your dog Mickey helped her overcome breast cancer. And since he knows there are many ‘Mickeys’, he does not hesitate to raise his voice to promote greater respect for animals, who give us their unconditional support without asking for anything in return. With this idea, in fact, the program that Mar Vega presents to the tune of the canal was born. This space is the first Spanish television program that talks about animal abuse, thus raising awareness among viewers about this problem among others. Familiar faces are welcome every weekend Ainhoa Arteta, Antonio de la Torre, Melody, Santiago Segura, Alaska and Máximo Huerta are hidden in the program To share their experiences with animals. Promotion and animal involvement by various experts participating in the program. Also, the little ones of the house have an appearance in the ‘Animalendo’ format, where the ‘Pythagoreans’ give their funniest view of the animal world, we spoke to him to find out more about the details of this project and what else we can do to protect animal rights.
– Read: Can pets help you improve your character?
What inspired you to create a program like ‘Patus Above’?
I am passionate about animals, I have always lived with animals and I have proven from my own experience that in difficult moments of life, an animal can help you see the light. his Love, dedication, loyalty and help give birth to ‘Patus Above’. It is time to reclaim the role they play in society. Promote responsible ownership, adoption and respect for them. This is the core value of the program.
How do you think this program can affect the public’s perception of animal abuse and neglect?
‘Patus Above’ is a pioneering animal program fighting against animal abandonment and abuse. No one else has or has not. D The statistics on abandonment and abuse in Spain are shameful And more during the holiday season. We need to be aware that animals are a responsibility, they are not a gift or a toy, and if we instill respect for them from childhood, we will be able to stop this scourge. No one forces you to have an animal, but once you have one, it is another member of the family and should be treated as such. They would never do such barbaric things to humans. We owe it to them. We work every day to instill respect for them.
– Read: Beautiful and inspirational phrases that talk about the love of animals
Can you tell us any anecdotes that arose during the recording?
Shower, laugh, cry. Animals are the best. I loved seeing a meerkat up close. Since Timon and Pumbaa in The Lion King, this is the first time I’ve seen it up close. Crush him!
What kind of stories or testimonies do viewers see?
‘Patus Above’ is a program of beautiful stories that show how animals help people: they participate in medical therapy, alleviate loneliness, promote human relationships, rescue in natural disasters, help with various jobs, etc… We dedicate a section to promoting adoption. Shelters are full of abandoned animals. Television reaches many people and is a vehicle for creating responsible families. Stories with happy endings are great. Some even outside of Spain, where many greyhounds are adopted.
– Read: How to adopt a dog and find out if you are ready
And how do you think it is contributing to raising awareness of respect and love for these animals?
Do we contribute by showing that animals do good for people without asking for anything in return? I invite you to watch any episode of the program ‘Patus Above’ on the free platform Channel Sur+ and you will see that all the messages of the program are positive, about raising awareness, about respecting them, about caring for them, in short about instilling love for them because They deserve it. Our philosophy is always to protect your well-being.
We know your dog Mickey is very important to you, can you tell us about your bond?
Mickey was with me in the first season as an example of an animal that once helped its owner, which is me. I went through breast cancer 9 years ago and she was my main refuge. I don’t have enough life to thank him for what he has done for me. Today she is the same age, she is older and now it is my turn to take care of her. He symbolizes the love that an animal can give you in difficult times. One day I thought: “If Mickey has been indispensable in my life during difficult times, there must have been many Mickeys“My intuition has not failed me. Stories of life with animals are brutal.
– Read: New animal welfare laws: What you need to know
What has been the response of the public and animal welfare associations to this program?
Fortunately, there are many more of us who love animals, so we are very lucky for that. As for shelters, associations and volunteers, they are, unfortunately, a very neglected sector, giving their lives in charity for animals. At ‘Patas Hasta’ we appreciate their work, so necessary in society and so little recognized for what they deserve. Much less much much. That is what we are doing, always supporting them.
How would you describe the emotional and physical effects that abandoned animals suffer?
D The sight of an abandoned animal breaks your heart. Abandonment destroys animals, breaks their spirits and condemns them to kennels or shelters for months and years. Please never do this. Animals are a responsibility above all else. Think about it a lot before doing it.
– Read: Why adopt a mixed breed dog?
What educational initiatives do you think are most effective in instilling love and respect for animals from childhood?
D Schools play a big fundamental role in animal awareness. I visited several schools with organizations that came with dogs, birds of prey, rabbits, chickens, mice, etc. They instill values and respect in them. We show them how animals work with people with intellectual disabilities, including learning difficulties, and what progress looks like. Likewise, families, fathers, mothers, grandparents, etc., have an obligation to teach their children that respect. The younger the child, the better. If children share life, space, leisure and obligations, they will respect them when they grow up. Education is the foundation of everything in life.
– Read: Is it normal to love my dog more than other people?
In what ways can society contribute to reducing animal abandonment and abuse in general?
With many awareness campaigns and not only in June. Animals are not Christmas, birthday or first communion gifts. They are not toys, they are a responsibility. Schools, civic campaigns. and severe restrictions.
Finally, what role do you think the media plays in raising awareness about the respect and care of animals?
The role of media is fundamental. Unfortunately what doesn’t appear in the media doesn’t exist. Exists to give ‘POTUS up’ Animal rights visibilityBecause they are in the world before humans, because they have no ideology and they are not affiliated with any party. Who are we to hurt them? We will always respect them. No one forces you to keep animals.