OUR STORY

Changing the world one dog at a time...

Extraordinary Galgos & Podencos is a non-profit organization dedicated to the adoption of Spanish hunting dogs in Canada and the defense of these animals in Spain. EGP acts as an intermediary between shelters and adopters in Canada, taking care of everything from evaluating applications, doing home checks to transporting dogs by plane. In addition, EGP offers support to adopters and foster families throughout the process and the dog's life. The organisation was officially launched in the spring of 2016, but the adventure began long ago for its founder, Tania Schmitt, who started it all in the fall of 2013. While she was browsing Instagram, she first saw a picture of a Galgo for the first time who had just been adopted by an American artist photographer whom she was following for his greyhounds photos. Having shared her life with whippets and greyhounds for more than 20 years, her curiosity was sparked and she began researching this breed of greyhounds she had just discovered. Unfortunately, the fairy tale stopped there, as she became aware of the horrific reality suffered by these beautiful animals. The desire to help them was instantaneous. Over the next few years, she traveled to Spain many times to help at Spanish shelters, brought dogs back home to Canada and organized fundraisers and other activities to support the cause. All this led to the idea and need she had to launch Extraordinary Galgos and Podencos in order to save as many Spanish dogs as possible by having them adopted by Canadian families.

Six years later, the organization has grown and blossomed thanks to the collective efforts of passionate collaborators with the mission at heart. As a not-for-profit organization, EGP is now 100% owned and operated by dedicated volunteers and relies solely on adoption fees as well as donations and fundraising activities to support its operations. Tania continues to oversee the entire organization and pays particular attention to the selection of dogs in Spanish shelters in order to match them with the best adoptive family possible. Between the first conversations with a prospective adopter, reference checks, communications with shelters, travel arrangements and fundraising, we do not count the hours of work, but every second is worth it. Today, after only a few years of operation, EGP is proud to have found families for more than 830 Spanish dogs.

OUR TEAM

Tania schmitt

President & Founder

Since the age of 21, I’ve shared my life with sighthounds. When I discovered about the plight of spanish galgos , I immediately felt the urge to help these poor dogs. From knitting sweaters to flying to Spain countless times, I started doing EVERYTHING I could to help ease their suffering. The little phrase “Changing the world one dog at a time” became part of my identity. Running an adoption organisation is extremely rewarding and I consider all new Canadian dogs a little bit like mine.

Santina malerba

Vice-President & Treasurer

Passionate about animals since my childhood, I have always been surrounded by dogs and cats who needed a second chance. Only when adopting Fritz and Yankee in 2018 the universe of the Galgos opened to me and I discovered the sad fate of this hunting dog breed. Being newly retired, I quickly joined the team of Extraordinary Galgos and Podencos in order to help them continue to ensure the safety and well-being of these beautiful, tender-hearted dogs by giving them a new life in Canada. This had become my new mission!

TANIA GUINDON

Secretary

Animal welfare has always been a big part of my life. I knew that one day I would be involved in something much bigger than myself. Thriving to give my first galga the best possible life she could ever dream of, I adopted my 2nd then my 3rd dog through EGP. Becoming an advocate for the Spanish dogs, and all other breeds that EGP has brought to Canada became more than a passion, but a way of life! Being able to help bring these dogs in loving homes is the most fulfilling reward anyone could ever ask for.