The Ibizan Hound, an extraordinary and ancient dog breed, has captivated people worldwide with its unique history and remarkable appearance. Known for its sleek, agile body and long, narrow muzzle, this breed traces its origins back to as early as 3400 BC, with depictions resembling the Ibizan Hound found in Egyptian tombs. The breed’s journey to Spain’s Balearic Islands, particularly Ibiza, around 700-900 BC, solidified its role as a skilled hunter of small game. This elegant, noble dog continues to be celebrated for its rich heritage and distinctive characteristics.
Historians believe that Phoenician traders transported these majestic dogs to the Balearic Islands, including Ibiza, sometime between 700 and 900 BC. It was on these Spanish islands that the breed became known as the Ibizan Hound, where they were utilized for hunting small game, such as rabbits, rodents, and cats. The breed’s speed, agility, and keen senses made them exceptional hunters, and their legacy as skilled working dogs endures to this day.
Often affectionately called “Beezers”, these dogs are not only remarkable for their hunting prowess but also for their temperament. According to dogbreedinfo.com, Ibizan Hounds are known for their gentle, playful, and quiet nature. They are polite, and intelligent, and can even exhibit a unique characteristic—when they become excited, it’s said that they can blush, with their ears and nose turning pink. Their eagerness to please and their sharp learning ability make them highly trainable, and loved by those who appreciate their regal history and companionship.
However, despite their remarkable qualities and ancient lineage, some people tragically fail to appreciate the true value of these magnificent dogs. Queen, an Ibizan Hound, became a heartbreaking example of this when she was abandoned, mistreated, and left to suffer alone.
In 2013, Queen’s story unfolded in a way that would shock and sadden animal lovers everywhere. Queen was owned by hunters, individuals who had long relied on her to hunt for them. As a loyal and obedient companion, Queen had done everything asked of her. Day in and day out, she gave her best, tirelessly working for her owners. But when she became sick—too ill to continue hunting—they decided she was no longer useful to them. Rather than care for her or seek help for her declining health, they cruelly abandoned her, leaving her in a remote field to die.
When Queen was finally discovered, she was in a desperate state. She was so weak from neglect and illness that she could no longer stand on her own. It was clear she had been suffering for a long time. She was rushed to an animal clinic, where veterinarians immediately began treating her. The extent of her condition soon became apparent, and it didn’t take long for them to realize that the Queen had been nearly worked to death by the very people she trusted.
Queen was diagnosed with the late stages of a severe neurological disorder. This disorder, which caused her immense weakness and pain, is often brought on by nutritional deficiencies or other underlying health issues, exacerbated by poor care and neglect. It was obvious that Queen had been denied the basic necessities that any living creature deserves, and her condition had been allowed to deteriorate over time.
Despite the gravity of her situation, Queen’s spirit remained strong. She was alert, showed signs of hope in her eyes, and was extremely hungry, having been starved of proper nutrition. Her will to live was evident, and it touched the hearts of those caring for her. That’s when the animal rescue group “Let’s Adopt” stepped in to take over her care, determined to do everything they could to give Queen a fighting chance at recovery.
Before this, two different veterinary clinics had evaluated Queen and both had come to the same conclusion: euthanasia was the most humane option. They believed her condition was too far gone, that there was little hope for her recovery. But the team at Let’s Adopt wasn’t ready to give up. They saw in Queen a dog who still had life left in her, who hadn’t yet given up the fight. They believed she deserved a chance and refused to take the easy way out.
Let’s Adopt provided Queen with the care and attention she had so long been deprived of. Day and night, they worked to ease her suffering and restore her strength. For a while, it seemed like Queen might have a chance. She was receiving the best care possible, surrounded by people who loved her and wanted her to survive.
Yet, despite their tireless efforts and Queen’s own will to live, her body had been too severely damaged by the neglect she endured. The neurological disorder had taken its toll, and the months of mistreatment had done irreversible harm. In the end, Queen’s brave battle came to a tragic conclusion. On February 10, 2013, Queen passed away.
Her death left the rescuers heartbroken, knowing how close she had come to a chance at a better life. But Queen’s story didn’t end with her passing—it became a symbol of the cruelty that too many animals endure at the hands of those who are supposed to care for them. Her story also serves as a reminder of the resilience of dogs like Queen and the need for greater awareness around animal abuse, neglect, and proper care.
While Queen’s tale is tragic, it highlights the incredible compassion and dedication of those who fight for animals’ rights, like the rescuers at Let’s Adopt. They refused to give up on her, even when others had and gave her a chance to know kindness and love in her final days.
She Could Barely Walk or Breathe When Rescuers Found Her
Rescuers swooped in, but when they got the pup into their care, she had lost the use of her back legs, was struggling to breathe, and weighed just around 20 pounds.
The Ibizan Hound, with its rich history and dignified presence, deserves the utmost respect and care. Queen’s story is a solemn reminder that every animal, regardless of their utility to humans, deserves compassion, dignity, and protection from harm. Let her story be a call to action for greater responsibility and kindness toward all animals.
Though Queen is gone, her spirit lives on through the efforts of those who continue to advocate for animals and through the memories of the love and care she received in her final days. Her legacy is a reminder that every life matters, and no dog—especially one as special as Queen—should ever be abandoned or forgotten.
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