Official Bianca Charity Newsletter | Year IV
OCTOBER /NOVEMBER’ 2013
Featured Animal
RAFAEL http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
EDITORIAL Everyday we come across a huge number of animals just wandering around, animals that once had a home or family. It is true that some of them never had a family in the true of the word because they used to “work” at storehouses/factories/workshops as guards and most of them lived worse with those supposed owners than living on the streets. At least on the street they could beg for food and find a place to sleep. Others used to live in a house or garden and had owners that affirmed to love their dog. But one day higher values arose and there goes the dog to the streets, roads or woods. Without knowing what he has done to deserve such bad luck, many dogs just stay there waiting for someone to take him back home… Whoever sees an abandoned animal asking for help with his eyes, will never be able to forget that being… that is why many people fill their homes with animals. They just can not go on knowing that animal is on the street… I met a lady that said to me once:”I can not go anywhere on Sundays, because I see abandoned animals and can not stay indiferent. I prefer not to leave my house!”. There is a study published recently by a neuroeconomics teacher of the University of Emory, Gregory Berns, that states that dogs are people like us. After a two year study performing MRIs to dogs’ brains, the author of this study concluded that animals and humans are very similar. Gregory Berns said that the brain activity map of dogs show a great similarity with those of humans, either in structure of function of a region called caudate nucleus. But we already knew this just by living with them. Only the sceptical ones (or better said the not so animal friendly people) refuse to see this. And will continue to say that these studies have little value… I want to believe that someone with “special powers” will give meaning to this study and be a contribution to the change of the property status that animals have today. Let us stop addressing our pets as their owners today! Although I am against considering them to be our property I still say to my dogs “come to your owner”! It is up to us to change the paradigm from owner to GUARDIAN. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a year of 2014 full of good news! Help us to help. Read more inside this edition.
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 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.
Mel
Lili
Fofa
Ritinha
Fada
Joca Chico
Romy
Lulu
Kuiri Blo
Adam
Banda
Armani http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
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WE WERE ABANDONED... Carolina
Boneca
Flor
Platina Jessica
Ximena Tarzan
Wilma
Lukas Montana
Freddy Sophie
Simone Magda
Suzie Riana
Ricota Rimara
Lassie
Luis
http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
Malibu
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Rumba
Lucas
Ariel Jessica
Tete
Pipoca
Tessa Santanna
Sarah
Tuxa
Bob
Candy
Olimpia Marla
Ondina
Otavia
Rafael
Luis
Malibu
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DID YOU KNOW. . . All proceeds from Fazendo Animais Felizes blog, goes entirely to Bianca charity? Join thousands of people that already helped. Check the blog, buy and be a part mailing list f a z e n d o a n i m a i s f el i z e s @ g m a i l . c o m
and received the latest news first. http://fazendoanimaisfelizes.blog spot.pt/
TIPS Spaying and neutering your pet is not only a way of preventing unwanted litters in a time when so many animals are abandoned each day and need to find a loving home. It is also a way of preventing serious, life threatening diseases. Did you know that if a queen or bitch is spayed before they undergo the first heat the chances of developing breast cancer is exponentially reduced? And did you know dogs may have tumours whose origin is the hormonal stimulus provoked by the testosterone produced by the testicles? Therefore, spaying and neutering is also an health issue!! Castrate!
http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
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FEATURED ANIMAL COVER ISSUE R A FA E L Pedro was one of the dramatic cases we had these last couple of months. He lived at Sesimbra’s harbour and was known to be easygoing and soft hearted. He was brutally hit by a car on a Sunday! The witnesses to the accident, standing before the severity of Pedro’s condition, couldn’t stay indifferent and acted. Pedro was brought to Bianca and we immediately took him to the Veterinary Hospital. Pedro’s mandible was - literally - broken in half and he had an eye trauma amongst other small lesions. Fortunately the fracture Follow this case, and many others, at our site http://bianca.pt/english/
SPECIAL ADOPTION KIRK Kirk is son of Madalena, one wild female dog we never manage to catch, and is brother of Scoty. Kirk was 2 month old when went to Bianca and then he was already shy. Lived a couple of month in one dog hotel, because back then Bianca didn’t had shelter, and he was never properly socialized. Although he’s more social than Scoty. Kirk is very afraid of strangers but when he knows people allow they to touch him and is very social with other dogs. He is a very sweet, smart dog with a huge tenderness on his eyes! Needs a home and a patient family who believes in him. Give him a chance and adopt him!
