moster Gudrun.

Min matte hade inte alls tänkt sig en pojke och absolut inte en vit/fawn färgad. Men jag fick henne snabbt på andra tankar. Lilla, lilla jag var så rolig och självständig, som redan då vågade gå för mig själv och rulla en boll min dubbla storlek. Matte blev charmad, betagen och förälskad!

Långt senare skulle hon förstå att dessa egenskaper, som självständig och ”ensam är stark”, inte är helt fördelaktiga och kan resultera i diverse problem. Mer specifikt i mitt fall, en extrem jaktinstinkt som innebär att jag inte kan gå lös och bara släppas på väl utvalda platser med högt stängsel. En besvikelse för min matte som drömt om att kunna promenera med sin första egna hund lös i skogen. Men alla problem går att leva med och vi har funnit vår väg. Jag och min älskade matte vandrar tillsammans på livets krokiga väg, ett sammansvetsat litet team och vår kärlek till varandra blir starkare för varje år som går.

I livet med mig blir det aldrig långtråkigt. Man kan säga att det finns ett regelbundet inslag av action/drama! Ett litet urval på händelser kan låta så här: brutet ben i jakt efter hare, sprungit ifrån dagisfröken på Gärdet och hem till dagis på Valhallavägen, jagat skateboard åkare på t-bane perrongen, kastat mig i 0-gradigt vatten och simmat ut i jakten efter svanar, hoppat från stängslade fårhagar i jakt på det som lockar på andra sidan mm. Och matte’s reaktion till allt detta är allt som oftast en blandning av gråt, skratt och djup frustration. Men likväl som min matte är unik i sin person, så är även lilla jag det. Matte accepterar mig fullt ut som jag är och jag vet att hennes hjärta svämmar över av kärlek för mig.

Denna blogg är främst till för matte själv. En slags dagbok/dokumentation över vårt liv tillsammans och något som matte tror hon kommer ha stor glädje av långt i framtiden när jag springer fritt i hundhimmelen. Men om någon händelsevis tittar in här säger jag välkommen och enjoy :)

P.S det är på sin plats att påpeka att jag är bilingual och därför blir det en del ”swinglish” här på min blogg. Matte är ju född i lilla landet New Zealand ”down under”, där hon bott i olika omgångar i totalt ca 23 år. Men vi lever ju i en globaliserad värld så……..who cares, egentligen, att det blandas med språken lite hit och dit ;)

måndag 20 juni 2016

6th visit to 112 Carlota Galgos........

It truly feels like coming "home" when entering through the gates of the finca. Back again with Martina and we had a whirlwind week that was over way too quickly.
As always the overwhelming feeling whilst volunteer working at 112 Carlota Galgos is the wonderful interaction one has with these precious, beautiful souls. They ooze affection and kindness and you are overwhelmed by the love they so naturally give.....you marvel and you wonder how can they give so much love knowing the horrid existence they have endured, the evilness of man being all they have ever known.

For me personally, a week here is wonderful nourishment to the heart and soul. I always switch off pretty much all of the outside world and just focus on what I have in front of me, being in the moment, soaking up the love all around and also enjoying the physical work of the everyday chores.

 
Arrival at the finca!
We truly love this van and 112 Carlota Galgos could simply not exist without it.

Family dogs are always the first to welcome you to the finca.
Niebla & Beethoven

A kiss from Ambo

Hey Beethoven!!!......don't think Martina is too keen on her upper parts being exposed!

The Orchard
Entering the orchard is wonderful! You feel hugely welcome as the dogs rush to the gate all excited.
There are always a few that instantly stick out as fierce "love bugs".....like Empathy and Wisdom (the two brindle at the gate). During our week they could never get enough of strokes, hugs and kisses.......always by your side.

But no other person is as loved and respected as Charlotte - their Queen of Galgos !

Morning treats for all.......

This is heavenly....and yes, look who's close up by my side! Wisdom & Empathy :)

Martina cherishing the moment......

Ehhh.......yes, the two love bugs not letting anyone else get close!

