The NOS Alive festival is anticipating its 2017 edition with a "sold out" sign hanging for several weeks now. On July 6, 7, and 8, Foo Fighters, Depeche Mode, The XX, and The Weeknd will take over the Algés seafront promenade (12 kilometers from Lisbon) to gather a total of 100,000 attendees, centered around rock and electronic music.
But this year, the big news comes from a pioneering initiative worldwide. Because this NOS Alive becomes the first festival in Europe and the United States to incorporate a specific area for dogs: the "acaopamento" (which comes from "cao" which means dog in Portuguese).
This initiative arises to combat the feeling of "I'm going to a festival, but I'm leaving my pet behind." A bittersweet feeling for those who love their ARISTOPET and are forced to leave them with third parties, in activities or events that are not designed for them.
Luckily, attendees of this edition of NOS Alive will not have to leave their ARISTOPETS with friends or family. They just need to arrive at the venue, located next to Algés train station (easily accessible on the way to Cascais), to find the signs for the "acaopamento," where Tiago Patel, responsible for the enclave and for the care of festival-goers' furry friends, awaits them.
Patel studied Animal Production Engineering, but since 2005 he has specialized in dog training, participating in competitive modalities and various courses and seminars, and as a creator and promoter of work in the field of animal behavior. This knowledge allowed him, five years ago, to create his team: "Equipa Tiago Patel".
To leave your dog in the care of Tiago Patel and his team, you must complete a pre-registration, which includes a comprehensive form about the dog, its characteristics, habits, etc. This gives an idea of the seriousness with which the Portuguese take this matter and the professionalism surrounding the initiative. The next step, once there, is for the team to take the dog to the dog center, in the municipality of Sintra, where they will presumably have a wonderful time. They will be able to enjoy massages, games, and the company of other dogs, all eager to play together outdoors.
Patel maintains that "a dog that is a dog is a happy dog," a phrase that summarizes the level of well-being he tries to provide to animals. He acknowledges that many people confuse what is fun for them with what is fun for their dog. The decibel level reached at such a festival can seriously harm dogs. For this reason, it is important to note that NOS is not a festival for dogs, but a festival with a specialized camp for dogs, located on a lush Portuguese farm.
There are three important aspects to highlight:
- The implementation of this service corresponds to a right acquired by visitors with their ticket or pass.
- It is mandatory for ARISTOPARENTS to bring the food their dog will consume during the festival. Mainly to avoid complications — since they know that each ARISTOPARENT has their own habits or beliefs regarding their furry friend's diet.
- Through the festival app, you can monitor your dog's well-being at all times.
- When the festival concludes, the animals are returned at the same point where they were dropped off, so that ARISTOPARENTS and ARISTOPETS can return home together.
Undoubtedly, this initiative enriches the leisure and services offering of what, according to different prestigious media, is the best festival in Europe. And as for our neighboring country, thanks to actions like this, Portugal is consolidating itself as an indisputable example to follow, in terms of animal respect and inclusion. Parabéns!
