I am an animal lover, a food and wine lover… a "bonne vivante" who loves animals… I work in the fashion world; I work for a French swimwear brand.
Natalia Deguil
PETS
Martín / “El Gitano”
Age: 11
Sex: male
Breed: mixed breed (Dachshund and Griffon mix)
Character/how you would define him: my faithful squire who accompanies me everywhere. He is affectionate, clumsy, very tender… and he steals food!
Carlota
Age: 4
Sex: female
Breed: common cat
Character/how you would define her: mischievous, shy, playful, affectionate, elegant
Dora
Age: 4
Sex: female
Breed: common cat
Character/how you would define her: shy, distrustful, seeks affection.
There are pet owners. And then there are aristopeters. For us, an aristopeter is someone…
…who doesn't just like animals. They love them.
…who doesn't just have a pet. They coexist with one.
…who doesn't just have a companion animal. They have a companion.
…who includes their pet in most of their perfect plans.
We believe you are a true aristopeter. Do you dare to give your own definition of an aristopeter? Or to give other examples that mark the difference between an "owner" and an aristopeter?
An aristopeter is someone who decides to integrate their pets into their way of life; in my case, a different family model!
How do you think Spain treats animals?
There is a long way to go in Spain. Animal abuse is not punished as it should be. On the other hand, we still have a long way to go in terms of making it easier for pets to be part of your daily life… I mean, allowing them free access to restaurants, hotels… although there are more and more options.
And in which country do you think animals live best?
As far as I know, Germany would be a good example. France is also very tolerant of animals.
How did they come into your life?
All three of my animals are adopted, and they came to me thanks to associations that do a good job of raising awareness about adoption.
Are you considering expanding your family?
Not at the moment…
Do you celebrate their birthdays?
No…
In your day, Martín, does he have a “group of friends”? What do they share? Did you know the owners of his friends or did you meet them after he "got close" to other dogs?
Martín is not a very sociable dog with other animals… he is a very special dog. He is very attached to me and when I let him loose in a park, he doesn't stray too far from my side. He accompanies me to work, to eat with friends, etc… and his outings are my own, although we walk a lot together.
How do you organize yourself when you travel? Do you try to take them with you whenever you can? How do you experience these trips and how do you organize yourself?
Whenever I can, I take Martín with me. The cats stay at home and a teenage neighbor makes sure they have water and food. When Martín doesn't accompany me, he stays with Andrea, a lovely girl whom Martín adores.
In your case, is it possible to "reconcile" your professional life with life with your pets? How do you organize yourself? What tips would you give to those who have to leave their pets every day to go to work?
My dog comes with me to work… it's not very common, but my job allows it.
What indulgence can you not deny your pets?
Martín, his mandarin segment from my breakfast; he loves fruit. The kittens are less demanding, but even so, they have their treats.
Where do the names come from?
They came to mind when I saw them… I couldn't tell you why.
What is the most special moment you have experienced with them?
I have many moments, I enjoy my animals very much.
A place to escape to with them.
The countryside.
A review of the pets in your life.
I have had many dogs. Along with Martín, perhaps the most special were Sansón, a mixed-breed dog I had as a child, and Berta, a dachshund who accompanied me for 16 years, undoubtedly very special.
What would you say to someone who is thinking of getting a pet?
Adopt.
Your perfect plan with your pets.
Wrapped in a blanket, all together on my sofa reading a book.
A "battle cry" (greeting) for the aristopeters who read us.
Good luck to Aristopet!
Photography: Javier López Dóriga
Filmmaker: Iván Caballero