Pascal, the little mongrel dog
From the perspective of an Aiderbichler
(told by Gisela Pschenitschnig)
Many dogs have found a home at Gut Aiderbichl over the last 20 years. They were taken in at the sanctuary because their owners no longer wanted them, because they were strays, because no dogs were allowed in the new rented flat, because they sometimes only had three legs or were found wandering around somewhere on the roadside. All these dogs live on the Aiderbichler farms because people who love animals looked after them.
Dogs are special animals
People get a dog for a variety of reasons. At best, the dog is a family member who is given respect, love and lots of time. In the worst case, they “just” live, get their food and when there is no other way out, they are abandoned, given away or euthanised.
Dogs are not a means to an end against loneliness or lack of exercise. Nor are they mediators in relationship crises. They are fellow creatures, members of the family and want to be our companions. A dog needs at least two hours a day with its owner: to play, to cuddle and, above all, to go for a walk in the woods or something similar.
Pascal, the little mongrel dog
A few months ago, a lady called the administration office and told us that her daughter had given her a “new” dog. This new dog and the old Pascal, who was already almost 11 years old, didn’t get along. The landlord made a fuss because dogs are known to bark when they communicate with each other… We agreed to take Pascal in and wanted to pick him up the next day. In the evening, however, we received a call that the lady didn’t want to give Pascal away after all. The next day she wanted to bring him back herself. Then again she didn’t. We were told to go and get him. Finally, we picked up little Pascal at Salzburg Central Station.
Pascal was very sad at first, but now he feels very comfortable
How does little Pascal feel?
Dogs are personalities with feelings and character. Pascal is around 11 years old and has spent many years with his owner. Now he finds it difficult to feel completely happy in the group of Mira, Champ and the other seniors. Perhaps he feels like an old dog who had to make way for a young dog and leave… But there is light at the end of the tunnel, because Pascal is building a special relationship with a Gut Aiderbichl dog carer who takes him into her home every evening. May he have many more harmonious, loving days in his life.
Yours sincerely, Gisela
“I found that when you are in deep donor, the quiet, devoted companionship of a dog gives you strength that no other source can donate”. (Doris Day)