Having a galgo on your back doing your hair is perfectly normal in the orchard :)

Exposing our pearly whites and my nose about to get nipped!

Empathy
Martina & I nicknamed him Fifty Fifty!
Why? ....well because he's half short coated and half fuzzy :))

Beautiful moment.
This is what heals the galgos tormented hearts and souls. Giving them love & affection makes them whole. It gives them worthiness and they learn to trust.
And for us humans.......most with our own issues and inner demons, this love & affection is equally healing for us.

Mosaic - lovingly called Mo Mo
This gentle giant soul will very soon be meeting his forever Mama Kath. She is coming to the finca to take him home to his future life in Finland :)
I cannot think of a better home & Mama!

Hi Mama Kath :) I'm so HAPPY because I know you will be coming for me very soon!
I think my hairy coat will be very good for the cold Finnish climate!

LEO is now in his loving forever home in Scotland with
Mama Susan & Papa James

LIFE is indeed a lottery and good fortune brought you to 112 Carlota Galgos…..LONGTIMER you are at the finca, 3 years it has been your home…..

LITERALLY frozen with fear you arrived. For long impossible to approach, a wild one......a deeply battered soul.....

LITTLE by LITTLE you let your guard down.....tiny, tiny steps but still not ready to relinquish fear for love and kindness, things so totally unknown to you......

LIGHTNESS ever so slowly creeping within, listening to soft voices caressing your wounded heart and soul.....

LONELINESS for so very long holding you in a firm grip, now subsiding, ever so gently letting love enter into your heart....

LIGHTNESS finally oozing through your body, your horrid past crumbling......

LEAPING around with your friends in the orchard, loving to chase and catch a ball.....

LAUGHTER and playfulness replacing deep fear and anxiety.....

LOVE has now embraced you fully and you seek out the human hand that gently caresses your beautiful head......

LEAVING the finca, starting a journey to your new life and a loving forever home.....

LIKE Charlotte always says......LOVE NEVER FAILS!

LOVE and happiness to you LEO, now and forever......


Juliana
This greyfaced girl is stunning. Such sweet, innocent expressive eyes and she is gradually coming out of her shell. Very frightened and anxious when I was there but now, some weeks later, she is much more settled.

Galgos taking to the centre stage!
They love this spot and often stand there a large group looking as if they are about to start a concert :)

It's also a good spot to check out the ongoings outside the orchard!

 

 

Fabulous heads.......such beauties, all in their own unique ways.

It's a hot day........so cooling off in their bay under the fan is pretty good!

Having a chat with dear Rainbow.
Such a lovely boy and we so hope that he soon will find his very own forever home.....he's more than ready
!

Rainbow.......having a siesta.

Trying to have a moment with Comet......
He's not entirely convinced this is a good idea ;)
Comet does not take contact but when other dogs come up for cuddles and he's standing a bit in the background....I can tell that he really wants to join in but doesn't quite dare. 
His time will come and he will let go of that last barrier......

A kiss for Mama Charl.......

You really are spectacular Comet!
 His loooong nose makes me laugh....it's kind of cartoon like :)
LOVE his colours and ALL those wonderful spots!

Rainbow........what can I say!
If this pic doesn't get hearts going all over the world then none will!
You are such a special boy and I loved seeing you wander off to the paddle pool where you lay done to cool off :)

Time for a HAPPY selfie in the orchard!


Garden Bay and pool activities

Miracle - 2004-04-05 to 2016-06-14
The below text is a tribute I wrote to Miracle the day he passed away
I saw you so recently Miracle, sat and chatted with you during my recent visit to the finca.
The finca......your wonderful home these past 8 months.

Life is full of unexpected happenings.....and one late night those months ago, when you were lying in a ditch..... filthy, wet, cold, injured....yet alive, then loving arms scooped you up and brought you to saftey, literally to another "world". A world so totally unknown to you
because you had lived a life on the streets for some 10 years. A very harsh and brutal life. No love, no caring, no security......nothing but a fight for survival, day after day after day. That was your life.
You were named Miracle and your Mama Charlotte taught you all the essentials of what life should be about......like love, caring and trust.

