Official Bianca Association Newsletter | Year Charity Newsletter | Year IV IV
APRIL / MAY’ 2013
Featured Animal
MOURA Help us to help! Call 760 20 70 60 (0.60€ + vat)
http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
EDITORIAL Since last April our newsletter will be issued bimonthly. We have been having lots a priority work with our animals but want to keep on telling you the news of the shelter, events, volunteers and everything else. This month we present you the story of Yuma at the “Special Adoption” section and Moura at the “Featured Animal” section. We also had to say goodbye to some of our most ill or senior animals and would like to pay them tribute in this edition. Good reading!
Help us to help them!
DID YOU KNOW. . . The Center for Children Animation (CAI) has two weekly visits to our shelter? Every tuesday and thursday, around 2:15 p.m. , dozens of dogs are walked by this ‘gang’. Join them, because only if you try will you understand how fantastic it is to give love to these dogs who are anxious to be walked and petted.
HOT STUFF Starting in July, the volunteers’ blog will be featuring a special kit called “4 solidary paws” kit, with one T-shirt of your choosing, one pin, one pen, and one foster certificate valid for one year, all for the symbolic price of 40 euros. It comes in a transparent box and may be delivered to whoever you want. Take this chance to offer it to someone special. http://fazendoanimaisfelizes.blog spot.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. 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 find 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.
Calu Carol | Cadu Safira
Luna
Moura
Shalom
Tamir
Simba
Sissi
Yakir
Tyr | Toth
Harbour
Nalaa
Zizi
General
Grey
http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
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WE WERE ABANDONED...
Itai
Serra
Karin
Silva
Sul
Migas
Ruka
Elin
Mimosa
Jeni
TIPS Guide dogs are not only pets but also working dogs. Although we might get tempted to show our amazement by petting the dog there are some rules everyone should know, not to disturb the dog or the blind guide dog user, or even endanger the safety of this team. Here are some safety tips. When a Guide Dog has his harness on, he is working, so you should not distract him by any means. If you have to approach the team please talk to the person and not the dog. And very importantly please make sure your pet dog is on a leash or under control around the Guide Dog. When approaching, it may be polite to let the person know that you have a dog. When at home or out of the harness, Guide Dogs are just like any other pet dog but with the harness on they are highly skilled guides that should not be distracted.
http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
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FEATURED ANIMAL COVER ISSUE MOURA Moura was found on the side of the road, almost blind, with her hind limbs wrapped in gauze. She could not stand up. Her belly skin was so big that she stepped on it when walking. She has Cushing Syndrome, which is also known as hypercortisolism or hyperadrenocorticism, an endocrine disorder caused by high blood levels of glucocorticoids, specially cortisol. Cortisol is released by the adrenal glands in response to ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) released by the anterior pituitary in the brain. Let's try to give some quality of life to this little girl who has been a true warrior! Adopt her!
SPECIAL ADOPTION YUMA Yuma suffers from Hydrocephalus which is a rare genetic disease, common among pure breed dogs. This disease is characterized by the excessive accumulation of fluid inside the skull, which exerts pressure over the brain. Animals with hydrocephalus usually die before they complete 3 months of age. Yuma is almost one year old meaning she got over the most difficult part of the disease and is now stable. Nevertheless is it most likely that she will lose her sight completely. There is no medication for it. Yuma needs a calm and loving home! Our shelter with over 300 dogs its not the right place, she gets very stressed with all the dogs and noises. Yuma is a sweet and kind dog, loves to be on our lap and being petted. Give her a chance and adopt her. http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
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IN MEMORY. . . Elfo After 3 years with us, our sweetheart Elfo left. His heart didn’t take it. Goodbye little Elfo, we all loved you.
Migas Migas was abandoned at Bianca. When we took him to the vet, he was diagnosed with kidney tumours. This was unbearable for the animal. Now he rests in peace after 10 years with a family who abandoned him after all these years.
Conde Our sweet Conde was at Bianca for 2 years. Lately he was showing some signs of aging until one day he couldn’t get up. . . Rest in peace, sweet boy.
Luisinho Luisinho was found at Quinta do Conde by one of Bianca’s volunteer. His physical condition was very poor and as soon as he arrived at the vet, was immediately taken under observation. Unfortunately Luisinho didn’t make it and passed away.