Ninna http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
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IN MEMORY. . . Sinta Sinta was abandoned near Bianca’s shelter. She was severely debilitated and visibly sick. We took her to the vet and the diagnosis revealed what we suspected: the leishmaniasis was in a very advanced state! She died shortly after… Rest in peace.
Julieta Julieta lived at the shelter for 6 years. On a Sunday morning we found her lying on her kennel floor, static. She was taken to the vet but did not resist. A tumour on her liver, that we didn’t know of, had just ruptured… Rest in peace.
Candy Candy arrived at Bianca in an unbelievable condition! She was shot in her head and was left on the side of the road to die. Someone saw her and took her to Bianca. There was nothing left to be done. Rest in peace Candy
Te t e Tete was left in the middle of the woods near our shelter with two puppies. She was an adult female dog with visibly ill. Leishmaniasis, skin and kidneys problems… One day her health drop down and she eventually died. Rest in peace Tete.
MAKING ANIMALS HAPPY In this edition we highlight the “Spider-Man” book collection, in perfect conditions. It is a rarity that would delight any collector! Do not miss it! We have dozens of books! Order by email: fazendoanimaisfelizes@gmail.com
Ninna
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REMEMBER ME? This issue featured news from adopted dogs. This month is about Beja. “It´s been a while since we sent some pictures from Beja. It was hard to choose between all the pictures we have made off him but after all here they are! As you can see he´s doing well. He fits perfectly in the pact, his weight is around 70kg, his muscular body is getting better and better and his skin/fur is looking beautiful. He likes to run and jump around in the garden and oh my. . . he is fast! If I try to describe him: sweet, alert, loving, soft, smart, happy, stubborn, protective, snorting, sleeping, playful. He's very easy going with little children, grownups and other dogs. I hope you all enjoy the pictures.”
HOT STUFF
Fazendo Animais Felizes Blog has a new kit "Happy dog", composed by one bag-carrier, one rope toy, one T-shirt of your choose for the owner, um bag, two badges and one foster certificate, valid for one year to improve life quality for dog mates. Great to offer to someone special. Order by email: fazendoanimaisfelizes@gmail.com
http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
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I’M VOLUNTEER Paulo Hello, my name is Paulo Santos, I am 43 years old and I am linked to the security field (either personal or parties security) and also to Bianca helping taking care of the dogs and everything that concerns them. I have two dogs: a Rottweiler with 2 years and a half that was offered to me when he was a puppy, and a Labrador Retriever with 3 years that was abandoned by her breeder and adopted by me about a year ago. My 2 dogs are best friends contradicting all the stupidity and controversy that has been created surrounding the so called potentially dangerous breeds. I loved animals since I was a child. I think it is something that is born with us and that we develop throughout our lives. I like being a volunteer because not only can I help (since there is always a lot of work to be done and a crescent number of abandoned animals for all sorts of reasons) but also because volunteering allows us to get in touch with a reality that is unknown to many people and to do something to try to improve the situation of those who need and depend on us. Personally I can say that it is something that makes me feel good because during those moments all that we receive from the little we give is gratifying and rewarding and although everything we do is just a drop on the ocean if we did nothing that ocean would eventually dry. I remember perfectly of one situation that marked me when I was 3 or 4 years old. My parents had several pets and among them a rabbit. One day they decided that his time had come and since they knew I much I love animals they had to make an excuse. They told me that the rabbit had stuck himself into a plastic bag and had choked to death. Even so they did not get rid of hearing me cry. Although a little throughout Europe and the rest of the world we may find worst situation than the one we have in our country, all the indifference and impunity regarding animal issues it is regretful, and we still hear the old excuse that they are just animals… My family understands perfectly what I do because they have always dealt with my love for animals since I was little. Moreover my brother was drag by me several times and he has already adopted a dog from Bianca. At Bianca we see that animals are given all the possible conditions and we know they are well cared for by people that really love animals. It is also remarkable to see the good environment existing between people working at Bianca and those who go there to help whenever they can. The message I would like to leave here is: show up and you will see that you will not regret it. There is always something to be done, a dog to be walked or petted because above all they need love and attention and I guarantee you that all you receive from the little you give is rewarding. The old excuse that we have no time or we are tired is not worth it because we all can manage to have some time. Even if just an hour a week we can do so much to help. 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!
