Last weekend, my best friend and I spent the day at Avalon Greyhound Sanctuary in Woodford, County Galway and we loved every bit of it. Kamil, who has been working in the sanctuary for many years showed us around, gave us the chance to help out with their day-to-day and shared a great introduction to their organisation and to all the beautiful greyhounds they have. He also mentioned some of the struggles they have, so here I am, starting a fundraiser for them to give them a bit of support beyond my own capabilities.

The Rescue

Avalon was the first ever rescue sanctuary for greyhounds in Ireland, founded back in 1998. Today, it’s home to over 60 greyhounds, as well as cats and even a rescued deer. Every single dog I met was different - gentle, goofy, shy, curious, affectionate - but they all had one thing in common: an unbelievable capacity for love.

They are all so cuddly, so eager for attention, and so grateful for every bit of kindness they receive. Many of them have been rescued from truly horrific situations. They didn’t choose the lives they came from but they absolutely deserve the safe, peaceful, love-filled lives they’re finally getting at Avalon.

These dogs are not “retired athletes” - many are survivors of an industry that values profit over life, and supporting Avalon or adopting a greyhound helps shine a light on that cruelty and break a cycle that should no longer exist.

Why donations to Avalon matter

Running a sanctuary like Avalon comes with huge monthly costs around €28,000–€30,000 or even more every single month.

Avalon relies heavily on donations to keep going, your donation will go toward:

What makes Avalon so Special

Avalon is part of "Pro Animale für Tiere in Not e. V.", an international animal welfare organisation originally founded in Germany, with 26 sanctuaries in Ireland and beyond - caring for more than 3.600 animals every day. The Irish sanctuary is operated by Pro Animale Ireland CLG. and operates under the “Pro Animale – Dog Life” philosophy meaning the dogs are cared for both indoors and outdoors, with dignity, patience, and respect.

This isn’t a kennel.

This is a home.

If You Can, please Donate

Any amount truly makes a difference.

Your donation helps keep the lights on, bowls full, and tails wagging. It helps make sure these dogs continue to feel safe, loved, and cared for while they wait for their forever homes.

Supporting Avalon doesn’t only have to mean giving money so if you can’t donate, here are some other ways you can help:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pa_avalon/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProAnimaleIreland/

I’ve looked into their eyes. I’ve felt their cuddles and their need for closeness. These dogs aren’t broken - they’re full of love, and they are ready for the lives they were always meant to have.

Please help Avalon - whether by donating, sharing, or simply caring.

From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!

If you'd like to get in touch with Avalon, click here!