MAKING ANIMALS HAPPY This month we have selected the fabric covered notebook that was specially and gently handmade for Bianca Charity. 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
Ninna http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
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REMEMBER ME? This issue features news from adopted pets. This month is about Uma, now called Luna. "The last few months were very exciting for me and I have sooooo much to tell you. First of all I have to tell you my new name, because I did not like Uma. Mom and Dad could never pronounce that name correctly so my new name is LUNA. I live near Wiesbaden in a small town. Although I miss you all very much my new family is sooooooooooo sweet to me. I always feel like a princess. I sometimes have problems with the German language (but sometimes i don't want to understand it). We do a lot of things, especially on weekends. We walk through the woods, the vineyards, we go to dog school and I am a big shopping queen. I'm always everywhere with them. Mom and Dad do have a job so I also spend my time during the day with my grandma. She is so cute because I always get treats from her without doing something for that (I’m an intelligent princess). Sometimes I visit my new friend Harry. Harry is a black labrador dog and meanwhile my best friend. He takes care of me while grandma is working. But I count the hours each day til Dad picks me up. Mom waits at home for me and then we go for a walk. The rest of the day is reserved for cuddling, cuddling and aaaaaaaaaahhhhhh cuddling. I also send you some pics. One of these pics you see me as a new football fan. Maybe we find the time next year to visit you. Your LUNA”.
http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
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I’M VOLUNTEER Madeléne, Sofie, Sandra and Mikaela Hello, we are Madeléne, Sofie, Sandra and Mikaela from Sweden. We are studying animals, especially dogs, at high school. We are going in the same class and are together almost every hour of the day. We were expecting bad conditions (in Portugal) for the dogs, but because it is such a enormous difference against Sweden it was a shock anyways. We think that people need to think two times before getting a dog, this is an animal that will not always be small and sweet, it will grow older and may live with them for more than 10 years. People need to make sure they have that time, before getting a dog. We think it is an amazing charity that they work on. People how have other places to work come to Bianca at evenings and weekends to walk and socialize other dogs how don't have a home. The people who work at Bianca are doing a great job. They see every dog and makes sure that every dog gets what it needs. Of course every dog can't be checked for ticks and be loved every day, but during our two weeks so far, we have just found ticks at 4-5 dogs, of approximately 300, and the most of the dogs are very socialized, almost too much if that is possible. We have very strict rules about animal welfare in Sweden, for example how big the space needs to be for the dog, how long they can be left alone at home and that we can't have them off-leash during the summer. If we don't follow these rules we can be charged with fine, prison or even lose your right to have animals in the future.There was an episode we want to share. . . When the big scared dog, Roxy, came up to us the first time. She was so scared of us in the beginning, but she is a real sweetheart, when she learned that she could trust us. Also when Sandra was carrying the little black-and-white Jack Russell dog, and she sat her down and she walked with us for a short way. We also love it when the staff trust us with different tasks, and let us try to do it on our own. This is the main memory we will take from this experience at Bianca. Its hard to say, but people really need to take responsibilities for their animals. If they don't take care of the animals or abuse them in any way the owners should get some kind of punishment.We are very grateful that we get to experience this kind of animal welfare. It's such a big difference and we all think its good to see, in real life, that all animals don't have a great life. Sweden isn't perfect, but we don't see homeless animals so often. Best regards Sandra, Sofie, Madde and Mikaela.
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!
Maribel
Sonata
Klaudio
King
Colbi
Smooth
Sissi
Spring
Snow
Dickens
Judith
Kimby Duke
Grifo
Dickie
Feliz
http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
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I FOUND A HOME. . . Canella
Cadu
Ciro
Canello
Cookie
Mins
Lona
Maluda
Mandarina
Caio
Jedi
Cola
Magnolia
Molete
Cortiรงa
http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
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NEWS of the MONTH Wa l k i n g B o a r d There are now two plates to register the animals that are walked daily, in order to avoid that some of them go to walks 2 or more times a day and others never get walked. For those who know the shelter the plates are located in the gate between the dogs houses of Clif and Karma. All kennels/parks have numbers, so when a pet goes for a walk the volunteer who does it registers the number of the doghouse/park of that animal on the plate by placing a cross The doghouses numbers are not removable but the date and crosses are easily cleaned. So in the end of every day we clean the plate so that the next day the register starts all over again. Thank you for your support.
