I work in communications and I love my job.
Although I've never been very sporty, when I turned 40 I decided it was time to take better care of myself and exercise. I started doing Pilates and running, and discovered that doing it with my dog Bimba made it more enjoyable. It became a routine that was also beneficial for Bimba, who was slightly overweight.
Sylvie Durcudoy
Pet
BIMBA
Age: 10 years
Sex: female
Breed: Beagle
Personality/how would you define her: Extroverted and sociable.
There are pet owners. And then there are aristopeters. To us, an aristopeter is someone…
…who doesn't like animals. They love them.
…who doesn't have a pet. They live with one.
…who doesn't have a companion animal. They have a companion.
…who includes their pet in most of their perfect plans.
We believe you're a true aristopeter. Would you dare to give your own definition of an aristopeter? Or give other examples that show the difference between an “owner” and an aristopeter?
In my case, Bimba is almost my third daughter. In fact, when I scold one of them, I often get their names mixed up.
How long have you lived with Bimba? How did she come into your life? Why did you name her Bimba?
We went to get Bimba in Extremadura 10 years ago, when she was barely 2 months old. We bought her from a breeder of Beagles who was passionate about the breed. The girls chose her name. They had been asking for a dog for years. My younger daughter couldn't pronounce the RRRR, so we challenged her: the day she could say PERRRRRRO, we would buy her one. And we kept our promise.
What is a day in Sylvie's life like? How does living with Bimba fit into your daily routine?
During the week, I don't have much time to walk her. I usually leave early and get home late, but fortunately she has a very large garden to run around in. At the weekend, that's when she becomes my shadow. We run, play, she stays by my side while I work in the garden, sniffs all the bags when I get home from shopping, sleeps at my feet if I sit in the living room…
How do you think Spain treats animals?
I know they are treated well, although I have heard horrifying stories of mistreatment in the countryside by hunters. I don't know whether it's true or a very minor phenomenon.
What does catch my attention is the contempt and, sometimes, hatred Spaniards have toward cats. I don't know anyone who has a cat as a pet.
And in which country do you think animals live better?
Perhaps in France and England.
Does Bimba have a “group of friends”? What do they share? Did you know the owners of her friends, or did you meet them because she “got acquainted” with other dogs?
She doesn't have friends, but she does have acquaintances with whom she exchanges “olfactory greetings” when we go running. And she has sworn enemies, of course - the kind that always bark behind the fence whenever we run past. Some of them make her so nervous that she starts barking 20 meters before passing their house, even when they are quiet.
How do you organize yourself when you travel? Do you try to take her with you whenever you can? How do you experience those trips?
Bimba is a very “rustic” dog; she isn't used to traveling by car. She gets carsick, moves around a lot, and leaves the seats covered in hair. Fortunately, we have someone at home who stays with her when we travel. The first year, we left her at a dog hotel during the summer holidays, but she suffered so much that we swore never to leave her again.
In your case, is it possible to “reconcile” your professional life with your life with Bimba? How do you organize yourself? What tips would you give people who have to leave their pets every day to go to work?
The Beagle is a breed that demands a lot of attention and needs regular physical exercise. I couldn't have had her living alone in an apartment. We all keep her company so she is never alone. If you can't spend much time with your pet or take it out often, I recommend choosing a very small dog.
What treat can't you deny Bimba?
The fat from the ham when I prepare breakfast toast. I hope the vet doesn't hear me… Although I give her light kibble afterward.
What is the most special moment you've experienced with her?
Finding her when she runs away is always a special moment.
A place to escape to with Bimba.
None, because she really does run away!
A look back at the pets in your life.
My first dog was called Sophie, and we were born almost at the same time. She lived for 15 years. My parents raised her so well that she accompanied us everywhere, even on vacation, to restaurants…
At university, I adopted a dog that a classmate wanted to abandon because he belonged to her boyfriend and she couldn't stand him. When she told me she had issued the typical ultimatum, “the dog or me,” my heart broke. The next day, she brought him to me, and it was love at first sight. The poor thing just wanted to play and be cared for. He was the smartest and funniest dog I ever had.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about getting a pet?
It's like an adoption, a long-term commitment. You can't change your mind or keep it shut up at home all day.
Photography: Javier López Dóriga
Filmmaker: Iván Caballero
Location: HOTEL QUINTA DE LOS CEDROS | RUSTICAE
https://www.rusticae.es/hotel/hotel-quinta-de-los-cedros-10146