To the moon and back – An ode to the Spanish Galgo and Podenco
20-10-2025With “To the moon and back,” an impressive book is published that highlights both the beauty and the vulnerability of the Spanish Galgo and Podenco. These dogs, bred for hunting, embody elegance and pride, but behind their graceful appearance lies a history of neglect and pain.
The book, compiled by artist Marga Hendrix, brings their stories together in drawings, poems, and personal memories. Each chapter shows that behind every dog lies a life that deserves to be heard and seen. The book is a voice for the voiceless.
Beauty with a dark side
The Galgo and the Podenco are known for their graceful appearance and gentle gaze. Yet, many of them lead a hard existence. The book highlights not only the harsh realities of their fate but also the hopeful moments in which these animals find a new life, thanks to dedicated volunteers and adoptive parents. The combination of visual art and poetry makes their story relatable and human.
A book with a purpose
The publication was made possible with support from the Viva la Vida Foundation, which is dedicated to helping animals in need. The full proceeds from the book will go to Spanish rescue centers that work daily to save and care for sighthounds and hunting dogs. The foundation considers the book a tribute to the animals themselves, their adoptive parents, and the many people who work tirelessly for their well-being.
Art as a bridge between suffering and love
The book shows that art can connect: between sorrow and recovery, between past and future. The illustrations and texts make it palpable that even the deepest wounds can heal through gentleness, attention, and dedication. Thus, “To the moon and back” is not only a work of art but also a call for compassion and involvement.
About Viva la Vida Foundation
The foundation supports animals in need. It creates awareness and provides financial support to organizations dedicated to animal welfare. Viva la Vida Foundation has the Dutch ANBI status, which makes donations tax-deductible. Viva la Vida Foundation is closely linked to CAS International. Firstly, because both organizations are dedicated to the fate of the Spanish hunting dogs, and secondly, because Maite van Gerwen (director of CAS) and René Janssen (chairman of the Supervisory Board of CAS) are both on the board of Viva la Vida Foundation.
More information about the book and the foundation can be found at www.vidalavida-foundation.com
Two books
Recently, another book has also been published about the fate of the Galgo and the Podenco, written by author Felicita Vos and titled “Viva la Vida”. We can imagine this might cause some confusion. Originally, the idea was to make one book, but in the end, the decision was made to release two different books. This has resulted in two books: one book released by Viva la Vida Foundation and compiled by Marga Hendrix, and one book published by Uitgeverij de Kring and written by Felicita Vos. Incomes from both books go to shelters that take care of Galgos and Podencos.