Gradually you grew to like......to love the soft and cheerful voice that spoke to you each morning. The voice that edged you on.....to eat and to learn that the hand that gently stroked you was something good.

You came a long way Miracle during your 8 months ”at home” and you have a global fan club that has loved you hugely. Every little progress you made we cheered you on loudly.
We celebrated your first ever birthday – your official birth date being set at 5th April 2004. That was a very special day Miracle and we were so proud seeing how far you had come in adjusting to this new peaceful existance in your very own garden bay.....where a fight for survival was a thing of the past. And where you lay side by side with your best and loving friend Chayenne.

You left us peacefully today....in the arms of your Mama Charlotte and Papa Dioni. Now you run free....and you will watch over the finca from where you are and we will love you forever and ever.
Bless you precious boy and thank you for all the beautiful moments you gave us.


Miri giving me a Good morning greeting!
He was quite vocal and we loved his "talking".......

Chayenne
An amazing boy. So incredibly handsome with his black shiny coat, beautiful head and kind eyes. And to add to that.....a wonderful and loving personality. Always happy, running up to greet you as you entered the Garden Bay. Very affectionate and just the nicest boy. Because of his injured leg (which never will be of any use more than as a "walking stick"), Chayenne needs a home that is right for his "special needs". He will be a wonderful companion and family member but will never be able to run or go for long walks.

Nei & Chayenne having a loving moment.......

Miracle
We loved you to the moon & back.........your spirit will always be felt around the finca.

Miracle & Melina

Melina
A tiny, wee galga.......only at the finca for some 3 weeks. Small, malnourished and with ugly sores on her body.
She needs rest, fattening up and recuperation....... and with time she will flourish.

THE POOL!!!
This is a wonderful addition to the finca, enabling rehab sessions for dogs with injuries.
 And also lovely for us humans to have access to on very hot days!
Here a rehab session with Chayenne.

 

Such a good boy.......and seemed quite relaxed.

I so love this picture of Martina & Rainbow!
Rainbow.......who we know loves water, has almost passed out with total bliss.......floating in the water like a seal, not moving his legs at all. Truly heartwarming.

The seal!

Fabulous.......cooling off in the summer heat!

Why not some aqua aerobics!!!


......or just enjoying a beer!

The Cabin
Our sweet "home away from home".........

LUCAS
Lucas........our true miracle boy at 112 Carlota Galgos. A boy that is deeply loved across the globe because of his past, his fight to live and to what he is today. I have never seen Lucas so happy, social and loving as he is now. Every morning as I opened the cabin door he'd come charging across the field, tail wagging and happy eyes shining. A perfect and wonderful start to each day of our stay at the finca.

Precious Azor greeted us every morning with a wagging tail waiting for breakfast treats!

Excuse me Mr Lucas but NO dogs are allowed in the cabin!

SIT Lucas.....SIT! Then you'll get your treat :)

Hehehe......I said SIT and not frontal attack!

Yummy, yummy this chew.......

Can a dog smile? Can a dog have happy, shiny eyes?
Well this pic says it all!
Most evenings Ambo & Niebla were "uninvited" dinner guests at the cabin which we loved :)

Azor enjoying a chew.
Words cannot describe the happiness and relief seeing him like this today....knowing what he has gone through due to his very serious illness the past 7 - 8 months. 

 LOOK Lucas!!
I'm wearing you today! :)

Coffee break.......

Azor..........doing a morning wash.

........and later, getting a proper wash with his special shampoo.
I'm quite sure he enjoyed this cooling wash, then a gentle rub down......followed by treats :)

LAKOTA
A sweet beauty that takes your breath away.
As I write this she's already in her forever home with Mama Jane :)

You really are a stunning girl Lakota!
 
NIEBLA - Chief Guard Dog (CGD) of the finca
Hmmmm.....rumour has it that my PT from Sweden is about to arrive.
I wonder what she has in store for me this visit?

