In the quaint town of Vera, Spain, a heartbreaking yet deeply inspiring story began to unfold when a local psychologist, Liane Powell, spotted a limping Greyhound wandering into a bustling market. At first glance, it was evident that the dog was in distress. Her leg appeared broken, and her body was emaciated—sickly thin and clearly neglected. Without hesitation, Liane knew she couldn’t just walk away. She gently approached the dog, who didn’t resist, and brought her straight to the local veterinarian clinic, hoping to give her a fighting chance.
At the clinic, veterinarian Ellen Sobry immediately began an examination. It was during this process that they made a surprising discovery: the dog was producing milk. This told them something urgent—she had recently given birth and had puppies somewhere out there, alone and vulnerable. The vet and Liane knew they didn’t have much time. The fragile puppies were likely hidden somewhere nearby, possibly without food or warmth, completely dependent on their injured mother who could barely walk.
Time was critical. So, they decided to act fast. They gently placed a collar and a long lead on the Greyhound, not knowing what would happen next. What followed stunned everyone. “We just followed her,” Ellen recalled. “She knew exactly where she was going.” This brave mother, despite her pain and weakened state, began leading them on a determined path through town.
For two whole miles, the trio walked—past buildings, down roads, across fields. The dog never once hesitated, her maternal instinct clearly guiding her. Eventually, she led them to what looked like an abandoned vehicle parked in a deserted area. Liane and Ellen held their breath as they looked inside.
To their astonishment, there they were—ten tiny puppies, curled up in the back seat of the car. They were nestled together, barely old enough to open their eyes, but astonishingly healthy and chubby. Their mother had somehow managed to keep them nourished and safe in the most unlikely of shelters. The sight brought tears to everyone’s eyes. The bond between the mother dog and her puppies, her determination to get help while injured, was nothing short of miraculous.
The veterinarians named her Vera, after the town where her journey began. Vera underwent surgery to repair her broken leg. The procedure was successful, and soon she was back at the clinic, reunited with her babies. “She’s recovering really well,” Ellen shared. “All she has to worry about now is eating, feeding her puppies, and getting rest. She’s a little shy, but she’s not fearful. She’s very sweet.”
As Vera continued to heal, the veterinary team worked alongside Ibizan Hound Rescue in Murcia, an organization dedicated to helping abandoned dogs in Southern Spain. Their goal was to provide long-term homes for Vera and her ten puppies once they were strong enough to leave the clinic. Until then, the family was given all the care, warmth, and nourishment they needed to recover from their traumatic beginning.
This story, though heartwarming, sheds light on a troubling trend in the region. Southern Spain has gained a grim reputation for the abandonment of greyhounds—locally known as galgos. These dogs are often bred en masse for one purpose: hunting. During hunting season, owners seek out the fastest and most agile dogs, and galgos fit the bill. However, once the season ends or the dogs are deemed unfit for hunting, many are discarded without a second thought.
The winter months are particularly cruel. As Ellen explained, many hunters abandon their dogs during the off-season and simply purchase new ones when hunting resumes. The result is a surge in abandoned and neglected animals, many of whom end up injured, starving, or worse. Organizations like Ibizan Hound Rescue and veterinarians like Ellen find themselves constantly overwhelmed, trying to rescue as many as they can with limited resources.
But amidst this sad reality, stories like Vera’s provide a glimmer of hope. Her courage, even in the face of physical pain and hunger, was driven entirely by love for her puppies. She didn’t seek help for herself—she limped into that market because her babies needed her. That selflessness, that silent determination, reminded everyone involved that these animals are not disposable. They are living, feeling beings with immense capacity for loyalty and love.
In the days that followed, Vera and her pups became the darlings of the clinic. Staff members rotated duties to feed and care for the little ones while Vera rested. Photos of the family quickly spread on social media, garnering international attention. People from around the world reached out, asking how they could help—offering donations, supplies, and even homes for the dogs once they were ready.
For now, Vera and her puppies are safe, warm, and healing. Their story continues to inspire acts of kindness and awareness about the plight of abandoned galgos in Spain. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, compassion can light the way—and that sometimes, a mother’s love can defy all odds.
