Why SSD UK?
SSD UK is a small, personal charity run entirely by volunteers who share a great love for animals. Being a small charity all help, no matter how large or small, makes a real difference to lives of the many, many beautiful dogs who are cleared up off the streets of southern Spain.
No ‘shelters’, only pounds
We do not have the breadth for a physical ‘shelter’ for these dogs, and so instead we work as hard as we possibly can to raise funds and awareness to support the plight of the dogs left in municipal [council] pounds in southern Spain. Pounds where the food and care provided by volunteers is the only source of comfort for the dogs. Pounds where the dogs would remain – if it weren’t for the vast efforts of volunteers who seek homes for those dogs that are ready, and who rehabilitate those that aren’t.
It is easy to assume that ‘pounds’ equate to ‘rescue shelters’, however this is not the case. Pounds are designated holding places for dogs that have been removed from the streets and fields; they are often massively overstretched and therefore overcrowded – noisy and frightening environments for animals. New dogs are admitted daily, and comforts are not a priority.
Low costs, genuine support
We try to keep the adoption costs as low as possible to give these stunning dogs the maximum chance of being offered new lives: the adoption fee, including transport to your door (except inner London and Highlands and Islands) is £570.00
We know how important it is to be supported through your adoption – and afterwards – and so we invite everyone to join our online community to share experience, give and receive advice – and are always available to help with any queries that may arise.
Beautiful breeds
Yet the beauty of the dogs of southern Spain cannot be denied – from pure to cross breed, the coats, colours and personalities of the dogs are so varied and so very delightful.
We see many of these wonderful breeds:
Bodegueros – sometimes called the Spanish Jack Russell – friendly, lively terriers that make affectionate and funny companions; often bi or tri-colour, and small enough to fit into most households! The name translates as ‘Winemaker’, named after the wineries within which they would work catching rats
Brittany [‘Breton’] Spaniels – the historic cousin of the Springer Spaniel and often referred to as a ‘Springer with an off-switch’; Brittanys make excellent companions and family dogs
Podencos – these smart, eager to please dogs are known for their delightfully sweet personalities and their amazing ears! Their name meaning ‘hound’, podencos are often a stunning ‘fox-red’ colour or tan and white
Spanish water dogs – intelligent, loyal and versatile dogs with incredible coats and a love of active lifestyles – if you want a dog to play or exercise with, water dogs often like to do both!
Other wonderful breeds that SSD UK helps to home include dalmatians, German Shepherds, labradors, retrievers, beagles, pointers…and some wonderful mixtures of all or any of these!