The Shelter
To address the problem of abuse and abandonment, Fundacion Benjamin Mehnert (FBM) was founded to provide a place where Galgos can receive medical treatment, nourishment, and socialization so that they can eventually be placed in homes. The FBM staff often participates in field and highway rescue of Galgos; the highly skilled veterinary staff treats broken bones and a multitude of other injuries, diseases, and malnutrition in the animals that are brought to the shelter.
There are usually between 400 and 700 dogs in the shelter outside Alcala de Guadaira, near Seville, although that number increases to as many as 1,100 dogs at the end of the hunting season. Dogs are never euthanized unless all medical possibilities have been exhausted and death is inevitable. The FBM staff strives to make every dog healthy, and extraordinary effort is made to find it a permanent loving home.
The veterinarians, handlers, medical assistants, and support staff are extremely dedicated, and they place the welfare of the animal above all else. There is an intensive care clinic on the premises, equipped operating rooms, X-ray lab, quarantine and hospital recovery areas. There are open-air enclosures for dogs recovering from injuries, and there are outdoor exercise areas.
Every dog admitted to the FBM shelter receives a name, regardless of how injured or sick the dog may be.
FBM in Spain provides services for a fee to help defray the cost of operating the shelter. These services include:
Veterinary services to the public
Pet boarding and grooming
Veterinary assistant training courses
Pet education and training programs
Sale of Galgo-themed merchandise
The shelter also covers some of its costs through charitable donations of dog food, supplies, and donated funds. Partners in the European Union assist with shelter projects, funding, and volunteer assistance at the shelter and FBM provides a hostel-type dorm area for volunteers.
Despite the various sources of funds and supplies provided by donors, the cost of healing, maintaining and adopting these dog is about twice the revenue generated. The difference is made up by personal support from benefactors.
Ongoing needs include food, veterinary supplies, transport of the Galgos to other EU countries or to the Madrid airport if the dogs are coming to the USA, public education, and repairs to the physical shelter, such as fencing, roof repairs, drainage and water system.
You can help.
FBM depends on the generosity of donors. Your gift will go directly to the care and rehabilitation of abused and abandoned Galgos. We can’t do it without you!