Better take back position and make the most of it before any gruelling training sessions are on the agenda!

My PT hardly took the time to unpack her suitcase before she had me out burning heaps of calories!!!

Phew........that was exhausting!!!!!!
I wonder how long my PT is staying........?


I think my prayers were heard as my PT just told me that this visit the emphasis on my training  was not going to be multiple walks daily and hill sprint sessions (as we've done in the past) ....but rather we'd focus on calm energies within.....like yoga, stretching, massage and last but not least massive tummy rubs!
Here I am doing a mindfulness session with Martina..... :)

All I can say is "namaste"......:)

OK....life was blissful for a short while and now my PT insists on a BATHING session!
Hmfp.........I was just on my way to lay down for a much needed SIESTA in the stable when my cheerful PT appeared announcing it was BATH time.....

Hehehe.....so this is my revenge!!!!! Rolling and lying in the dirt straight after my bath!

........and so here I am again!!!! My revenge was very short lived as my PT had me back at the bathing area quick as lightening!
Anyway........the massage is quite good and I suppose being clean once in a while is necessary when you are the fincas Chief Guard Dog!



Niebla......you are so totally lovable! Everyone that meets you at the finca is smitten by your wonderful, endearing personality and your irresistable smile :)
See you next year.......when I'll be back with more surprises for you!


LOVE & HUGS

The love between a PT and her "pupil".....



Mr & Mrs del Rio!
Two people with hearts as BIG as they get.

A wonderful hug!
The del Rio's are pretty good "huggers" all of them :)

........hugs in the orchard.

......and another one.
With of course the"love bug" Wisdom wanting to be a part of :)

Martina & Ambo sharing a kiss......

I had the pleasure of meeting the gorgeous Ozzy, Diane Cox's beautiful greyhound.
Wow.......I could have cuddled this boy all evening, fell a bit in love with him.

Ozzy........don't you find Spain a bit too HOT?
Wouldn't it be nicer to live in Sweden where it is COLD and DARK 6 months of the year! ;)

Finca projects, family animals & walks.....


Dioni always on the go in his spare time........neverending projects around the finca.
Here building a safe storage for the galgos sacks of food. When I say safe we mean MOUSE PROOF!!! The mice are a menace and Niebla does a good job in swallowing one or two but they are on a mission eating holes in the sacks (sorry mice.....I do find you very cute but we can't have you eating the galgos food).

Father & son working together.....

Progress.......

A proud Dioni almost finished with his "mouse proof" food storage!
Only the door remains.....and this storage is without a shadow of a doubt totally "mouse proof".
Well done Dioni!

Another project being completed......the building of Lucas Palace :)

There it is in all it's glory!
Lucas Palace getting a coat of varnish by Martina :)

Isn't it so heartwarming....I mean this truly is a symbol of what 112 Carlota Galgos is all about......building a mini cottage for a dog that survived against all odds. A dog that represents all that this sanctuary stands for. It is not just a rescue..... I am always quick in pointing out that 112 CG is above all a SANCTUARY. Most rescue organisations do wonderful and commendable work but it is important to understand the difference. Here there are never more than 30 dogs at any one time........whilst other "rescues" have 100's of dogs, making it impossible to run an organisation along the lines of 112 CG. There is a deep inherent philosophy here that every living soul is worthy. Worthy of a decent life.....worthy of respect. No matter how old or how severely injured......112 Carlota Galgos opens it's gates to these souls. Cases that no other organisation would even consider taking.....they do. And here these souls are gently nursed back to life. Given a life they never could have dreamed of, given a feeling of worthiness and given love and the confidence to trust humans.

Hehehe.....now who's in the dogs house!
I venture to say that if Charlotte goes "missing" at the finca.....we'll know where to look for her :)

Ready for a walk! And this was a very special walk as it was Azor's first walk outside the finca since his longtime illness. Lakota also with us......and of course Niebla, the fincas CGD. She always comes along on walks and any volunteer walking dogs can feel totally safe in her company!

