I’m an animal, food, and wine lover… a very animal-loving “bonne vivante”… I work in the fashion industry; I work for a French swimwear brand.
Natalia Deguil
PETS
Martín / “The Gypsy”
Age: 11
Sex: male
Breed: mixed breed (Dachshund and Griffon cross)
Personality/how would you define him: my faithful squire who accompanies me everywhere. He is affectionate, clumsy, very sweet… and steals food!
Carlota
Age: 4
Sex: female
Breed: domestic shorthair
Personality/how would you define her: mischievous, shy, playful, affectionate, elegant
Dora
Age: 4
Sex: female
Breed: domestic shorthair
Personality/how would you define her: shy, distrustful, seeks affection.
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 are 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?
An aristopeter is someone who decides to integrate their pets into their lifestyle; in my case, a different kind of family model!
How do you think Spain treats animals?
There is still 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 when it comes to making it easier for pets to be part of your day-to-day life… I mean being allowed freely into restaurants, hotels… although there are more and more options.
And which country do you think treats animals 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 into my life thanks to organizations that do great work raising awareness about adoption.
Are you considering expanding the family?
Not for now…
Do you celebrate their birthdays?
No…
During your day, does Martín have a “group of friends”? What do they share? Did you know the owners of his friends, or did you meet them because he “hit it off” with other dogs?
Martín isn’t a very sociable dog with other animals… he’s a very special dog. He keeps a close eye on me, and when I let him off the leash in a park, he doesn’t stray too far from my side. He comes with me to work, to eat with friends, etc.… and his outings are mine too, although we take plenty of walks 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 come with me, he stays with Andrea, a wonderful 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 people who have to leave their pets every day to go to work?
My dog comes to work with me… it’s not very common, but my job allows it.
What treat can’t you deny your pets?
For Martín, a mandarin segment from my breakfast; he is passionate about fruit. The female cats are less fussy, but they still have their treats.
Where do their names come from?
They came to mind when I saw them… I couldn’t tell you.
What is the most special moment you have experienced with them?
I have many moments; I really enjoy my animals.
A place to escape to with them.
The countryside.
A look back at the pets in your life.
I’ve had many dogs. Along with Martín, perhaps the most special were Sansón, a mixed-breed dog I had when I was little, and Berta, a dachshund who was with me for 16 years and was undoubtedly very special.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about getting a pet?
That they adopt.
Your perfect plan with your pets.
Covered with a blanket, all together on my sofa reading a book.
A “war cry” (greeting) for the aristopeters reading us.
Good luck to Aristopet!
Photography: Javier López Dóriga
Filmmaker: Iván Caballero