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I met my newly adopted Galgo by accident on 1 December 2024. He is a lovely black Galgo with a toe missing on a back paw and large scars on his body, which are injuries from his previous life as a hunting dog in Spain.

I had decided to go to the HESY (Helsinki Humane Society) Christmas fair where I knew one of the Galgo charities would be selling items to raise funds, and there would also be some Galgos there. So I could buy Christmas presents and get my 'Galgo fix' at the same time.

I did not go with the intention of looking for a galgo to adopt, but I was introduced to Yoga who wagged his tail and gave me a quick sniff.

It was suggested he would be the perfect fit for me. Relaxed, confident enough to spend time with me in the studio, loves everyone so would not be worried by any visitors. Also possible he could live as an only dog. I went for a short walk with Yoga and his foster mum. He was very curious as he walked next to me in a small wooded area, we met a small dog and he passed it politely...

I was going to England for Christmas and had planned to start looking for a suitable Galgo to adopt at the end of January 2025. Therefore, finding Yoga at this time was a bit early, but I kept thinking about him. He had been looking for a home since March 2024, and been in a foster home in Finland since end of October. He's a black male with scars on his body, therefore despite being a lovely polite boy, he was being overlooked, as black male dogs often are. I have to admit, I thought it was an advantage to have a dog recommended as a likely 'match', by someone who knows my set up, and this is why I started to seriously think about Yoga as my future companion.

Before Christmas I wrote to May's Galgo Rescue to tell them I was interested to adopt Yoga, and could I meet him again with my husband. This was arranged and he came to visit us at our home in January. He walked quietly in, took his own independent tour of our flat, and decided to settle on the sofa, while we chatted about him with his foster Mum. He then decided to try our bed and really made himself at home, enjoying both me and my husband making a huge fuss of him.

It was an easy decision, and Yoga came to live with us a couple of weeks later on 25 January.

He arrived at our house as though he had always lived there. He spent his first night with us peacefully on the sofa. He is generally very quiet inside, sleeping most of the time as greyhounds do. Outside he is the opposite! He is looking for any movement all the time and very reactive to the local wildlife of which there is plenty. He would really love to go bunny chasing. He wears a harness with leash attached, and also a separate leash attached to his collar, and I am wondering if he will always have to have two leashes as security. I remember Tenshi was the same when she arrived, but the interest in chasing did subside.

Yoga has a very sweet character, loves cuddles, is very affectionate, although at the same time not demanding. He loves going outside, and as soon as he comes in he would like to go out again. His enthusiasm has meant I have lost at least a kilo in weight, which is fine by me!

I am looking forward to seeing how he settles down into our routine over the coming months.

Yoga was brought to Finland by the charity May's Galgo Rescue >>>