Super walk down to the river.....not far at all from the finca. And you walk past orange orchards and impossible not to pick one or two! They were delicious :)

 

Ebro
Darling, precious, so loved goofy Ebro :) I say "goofy" because he has his special goofy walk due to his horrific injuries. After many surgeries, many moments of "touch and go"........and what made him eventually pull through was his Mama Charlotte's 24/7 care. She literally lay by his side on the floor by his bed....night after night, nursing him, willing him to survive.
Today an immensely loved family member and he's happy as ever. And wow.....can he run!!!! Amazing to see when he does mega zoomies in the field with the other family dogs :)

Ebro has found a perfect spot for a rest :)

Nei & his beloved BB

BB is about to climb out Nei's bedroom window.......wanting to follow after, as
Nei jumped out to go and visit Chayenne and Miracle in the Garden Bay.

Martina has a moment with BB.....telling her not to worry, that Nei will be back in a flash! :)

Playtime with Ambo........

Mocha Moo - the fincas Chief Cat Tester (CCT)
Mocha has a VERY important job in testing the galgos for their reactions to felines :) She is super cool and lets herself be sniffed at both here and there.........always patient and cooperative.
Mocha Moo befittingly has privileges NOONE else has! She sleeps not only on Mama Charls bed but she sleeps draped around her head!
Now how sweet isn't that on a scale from 1 - 10!

Nothing like munching fresh hay........

Morning delivery of cut up apples!

......and apple pieces cut up VERY small for you Oro since your strange teeth are a bit of a problem for you.
Next picture will explain the "strange teeth" bit! :)

Beethoven: Oh my GOODNESS ORO!! That overbite has to be world class!!
You really must get some braces pronto!!
Domino and departure Sweden

Domino
Stunning boy with lovely expressive eyes. A lot of fear and anxiety bottled within but a perfect home has been found. Domino is going home to Sweden. His future forever Mama Susanne has been waiting for him for 6 months, waiting for him to be ready. Susanne has a galga, Clara, whom she rescued 9 years ago. Clara arrived in Sweden totally petrified, frozen in fear. It took Susanne 1 yr to win her total trust and to break down her barriers. Today Clara is a dog with amazing calm energies, a dog that is used to help other traumatized dogs. So I can't think of a better home for Domino :)

Mama Charl telling Domino that he's ready.
He's made it....he's going home to his very own forever family.

But before departure......a bath is a must.

I'm doing the wonderful task of preparing Domino's transportine for his flight to Sweden.

And here the moment has come........having stepped outside the orchard for the very last time, soon to leave the finca forever......

A wonderful bittersweet moment for Charl.....sending Domino off, wishing him happiness now and forever.
Telling him that "love never fails".....

We're ready to leave. Leaving the finca is never good-bye, but rather see you soon!
We are very, very proud to be the official transporters of Domino home to Sweden. The first galgo from 112 Carlota Galgos to be homed in Sweden! Wow.......that is so very special! :)

Dioni at the airport....about to check Domino through security.

A last picture with our precious "cargo". Next time we'll see him is on Swedish soil!

Thank you Dioni....for being that solid rock for Charlotte to lean against, for all you do around the finca, for being that warm & smiling person and for being simply you......
See you soon DD!

 

Happy tears at Stockholm Arlanda Airport....we were quickly through to collect our baggage and to our surprise we see the transportine with Domino already there :)
Our boy is fine!

......and here is the moment!
Domino's Mama Susanne, Papa Simon and sister Clara meet Domino :)
Wonderful feeling of "handing" him over - mission completed, Domino at home!

It's past midnight......and now this family has a new family member. A precious boy that will be so very loved. They have a 3 hour drive home so will not be home before the small hours of the morning.

And here we say a final farewell to Domino and his forever family.
2 weeks have now passed since Domino arrived home and Mama Susanne has published pictures of a very relaxed boy and things are going extremely well. Beyond their expectations .....and like Susanne say's:  Domino is a 100% match for their family :)


For more information, please go to:
Charlotte del Rio on facebook