IADE and NHL The project Creative Meeting, developed by IADE and the dutch university NHL, picked Bianca for the making of an awareness video against animal abandonment and some graphic work that we can use in the future. We have had the pleasure of receiving 12 students that for 3 days made a fantastic job. They deserve our aplause. The video was aimed to children between 7 and 14 years of age. See it at: http://youtu.be/YMieUDCvO_0
C A I s o l i d a ry w i t h B i a n c a C h a r i t y The volunteers of the project “CAI solidary with Bianca Charity” has shared their experiences with the reporters of the newspaper “Jornaless” de Sampaio having made a visit to our shelter. Soon the feedback of the reporters will be published on CAI’s facebook page. Stay tuned.
http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
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EVENTS Pic-nic Next 22th of June, Bianca will be present at the annual pic-nic in Tomar with a small sale booth run by our volunteers. Our presence in this event is becoming regular, and it allows us to meet new people and see old supporting friends from that region. Every sale will fully revert to Bianca. If you’re nearby please come and visit us. We are expecting a funny and productive day.
MIRBESSA Reunion On June 8, Bianca will attend at Mirbessa Reunion, represented with some of Bianca’s board members. Mirbessa is one of the organizations with which we actively collaborate, finding us forever homes for our animals. This reunion allows us to promote our work and our animals. And on top of that we get to reunite ourselves with the animals that have been adopted in the NL, which is always a blast! If you are near, stop by and say hello!
http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
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FRIENDS OF BIANCA NEWS
USA BANNER OF FOB FOB in USA created a banner. We are very proud of that!
F O B at Fr e d e r i c k C e l t i c Fe st i v a l May 11, Friends of Bianca hosted a booth at the Frederick Celtic Festival! They had doggies to pet (wearing their Bianca T-Shirts), a yard sale (Beanie Babies, Furbies and Boyds Kitty Cat dolls), Celtic Tarot Readings for your dog, FOB bags, notes and pens! A 50/50 rale rounded out the day! www.frederickcelticfestival.com http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
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FRIENDS OF BIANCA NEWS Evening for Bianca Terrific evening on Saturday, 11th May, possibly even better than the first “Evening” last year. Packed hall and brilliant entertainment from Michelle Bruce, Yvonne Morton and Alan Walker, Malcolm Dowie and Sue Robertson and the cast of Five Pound & Twa Bairns (Scott, Sinclair, Sue, Kris, Heidi and Paula-Jane). People were so generous in not only buying heaps of raffle tickets but in donating loads of prizes, all topped off by the auctioning of 3 items, two kindly donated by artist Alice Stuart (www.alicestuart.co.uk) (an original watercolour) and writer Irene Furneaux (a signed Burns book). A huge thank you to all who helped make it possible with special thanks to the artists for giving so freely of their time, to all the FOB committee members, to my wife Norma and my amazingly supportive friends Michael Craig and Peter Milne. Photograph below shows Yvonne accompanied by Alan.
Outlander item A professionally preservation-framed composition of an Outlander quote handwritten on parchment and signed by the internationally best-selling author of the Outlander Series, Diana Gabaldon, next to a striking sunset photo of the Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness, Scotland from noted Scottish photographer Andy Hall. The Outlander quote is "Tomorrow I shall be on a hill, without a head. Have you no compassion for my sorrowful maiden, my Mary, the fair and tender-eyed?" This is a one-of-a-kind piece approximately 37 x 21 inches and is offered this one time only. The frame and matting are specially selected to set off the marvelous colors in the photograph of silver, fuchsia, deep blue, black and grey. A letter on Diana Gabaldon's stationery is included in a pocket on the back of the picture noting its origins and provenance. This unique piece is being offered as a fundraiser for Friends of Bianca, a registered UK charity in Aberdeen, Scotland, and all the proceeds will be used to support the homeless, abandoned and abused pets at Bianca Pet Shelter in Portugal. Currently the major project underway is the construction of a veterinary clinic for the animals, many of whom come to Bianca in desperate need of veterinary care. Due to the size and uniqueness of this piece, it will be shipped only to addresses in the continental US.
http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
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