It’s a Dog’s Life for Callum!

A kind hearted Animal Management student from Cronton Sixth Form has spent his Christmas holidays gaining work experience at Galgos Del Sol rescue centre for dogs in Spain.
Callum Ellis, who had already gained valuable hands on experience working with abandoned animals while volunteering at a local retired greyhound charity and as far afield as Thailand, had already spent his last summer holiday on a volunteer programme at Galgos Del Sol.

The rescue centre was set up in 2007 and looks after abandoned Galgos dogs, the most abused breed in Spain. Bred for hunting, they are often abandoned on the streets and left to fend for themselves once the hunting season ends. The staff at the rescue centre nurse the dogs back to health and also work with local hunters, educating them in the welfare of their dogs and encouraging them to bring any unwanted dogs to the rescue centre.
Callum said, “I first became aware of Galgos Del Sol via social media after seeing a video of a dog they had rescued; it was heart breaking. I decided I wanted to do something to help, so I spent my summer holiday last year on their volunteering programme. I was invited back to help over Christmas and New Year and decided to go back to further my knowledge of dog rescue and aftercare, and to help other abandoned dogs.
“This experience has really helped me with my animal management course at college and with my other volunteering work in the UK. It was an emotional experience and hard work but it was very rewarding. The founder of the charity, Tina Solera, was an inspiration and I feel privileged that I was able to play a part in the wonderful work they do and make a small difference to the dogs’ futures.”