24.10.2007

Hi there!

It’s already autumn and the next trip to the shelter is soon ahead of us. For the visit we have a lot to think about especially when it comes to the things to be taken to the shelter.

I’ve already mentioned in my previous newsletters that we absolutely need some kind of a security system for the shelter so Carmena and Patricia wouldn’t have to live in constant fear for the dogs at nights when there are no one at the shelter.

During the last few weeks I have been in contact with several companies selling camera surveillance systems, tried to get to know to the systems and of course at the same time attempted to get one of these companies to sponsor the needed equipment for the shelter. Unfortunately my negotiating skills have not been good enough to get any of these firms to sponsor the equipment and my resources have been very limited so I haven’t been able to contact every possible company.

However I managed to find a camera surveillance system good enough to ensure good and simple security for the shelter dogs. The package includes four cameras (to be put inside or outside, whatever you choose) and a monitor that includes a computer for saving the pictures or film. The cameras for outerior places are of a high quality and durable which is very important when it comes to the shelter conditions. You can take pictures either as a continual film, timed or when the camera detects motion in a monitored area. More about the package you can read from the link below:

The package was offered for a price of 850 euros + added value tax. We thought we could buy the package and give it as a Christmas present for Carmena and Patricia. We’ll be more than happy to take it to the shelter already in November and install the cameras already then. Of course everyone can participate in covering the costs of this Christmas present by making a small donation to PAFi’s account. To make sure the donation goes for the security system, add “security system” as a message.

Of course we take some medicine and deworming treatments as well as a couple of puppy pens to the shelter with us. As donations we have received nutrition additions, collars, muzzles, leashes and other small equipment. We thank all the donators!

As you may remember, a vet assistant started working at the shelter in the beginning of November. He was supposed to help Carmena to medicate the dogs. Unfortunately the man’s wife had forbidded his husband to continue after two weeks of working. Apparently the man’s wife couldn’t stand that her husband came home “filthy” every day after work and had to shower every evening. I don’t know if this was some excuse or as real as it gets but of course it was a huge disappointment for Carmena as well as us others.

After our visit in September Carmena told that she’d like to arrange some kind of a light movable warehouse building in front of the shelter. She thought it would be a good idea to have some place where the employee (and some day hopefully many employees) of the shelter could change their clothes and have lunch breaks. The warehouse could be used also in storing food sacks that are now placed in the same building the puppies and sick dogs live. I have racked my brains thinking what could be a good option for that kind of use – for a place to spend breaks and for storage – and I can’t think of a better solution than a caravan. I try to ask Patricia the prices of used caravans in Romania or if Mihai (Patricia’s husband) could bring one for example from Germany since he’s often there making car deals.

Now that Patricia is happily married and not attached to making plans for the wedding etc. she’s able to concentrate more on planning the new shelter together with the architect. Patricia already told me that they have some new plans for the shelter but didn’t reveal what those were. I can hardly wait!

Last Saturday Patricia and Mihai got married. Patricia told that the wedding went really well but was over so quickly. She was relieved that now she didn’t have to waste any more time, just focus on the new shelter and dogs. That’s so typical of her ;)

Patricia wishes to thank all her Finnish friends for their wedding gift. As you may recall, it was a flight ticket for her and Mihai for the visit to Finland. Patricia promised that she and Mihai would fly to Finland by the end of spring.

Last week PAFi participated in Lemmikki 2007 (Pet 2007)-event in Vantaa. The day’s revenue was 312,75 euros. There was a nice number of people at the fair and people also expressed their interest towards PAFi.

PAFi Shopping has a new product! It’s a “shoulder strap baggie” with a reflector, you can carry treats or dog poop bags in it while walking your dog. People who have already bought the baggie have told that the baggie is practical and the reflector on the shoulder strap is indeed an excellent idea! I must admit, too, that when going out in the dark I always remember to put all kinds of reflectors and lights on the dogs but I have always been completely “dark and invisible” myself. So, let’s shop, shall we? J

Soon we’ll have PAFi calendars 2008 too! A team of PAFi friends have designed the contents and layout of the calendar as well as arranged the printing. Pet store chain Faunatar has promised to cover some of the costs of the printing and also helps in selling. Big thanks for the calendar team and for Faunatar!

Pro Animals Finland registered association (PAFi) was granted once again a licence to collect money nation-wide. The licence was granted by the State Provincial Office of Southern Finland. The licence is OKU 2099 A / ESLH-2007-08012/Tu-52 and it continues after the previous time period from the 1st of November 2007 to the 31st of October 2008. The licence is for the same actions as the previous one.

With autumnly regards,

Kiia