Buddy arrived at the shelter in October 2023 after being rescued from the streets by the police. He had been found suffering from abuse, with reports that people had been beating him with a stick.
Sadly, such mistreatment is not uncommon in some areas of Spain, where attitudes towards stray dogs can vary significantly. While many dedicated individuals and organizations work tirelessly to help these animals, others still view them as a nuisance.
Meet Buddy, a senior rescue dog from Spain who has been given a second chance at a new life.
Buddy was rescued by the police after being found severely beaten. His condition upon arrival was heartbreaking and sadly reflective of the struggles many stray dogs face.
We don’t know how long Buddy had been on the streets, but his severe state made it clear he had endured significant suffering. In addition to the physical trauma from being beaten, Buddy was also infested with ticks, suffering from scabies, and had an inner ear infection.
When Buddy first arrived at the shelter in October 2023, he was placed in a concrete kennel, where he began his journey towards recovery.
When Buddy first arrived, he was understandably confused and distressed. However, as he settled into the safety of the shelter, his true personality began to emerge. Despite the harsh treatment he had endured on the streets, Buddy proved to be a calm and affectionate dog who quickly warmed up to people. His love for human companionship became clear as he adapted to his new, safer environment. 
Thanks to the committed efforts of the veterinarians and Sonia, the President of Animals Help, a shelter in Galicia, Spain, Buddy received the essential medical care and compassionate attention he needed. 
In addition to receiving flea treatment, Buddy was prescribed antibiotics for 15 days and had a strong antibiotic applied to his ears. During his recovery, Sonia noticed that Buddy had experienced significant hair and skin loss, resembling the shedding process of a snake. 
Despite the challenges he faced, Buddy made a remarkable recovery and soon received an adoption inquiry from the UK.
By March 2024, we received an inquiry through our website about Buddy, and from there, everything fell into place!
Buddy is now safe and happy, enjoying a well-deserved retirement with a loving family in his new home.
Adopting a dog from Spain is simpler than you might think. We handle the entire process for you, providing full support from adoption through every step thereafter. On our website, you’ll find a list of dogs currently available for adoption. Once you submit an application, we’ll inform you if you advance to the next step, which is a home check. Depending on your location, this may be done in person or via video call. After your adoption is confirmed, we verify your ID, have you complete our adoption contract, and then proceed with booking transport for your new dog. Your dog will travel from Spain to the UK, transitioning from a stray to a cherished family member.
For example, we conducted a virtual home check on a Saturday, and there was availability on the next transport to the UK the following week. Buddy arrived in the UK just 7 days after his adoption was finalized.
Buddy now enjoys his new home with his sister, Sally.
Buddy’s new family was seeking a companion for their older dog and wanted to give a senior dog a chance at a peaceful life with gentle walks. Buddy was the perfect match for them. After completing the home check on a Saturday, Buddy was on his way to his new home exactly 7 days later. He traveled with Wawapets, a licensed dog transport company experienced in handling rescue dogs. During the journey, Buddy had breaks to stretch his legs and quickly started to feel at home.
Buddy has adapted remarkably well to his new life in the UK. His new family has shared updates that have brought joy to everyone involved. We are thrilled that Buddy has found such a loving home and are deeply grateful to his new family for giving a senior rescue dog from Spain a second chance at happiness.
Buddy’s story demonstrates that with a bit of love and a fresh start, senior dogs can find joy and security no matter their past.
Adopting a rescue dog from Spain might seem challenging, but we strive to make the process as straightforward as possible. We handle the details to ensure that bringing a dog from Spain to your home is easy and stress-free. Our support extends beyond the adoption, helping you every step of the way after your dog arrives. If you’re considering adopting a dog, please think about giving a rescue dog from Spain a chance at a new life.
Thousands of stray dogs in Spain face severe challenges, including hunger, illness, and the risk of injury. The high number of strays in Spain is influenced by several factors. Unlike in the UK, spaying and neutering are less common, leading to a high rate of animal abandonment. It’s estimated that around 300,000 animals are abandoned in Spain each year, with about a third being euthanized.
Cultural attitudes in Spain often view dogs more as working animals than as pets, leading to their abandonment when they are no longer needed for tasks like herding or guarding. For example, many Galgos (Spanish Greyhounds) are abandoned or killed at the end of the hunting season.
Stray dogs picked up by animal control often end up in overcrowded shelters with limited resources. These shelters work hard to care for the dogs but cannot always provide the individual attention each dog needs.
This is where Spanish dog rescues, like ours, make a difference. Despite some misconceptions, Spanish rescue dogs are not less desirable than dogs from the UK. Many are healthy, playful, and eager to please. Although some may have faced difficulties, they can become loving, wonderful companions with the right care and understanding.
If you’re considering adopting a dog, please think about giving a rescue dog from Spain a chance.
