15th – 22th of June 2008

Pro Animals Finland invited me to Finland during June, so we planned this trip with some time ago. I thought that would be good to take also Elodia with me as we have found her a nice loving familly there. She was calm during the drive to BUcharest and also in the airport, as if knowing that she is going to a better life. After an almost 2 hours flight we, me and Elodia, arrived in Helsinki, where we met Kiia.As was pretty late we slept during night at a hotel nearby the airport and Elodia slept in bed like a baby. Next day, I met Anu, with whom I went in some pet shops.

Some things really looked strange to me in the pet shop, like little shoes for dogs and other things that I found really useful and a waste of money. Seeing all those things, I could not think at all the poor dogs back in Romania who don’t want fancy clothes or accesories, just a bowl with water and some food. For a second I had a small envy on dogs in Finland, as some live so nice lifes and are so spolied, and our dogs are happy if you say a nice word to them on the streets or just lay your hand. But, I guess it is like in humane life…………..

Next, I was so happy that is hard to describe in words as I met the romanian dogs that became finish during this year. I met all the 5 puppies Kiia found while she had been here  and Tanja, who’s a vet, promised that she will find them loving home in Finland if they survive until being big enough for vaccination and transport. I grew the five small puppies until they were big enough but the separation day came when I drove them to Bucharest to fly to Finland. I must admit that at the beggining I had my doubts regarding finding them home in Finland but……..when I saw them all big dogs now, with their wonderful families, how happy and playful they were, I had been extremely happy. I also met Mutza and Morko, that live with Carita ( who also visited us in March 2008), Mutza recognized me as she was kissing and playing with me, which was normal as I grew her since she was just a poor sick puppy, but Morko was too interested by the other dogs.  I also had the opportunity to give an interview to a newspaper. Afterwards, we took a calm vegetarian dinner and the traditional sauna, of course. 

The next day, we visited  a center for dogs and cats,named " Lost and Found"  where were brought dogs and cats that were found on the streets  but also a center for cats.

There were lots of cats, and was interesting for me to see how it is organized a cattery, as I had been mostly visiting dogs’ shelters. All the cats had inside and outside room, where they could sleep, eat, play. They were not very freindly, so there was all the time people spending time with them in order to socialize.

As I wanted to see a grooming center, we went together to a huge pet shop,that had a grooming place also. The lady, who was doing this job for over 30 years, had shown me the bathing place, the grooming place and also the different tools that she uses. We had a long chat and I was happy to know something about this, planning to open sometime in the future a place like this here in our city.

I had a great meeting with some beautiful horses living in a farm. I couldn’t stop being very amazed looking at them, they were so big and shinny, with a long blond hair. And they were very sociable. I wanted to kiss them but I was glad just to pet them and give them something to eat.  

I couldn’t help talking to the cows also, who were very curious to know what’s with me there, so when I called them they came so fast to the fence. Some quickly left me when they realised that all I want is to pet them, but there were few who were so anxious to pet them.

Of course, that all was for me a holiday, as I had done all that I liked, being surrounded  with animals, but Kiia decided to offer me also some "treatments": first they have offered me some SPA hours, which I enjoyed so much, then the sauna near the lake, then the facial treatment offered by a wonderful big-hearted lady, but also a gorgeous view from a mountain ( Kiia and Jukka took me to a ride in the forest, climbing the mountain).

And finally we withdraw to the summer cottage. It was MidSummer Day, where the entire night sun is up in the sky and all the people go to their summer cottages. We were there with Surda, Tasha and Bugsy, who I think are the most happiest dogs in the world together with Kiia and Jukka.

And finally the departure, after meeting in the airport with Anu who brought some medicines to take it back in Romania to the shelter. I just want to thank to Kiia, Jukkia, Anu and all the people who made this trip possible.

Shelter management training during 4-8of March 2007 

During the ICAW international animal welfare conference 2006 held in Ljubliana, Slovenia, I have been discussing with Mr. Mick Chidgey from Dogs Trust, England, about the possibility of following a training.

 September 2006 – VGT Animal Conference in Austria

http://www.animalconference.eu/presentations/files/Romania_ProAnimals.pdf