Brasileira
Lulu
Gaspar Rimara
Lili
Pirita
Clara
Karin
Sloti
Tessa Ricota
Rotti
Rumba
Coral
Riana
Tom
http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
Tamir
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I FOUND A HOME. . .
Diva
Flor
Ruka
Zezinho
Malibu
Reginna
Thor Calu
Olivia Simone
Camila
Beauty
Kakau
Alan
http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
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NEWS of the MONTH Fo o d C o l l e c t On the weekend of October 5th and 6th, Bianca Charity was present at the the “Food Bank” campaign promoted by Animal Life in the supermarkets “Modelo de Sesimbra” and “Modelo da Quinta do Conde”. Bianca thanks to all who helps.
Fo o d C o l l e c t i o n at J u m b o S e t ú b a l On the 29 of September following the invitation of LPDA (Portuguese Ligue for the Defense of Animals) we also attended a goods collection campaign at Jumbo de Setúbal. On the behalf of our 300 protégés we thank this invitation and all the volunteers who made this campaign possible.
French Bulldog Meeting Bianca was invited to attend the mega French Bulldog meeting, hosted at Costa da Caparica last November 3rd, sponsored by Meganimal. We were glad to be present and brought lots of food and other goods for our “babies”. We thank the invitation and all the donations.
Fo o d C o l l e c t i o n at J u m b o C o i n a On November 23 and 24 Bianca also attended a goods collection campaign at Jumbo de Coina. With over 300 animals at our care our Charity is in a constant need for food. Thank you so much to all the tireless volunteers, all of those who made a donation and to Jumbo de Coina Board.
http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
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FRIENDS OF BIANCA Our friends in Scotland and Canada are very busy to spread Bianca’s name and work. Thanks FOB! These were the events of FOB in Scotland: 26 October: Friends of Bianca Christmas Fair and Book Launch, Aberdeen 26 October: Book signing at Pets at Home Superstore, Aberdeen 2 November: DAWGS Christmas Fair, Aberdeen 2 November: Cat Protection League Christmas Fair, Inverurie, Near Aberdeen 9 November: Rubislaw Church Christmas Fair, Aberdeen 9 November: Hilton Church Christmas Fair, Aberdeen 9 November: Book signing at Pets at Home Superstore, Inverurie, Near Aberdeen 24 November: K9 Doggie Christmas Fair, Portlethen, Near Aberdeen 30 November: High School Christmas Fair, Dundee Excellent Dundee High School Christmas Fair where we spoke to lots of people and sold another 30 books plus calendars, T shirts and cards. Fantastic support from amazing friend Michael Craig (who left home at 6am this morning to be there), Janette McCallum, who must be hoarse from telling so many people about the book, fostering etc, Elaine and Murray Hackney, who helped set up and Jean Stewart, Shirley Cross, Malcolm Dowie and Sue Robertson who came along to support us. In addition the photographer from the local newspaper The Courier was there to take a photo which will apparently appear in the paper early next week. Photo is of the two Michaels, Gibb and Craig, and Elaine Hackney. Janette was too busy working to have her picture taken.
Th e s e w e r e t h e e v e n t s o f F O B i n C a n a d a : 9 November: Frederick Street Artwalk 23 November: Village of Winston Park Christmas Sale 30 November: Bridgeport United Church Christmas Bazaar FAIR IN KITCHENER, ONTARIO - Heather made a successful day largely due to her expertise in making sleeper suits, bandanas and dog biscuits!
Thanks FriendsofBianca http://bianca.pt/english | http://bianca-pet-rescue-adoption.blogspot.com
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Mer�� Christ�as
We wish all volunteers and supporters an excellent Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. See our electronic christmas postcard here: http://bianca.pt/natal/