Dawg Gone Purfect

Amélie Sangmo

One of the most important lessons I learned when I left the US 20 years ago was that ‘my’ culture’s acceptable norms aren’t necessarily the same for the culture I find myself living in. It’s a lesson I wish I had learned sooner. It could have avoided irritations, headaches, and misunderstandings. Why? Well, cultures develop in different ways, in different places, for different reasons, at different times, and different is not necessarily better or worse. It’s, just different.
One such cultural difference is in the treatment of animals. In highly developed nations, most animals are pets in the truest sense of the word. When I purchased – OMG! Yes, PURCHASED – a pure-bred dog.
My first visit to the vet’s office was enlightening. The initial paperwork asked how I considered my dog: 1) a family member, 2) a pet 3) a work animal. This puzzled me until I realized the clinic was basically asking how much I would spend to save my dog’s life, should I ever need to decide, and they were asking when I wasn’t emotionally panicked. I came to appreciate that.
When I moved to Nepal in 2005, I saw that the majority of animals there were considered beasts of burden, just as they were in 19th-century England and America. No such thing as pets at that time; animals served man – tilling the land, providing transportation, offering a measure of security, or as a means of entertainment – circus animals or cramped displays of wild beasts in zoos. When I moved to fast-developing South Korea, I found that the older generation there held a similar attitude, but for the younger generations, animals had morphed into trendy pets. An accoutrement to their fashion style, a marker for their socio-economic status, a cuddle toy, a substitute for children. Better? Worse? Or just a different culture in time?
Here, in Portugal, I often see posts lamenting the state of animal rights, and I get it. I do. But I also know that, for the most part, these animals belong to an older subset of the Portuguese culture that hasn’t transitioned to a more, shall we say, politically correct treatment of animals. I’m not saying this is right. It’s just where those owners are at this point in time in their own culture. In my opinion, we hurt ourselves and our host community when we denounce what has been for them a cultural norm all their lives.
But take heart. Time changes everything and with time, the culture of caging and chaining is changing! As a community, we can help hasten this change, because, fortunately for us, there are local, charitable groups that provide support to our four-legged friends. Here are just a few…
Do you shed a tear when you hear the cries of homeless kittens? Consider helping The Kitten Connection (TKC), a volunteer-run association that rescues and rehomes kittens and sterilises street cats in Peniche. The Kitten Connection also has a trap, neuter, return programme and runs community education events – all funded by donations. You can visit TKC’s kittens at the new Peniche adoption centre. Adoptions include free sterilisation and microchip.
On Thursday, October 30, TKC is hosting a major fundraising event, Gala for Gatos, at the Praia D’El Rey Marriott from 6-9pm. Enjoy delicious food and drink, great music and a fabulous silent auction featuring prizes donated by local artists and merchants. Tickets are available online. For more information, contact TKC at thekittenconnection.org or email them at contact@thekittenconnection.org.
Am I barking up the wrong tree for you? Well then, be a ‘man’s best friend.’
CRAPAA has a lot of community presence and recently – thanks to supporters – upgraded their puppy facility! CRAPAA is a non-profit association founded in Caldas da Rainha in 2001 whose mission is to shelter, feed, give veterinary care and affection to animals abandoned or in complicated situations. Everyday, four-legged residents enjoy walks, exercise, and socialization with each other and valued volunteers. At CRAPAA, euthanasia is always the last option. Online at crapaaanimal.wixsite.com/crapaa.
Rede Leonardo (Associação Rede Leonardo Da Vinci – Protecção Animal) is a smaller, non-profit animal protection association operating in Trabalhia, municipality of Caldas da Rainha, since 2005. Rede Leonardo rescues, provides compassionate care and rehomes our four-legged friends, ensuring quality medical care, food and lots of belly rubs. It’s a real labor of love at Rede Leonardo, so why not consider helping them out? If you want to adopt, have lost your animal or want to contribute in any way — donate, volunteer or become a member — contact Rede Leonardo at redeleonardo.pt/en/.
Whether you’re into purring cuddles or want to get your 8,000 steps walking a sheltered dog,The Kitten Connection, CRAPAA and Rede Leonardo are positive ways to work towards cultural change.
Bonus? You’re sure to get lots of four-legged love!