Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Economic crisis and pets

Economic crisis and pets

The Portuguese crisis remains the national spotlight and no one speaks of the consequences that arise from this crisis.

I think many have yet to feel the cuts in their budgets or job losses.

Just go to large supermarkets or shopping centers to continue to see people buying non essential products in force.

But the reality is out there and in a few months will hit all of us.

The reality behind the reality lies in the ability to feed our children, both the 2 leg and 4 legged ones.

How to cope with the crisis that no one talks about ?

Look, maybe because I am a mother and my major concern continues to be, feeding in a reasonable way, I have been reading a lot about the vegetable garden that has make me thinking that lot of us, with little effort, could probably complement their food budget.

I read on a website that a person devoting his time of one hour per day, could produce enough for a family of 10 people (something to think about).

Another way is to eliminate the "luxury" of our menu and return to the basics of our grandparents, a bowl of soup (made with the vegetables from our garden) and a piece of meat feeds and it is more healthy.

For the canines, like it or not, back to what our grandparents gave. Rice with shredded chicken (yes, no bones and no spice) mixed with dry food. If you can not afford the expensive dry food, look for the cheapest!

Do not forget that the crisis is hitting everyone doorstep and deliver one more animal to the overpopulated shelters and associations does not help anyone.

Every day there are fewer donations, more needy, so save and try to prevent in advance the more difficult times that will come.

The international financial crisis has directly affected the lives of pets. Aiming to reduce spending, families of first world countries like England and America have abandoned their pets on the streets.

According to British newspaper The Times, animal protection societies recorded an increase in the number of dogs and cats. The increase may be due to the increase of the annual budget for creating a pet, which is 24% higher.

In the U.S. the situation is repeated. According to the BBC Brazil, only in New York, about 44 000 dogs and cats are abandoned each year. The number is increasing because many families say they have less money because of the crisis and end up choosing to leave the animals in shelters or in the streets.

The stories most commonly alleged by the owners when they leave their pets at shelters is that they lost their jobs and can not afford to feed and vet bills. The NGO Dog Trust, however, advises owners to seek cheaper diets but to not abandon their pets.


Source: http://petmag.uol.com.br/noticias/crise-economica-contribui-para-o-abandono-de-animais-domesticos/

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Dog trekking to a museum

dog trekking group

The group concentration near the complex of buildings belonging to Museum de Odrinhas


pé ante pataOn the weekend of November 7th we went to another Dog Trekking organized by the association Pé ante Pata with two of our four leg companions, Teco my Australian Shepherd leaded by me, and Bianca, Golden Retriever, leaded by Gabriel, my sun.






australian shepherd and golden retriever in dog trekking
australian shepherd and golden retriever in dog trekking
My sun in front of the complex of buildings belonging to Museu de Odrinhas with Teco, Australian Shepherd and Bianca, Golden Retriever


This time the association wanted to go further and organized a dog trekking that not only would provide the participants with the spectacular contact with nature, but also would provide some unusual experiences.

So they began the adventure by a visit to a museum together with our 4 legged friends. The museum that accepted the challenge was the Museum de Odrinhas located in Sintra.

australian shepherd and golden retriever in Museum de Odrinhas
Inside of the Archaeological Museum of San Miguel de Odrinhas in the Roman Basilica

australian shepherd and golden retriever in Museum de Odrinhas
Inside of the Archaeological Museum of San Miguel de Odrinhas in the Roman Basilica , with Teco, Australian Shepherd, Bianca, Golden Retriever and the remaining human and canine group

australian shepherd and golden retriever in Museum de Odrinhas
Inside of the Archaeological Museum of San Miguel de Odrinhas in the Etrusca Crypt, with Teco, Australian Shepherd and Bianca, Golden Retriever


the ruins of a Roman dwelling romana
The ruins of a Roman dwelling


Medieval church
The Medieval church built with stones of the roman ruins


This museum not only opened the door without any prejudice to our canine companions, but also provided a guided tour through their archaeological discoveries that gave us the opportunity (very well apreciated by my sun) to culturally enrich us.

So a very well appreciated visit to a museum that I didn't know !

australian shepherd and golden retriever in dog trekking
View of the beautiful hills in the dog trekking


australian shepherd and golden retriever in dog trekking
Stop in one of the village community water fountains.


Then we were led through the hills to a famous house of homemade bread with sausage, which was a delight to our taste and that we shared with our canine companions(a delicious idea).

australian shepherd and golden retriever in dog trekking
View of Windmills


With full stomachs we set off to visit a local "ghost town", the Village of Broas, which is one of the most emblematic and typical villages of Mafra county. Here once again, the dedicated attention and care by the organization provided us with an explanation of the village origins and history, offering at the some time tea, made on the spot, under a huge tree that was the concentration of the village community (unique !!).

australian shepherd and golden retriever in Village of Broas
Hearing the explanation and resting with a cup of tea under the community tree of the Village of Broas


australian shepherd and golden retriever in Village of Broas
In front of a typical house of the Village of Broas with Teco, Australian Shepherd and Bianca, Golden Retriever


After this rest and gathering we return ... and almost regret the end of the trip.

I can only add my many thanks to the organization that provides in a altruistic way, people, time, and will to organize these tours that provide moments of happiness, delight and cultural enrichment, with no cost, except that of our effort and time.

Other trips and travel: