Official Bianca Association Newsletter | Year III
OCTOBER’ 2012
Featured Animal
ZEN
Help us to help! Call 760 20 70 60 (0.60€ + vat)
http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
EDITORIAL In October we received a lot of new special dogs. Zen, a very sweet Cocker Spaniel, was left at the shelter by the people who took him off the streets. He is a very sensitive dog whose stay at the shelter is becoming very stressing. See Zen’s story at the “Featured Animal” section. Inside this newsletter you will also find new items for sale at the volunteers blog. With Christmas approaching take this opportunity to offer solidary gifts. Besides that we also have new calendars and T-shirts that make great Christmas gifts. We have new safety tips and photos of the new rescued and adopted animals. Read more inside this edition.
Help us to help them!
MAKING ANIMALS HAPPY This month we have selected this lovely canvas, hand painted by one of our volunteers, that will be a very appreciated christmas gift. We call your attention to the ‘Solidary Christmas’ facebook page, where we have several unique handcrafted items for sale. All the proceeds revert to Bianca. https://www.facebook.com/events/2829285218259 63/ See other items and utilities at the blog and know that by buying something you are directly and actively helping Association Bianca. http://fazendoanimaisfelizes.blogspot.com
DID YOU KNOW. . . The Christmas cards and the 2013 calendars are now available and ready to be delivered. Each month of the calendar tells the story of an animal, like Flor do Mar, René, Litos or Mister, that arrived to us in a terrible condition but recovered after our care, treatment and love. The Christmas cards and calendars were made by Friends of Bianca and are amazing! Get yours. Order by email at fazendoanimaisfelizes@gmail.com http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
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WE WERE ABANDONED... Bianca was formed 10 years ago and (unfortunately) we know by heart all the excuses people come up with to give their animals: health problems, job transfers, new houses, divorces, etc. But in fact, for those who love animals, there is no reason in the world that could lead them to abandon their animal.
Nalla
Our shelter is not the perfect home for any animal. We bring them to the shelter (hopefully) temporarily, give them a safe place to heal and be cared for, while trying to promote a responsible adoption for each and every animal. A responsible adoption because, if someone lacks the conditions to adopt, they shouldn’t do it. The animal may become stressed, psychologically damaged and his future life may be impaired. If you want to join our cause, you may visit us on Saturdays and ďŹ nd out more about us and our work. All help is welcome. If you can and want to adopt, please send an email to sesimbra.bianca@gmail.com. If you cannot adopt but want to help, know that you may sponsor. This way you will be providing an extra welfare to an animal. Know more at http://bianca.pt/english or send us an email.
Zoa
Allan
Carol
Niko
Didi
Button
Dinky
Dada
Kia
Karo
Doli Thor http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
Zen
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WE WERE ABANDONED... Rafaelli
Lonzo
Lace
Ollie
NEWS of the MONTH D O N AT I O N C A M PA I G N Last October 28, Bianca was at Horto Zimbro near Carrasqueira, for another food collection campaign. We thank Horto Zimbro, all of those who donated and all the volunteers involved. Bianca reminds you that we still need dry food. Your support its essential.
EVENING FOR BIANCA
Evening for Bianca in Broughty Ferry (near Dundee) was a terrific entertainment from Michelle, Malcolm, Lynne and the Five pound & Twa Bairns crew (Sue, Christine, Carol, Scott, Kris and Sinclair). It was the two great auction prizes donated by Godfrey Mordente Photographer and Scott McRuvie's Drama school. Thanks to all and to especially Elaine Hackney of the St Luke's & Queen Street Church who did so much to make it happen.
D AW G S F A I R On 3rd November, Friends of Bianca placed a stall at the Cat Protection Year Fair at Inverurie, followed on from the DAWGS Fair in Aberdeen that morning. It was a long but successful day with a good number of calendars and cards sold and lots of people interested in Bianca.
FRIENDS OF BIANCA
On the 5th of November, Friends of Bianca celebrated its first anniversary. We at Bianca would like to take this chance to congratulate this group of amazing people that have been doing so much to help our beloved animals. It was just the first year of a long and prosperous friendship. Thank you Friends of Bianca. http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
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FEATURED ANIMAL COVER ISSUE ZEN Zen was found in the parking of a supermarket at Quinta do Conde and was taken to our shelter. He is an 8 years old cocker spaniel with a very fragile emotional condition. He is feeling very sad and the fact that he has had a home for all these years and now sees himself at this big shelter with other 300 dogs has been very traumatic for him. We also suspect he is becoming deaf. Nevertheless a deaf dog it’s a perfectly normal dog needing only a little extra attention. For example he should not be left off leash on the street because he can not hear the vehicles they may run him over. You only need to be a caring owner who understands he may be frightened Zen at the shelter. with sudden approaches. However Zen is a very social, kind and friendly dog. He urgently needs a foster family or a new forever home. .
SPECIAL ADOPTIONS VINHAS Vinhas was found without strength, dehydrated and with a miserable fur! He was taken to the vet where we found he suffers from leishmaniasis. He began his treatment and now he looks like a different dog! He is super beautiful and ready for adoption. His physical condition does not reduce his beauty and Vinhas requires very little medical care, with just one pill a day. Adopt him and gain a friend for life.
