Dear friends,
Most of us are, hopefully, preparing for a summer break! Why not take some time
to read about the dog world in dogdotcom and to count our blessings?
In a little more than one month, many will gather in Helsinki for what could be
the biggest FCI World Dog Show ever: the registration are more than promising and,
Finland being a doggy country, we can expect a high participation!
Our world has never been so connected and, paradoxically, many suffer from loneliness,
isolation or rejection. In the present edition of dogdotcom, you can read
about
two thrilling initiatives where dogs lend a paw to build the link between people
and help them feel that, indeed, they do belong to our challenging society! Isn’t
it exciting to witness how our beloved four-legged friends can be the vector of
a more tolerant, more human world?
The FCI Headquarters, together with very enthusiastic members of the City Council,
have launched a series of initiatives to have Thuin – the World Capital of Dogs
– regarded as a major actor in the promotion of working dogs and their role in our
society. We started by introducing the subject in 2011, during a conference at
the local library presenting dogs’ positive effects on human health and well-being
(http://newsletter11.dogdotcom.be/en/PRviyo.aspx);
we now have this wonderful project
with visiting dogs at the local nursing home and, very soon, we will implement another
very exciting educational experience for children… but, shh! I am saying too much!
The FCI General Secretariat is not only the administrative centre of the
FCI members:
one very important dimension of the FCI Headquarters is this of a showcase for all
the FCI members’ activities, initiatives and efforts to promote the very
special
bond between men and dogs and how dogs influence their human companions for the
better.
I take this opportunity to make a call for projects, initiatives, experiences
carried
out in your country, neighbourhood, community: please send in (
)
your reports about any story where dogs act like heroes, healers, helpers and we
will share them within our big family of dog lovers!
Enjoy the summer and pamper your folks and pets!
Marie Luna Durán
FCI Marketing and Public Relations Manager