by Myriam Wälde-Behning
I have been passionately dedicated to photography and professional image editing for over 13 years. Since 2020 I have also written and self-published two editions of Sighthound Stories.
A plea for the Galgos and a chance to win Sighthound Stories Volume II
CPG had the honour of being featured in Myriam’s wonderful second volume of Sighthound Stories: a Journey through Four Continents. You can learn more about the writing of these wonderful books and how to order them below.
Myriam has very generously donated two copies of her book to CPG. For the chance to win a copy, we’re asking all animal lovers to donate to Galgos del Sur who rescued Tayo, Myriam’s gorgeous Galgo, pictured above.
Please donate via the Galgos del Sur website at https://galgosdelsur.com/hacer-un-donativo/ then let us know via email at [email protected]. This offer is limited to Australian residents who make a donation of at least $AU10 to Galgos del Sur. We will be drawing the winners on 31 March 2023.
Image courtesy of Galgos del Sur
Every year tens of thousands of dogs including Galgos and Podencos are bred for hunting in Spain. And every year anywhere up to 100,000 are tortured, abandoned or killed. And their owners suffer no penalties.
Volume I, Sighthound Stories – of Grace, Love and the Unspoken, was published as a first edition in German in 2021. An English version will be available in 2023.
Shortly after the first book was published, there were more and more inquiries regarding whether there would be a sequel, or even translations into English and Spanish. The response to the book was overwhelmingly positive.
Who would have thought that before one year had elapsed since the first German publication of the Sighthound Stories, Volume II would be written?
In May 2021, I had to let go of my beloved Galga LAILA, and this follow-up book is also dedicated to that enchanting creature. How could it be any different – it was she who inspired me to go on this incredible discovery journey of writing.
It’s an indescribable feeling to communicate and unite in a collaborative effort with all these people who have a message to share. Our common bond is the love for sighthounds and our commitment to animal welfare.
Translations?
Okay, I’m a translator, but German is my native language, and publishing a book is a huge challenge. So I pushed the topic aside for the time being, until one day I received a message from Linda in the United States. She offered to introduce me to a friend from her neighborhood who might edit my English translations.
To make a long story short: Mary Jane immediately agreed. We got along great right away, and a warm friendship has developed. I am very grateful for all the time she takes to professionally proofread both English books and to discuss them with me in video conferences.
An international sighthound community
Numerous international contacts began participating, and this makes Volume II extraordinarily exciting in many ways. Europe was joined at first by the United States, then Australia, closely followed by Asia. Co-authors of the book’s chapters have been with their sighthounds in Dubai, Qatar, Australia, the United States, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Ireland, England, Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Slovenia, Switzerland, Austria and Germany. The involvement of many countries around the globe is inspiring. Once again I’ve become acquainted with so many terrific people.
Some of the co-authors were discovered by word of mouth; others have recognition for their outstanding work in the field of Galgo rescue and rehabilitation. They are unified by their concern for the dreadful plight of this breed which they love so much.
What I am also very happy about is that two incredibly talented artists have richly gifted us with beautiful illustrations.
Thank you ...
We are still shocked by the horrible reports and photos that have found their way around the world in recent months. It is breathtaking to realize how much good a strong community has been able to achieve through aid campaigns – even on short notice. At this point, a big thank you to the dedicated associations who have helped these invisible ones’ battered bodies and spirits far beyond their capacities and strength.
With the support of CPG we learned that Greyhound racing actively continues on a large scale within Australia, and cruelty toward these gentle sighthounds is widespread throughout the industry. The current focus is being targeted at reducing the victimization of the dogs, and raising public awareness to promote change in governmental policy. Thank you so much for your collaboration – Madeline Burton, Alice McGuinness, and Steph Tapply.
What can you expect from Sighthound Stories?
It is always worth fighting for the life and well-being of every single animal. And that this can only be successful if we work as a team – transparent, honest, extending one’s hand, and always keeping the animal’s welfare in mind.
To alleviate the suffering of sighthounds – even better, to eliminate it worldwide – this is our commitment. These wonderful beings are entitled to love, respect, and a dignified life.
You can expect a wide repertoire of texts: vivid, moving, personal, informative, honest, expressive, poetic, authentic. You will receive spectacular background information and unique insights into our lives. You will journey with us, and also travel to distant countries. You may find yourself in some of our stories, and your breath may be taken away.
The Sighthound Stories are also available in Australia, click on the images below to view and order.
Here are some links for further information:
- Insights behind the scenes via podcast – recorded by Christoph Richter: https://galgofm.podigee.io/5-sighthound-stories
- www.facebook.com/MyriamWaeldeBehning
- www.sighthound-stories.com
The Sighthound Stories are unique in the world!
I cordially invite you to read our texts with an open heart, to let yourself be energized by our enthusiasm for these very special dogs – and to join us in our commitment.
Myriam Wälde-Behning