Francisca

Francisca was about a year old, or slightly less, when she arrived in the United States; she still had a bit of her puppy coat. She had been found abandoned in Olivares, outside of Seville, and was emaciated and had a badly broken right hind leg. The skilled staff at FBM performed surgery on her leg and gently nursed her back to health. During this time, she became a clinic favorite, and was described as “la nina mas bonita” – the prettiest little girl. She had her caretakers wrapped around her tail, and loved, loved, loved all the attention.

With the help of Love, Hope, Believe Galgo Adoption, she joined her forever family in the States, and met her fellow rescued canine housemates, Greyhound Tom, and Galgo Nemo. She quickly sized them up and decided that they needed supervision and direction. Frani, as she is now known by her friends, is the smallest of the three dogs, and the undisputed leader of the pack.

As Frani settled into her new life, she found delight in simple daily joys and new experiences. She grudgingly shares toys with Tom and Nemo, and takes particular interest in the giant Milk Bone box which smells so delicious. In order to promote further strengthening of her broken leg, she participates in a swim program. With so little body fat, she must wear a hefty life preserver. Her first reaction to the pool was to cast a desperate look that said “save me!” – but now it’s fun and exciting.

Frani enjoys the socialization and challenge of various exercise and training programs. She has a resilient personality and readily accepts new people and dogs into her daily life (cats, not so much). For these reasons, it seemed as if she might have the potential to become a therapy dog. She eventually passed the test and is now one of a handful of Galgos who are registered therapy dogs in the United States. Her energy and playfulness, despite a rough start in life and a serious injury, provide encouragement and reassurance to those whom she eagerly encounters.