Vinhas at our shelter.
http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
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I’M VOLUNTEER Cynthia My name is Cynthia, I’m 31 years old and I love to be a volunteer at Bianca! I have had 2 females dogs (Chihuahua) when I was a child because before I had them I was afraid of dogs. Because of that fear my parents decided to have a dog and that really helped me to overcome my fear. After Fayne (my first dog) died we adopted Julie, that lived with us for 13 years and died 2 years ago. She was our house’s bibelot, she seemed like a person and was treated with so much love. Now I do not have any dog but have one fish called Lipie-Lipie! My interest in animals has always followed me and so has my love for them. Nevertheless I was so afraid. But not since we had Fayne. After that I was never able to be without playing, petting and having dogs near me! I’ve been a volunteer at Bianca since the beginning of this year. The “genuine” love of animals is what motivates me the most. Unlike people, animals live in the present, they come out for a walk with us and are happy, living the moment! They do not care about the duration of the walk, or if the walk is eventually ending. They enjoy every minute and that inspires me, heartens me! I’m also motivated to see the progress of some dogs that arrive at the shelter in terrible conditions and after some care from the workers they improve tremendously. Take Litos for example. When he arrived at the shelter with his body all burned and full of crusts because of the lime burns, I went home and cried just thinking about him. Last week I was at the shelter and we had some dutch volunteers that fostered Litos some time ago. They asked me where he was and I showed them. They could not recognize him because he is BEAUTIFUL now! The fur has grown and he is strong and happy. These examples of success fill my heart with joy! Another thing that motivates me is knowing that Bianca’s organization is responsible and really cares about the animal welfare and life improvement. For what I see and have experienced Bianca’s representatives (board of direction) are dedicated and honest and do not deviate or abuse of the money, food or material donations that people give to the shelter. A few months ago I approached a dog called Delinda! She was a super sweet and calm puppie! I became closer to her every day and she became my favourite dog. I missed her so much everytime I could not go to the shelter, that I started to stop doing other things so that I could visit and be with her. She grew up, became used to me, I taught her to go for walks (she could not even walk on a collar and leash) and I taught her to walk with me without a leash. It was the most beautiful thing! She obeyed me. My husband and I took her to the beach sometimes. . . it was wonderful. Until one day Ana gave me the news that Delinda was going to Denmark in a few weeks. At the time I heard that my heart was crushed (it still is at the very moment I’m writing this) and started crying. I was happy because I knew she was going to have a family to take care of her and she was going to be very happy there. But even so it was very hard to adapt to the fact that I was no longer with her by my side. In conclusion we become attached to the animals and become sad when they are adopted but we know that is the best thing for them and there’s always that http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
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I’M VOLUNTEER chance! And when that happens it is gratifying. Unfortunately I think that Portugal is a little underdeveloped because there are lots of abandoned, mistreated and abused animals. This is due to the fact that people have no knowledge or are not open minded enough to understand that an animal has rights and that abandonment or abuse are crimes. Despite that there’s lots of people who help and dedicate their time to taking care of them. These people make all the difference and I believe that in time people will be more aware and one day we will have a better Portugal where animals are respected and loved like they are in many other countries! Everytime I can, I bring the important people of my life to the shelter so they may know how important our help is. What makes me happy is to see the animals happy and getting better, with all the walks and love we give them! I’m also very happy to know that there is so many people dedicating themselves to finding the shelter’s animals a home. This way another spot is clear and we may receive new abandoned, mistreated and/or sick animals in order to improve their lives. I met Bianca because of a small dog I saw. His ear was very hurt and he just stood by a local supermarket. After realizing his condition I went looking for a shelter where I could take him, but after finding Bianca I did not see him again so I could not take him there. A few months later I saw him again but he has an owner (who unfortunately allows him to stay in those conditions) and so I can not take him to the shelter. I hope more people become aware of the animals’ importance.
TIPS How many times have we thought or heard of people who give leftovers from meals to their pets. Even though you think you are petting your dog that attitude may be doing more harm than good, and may even be putting your dog in danger. Salt, sugar or spices may severely damage the kidneys, liver or stomach, but it is particularly dangerous when the leftovers contain bones. These may be stuck in any part of the gastrointestinal tract, or may even pierce the stomach or intestines causing internal bleeding, peritonitis and eventually causing death. If you suspect that your dog has a lesion caused by a bone please seek
veterinary care immediately. Next time think twice before giving leftovers and/or bones to your pet! Choose synthetic bones that were specifically designed to clean their teeth and cause no damage. http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
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I FOUND A HOME. . . It is always a great joy to see an animal being adopted. An adoption should always be a conscientious, well though and voluntary act. And that is why at Bianca all adoptions are carefully considered. This way we try to assure that the animals are in good hands, that they will have a family for their entire lifes and will be loved, cherished and respected as a member of the family that feels, reacts and suers like all of us. And even with all this some animals are still returned. Remember, if you cannot adopt there are other possibilities for you, like sponsoring. In this case, you are actually helping without taking the animal into your home. You may walk your sponsored animal, take him to the vet, etc. They thank that! Go to http://bianca.pt/english or send an email to sesimbra.bianca@gmail.com and ďŹ nd out more about it. If you send us photos we will publish them on our website and social networks. Contact us by e-mail for the address sesimbra.bianca@gmail.com!
Poki
Dony
Niko
Riana Baboo
Pako
Loki
Marya Sira
Balzac
Gui Apollo
Siro
Pricila http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
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I FOUND A HOME. . .
Mazarathi
Cesar
Allan
Tudor/Tamira
Aba
Dogy
Rola
Ju Button
Zito
Rolo
Julietta
EVENTS A R D E N E V E T S C H R I S T M A S FA I R Friends of Bianca will be having a stall at the Ardene Vets Christmas Fair. The venue is Ardene Veterinary Practice, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen on Saturday 24th November from 1.30pm till 4.00pm Come along and get some christmas cards and gift ideas as well as supporting these worthy cause.
http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
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