The dog that you threw from the window as you drove past K9 Animal Refuge today ran its heart out to try to to catch up with you. It tried so hard to get to you that it was out of sight by the time the alarm was raised and the people of K9 were not able to catch it.

Your ‘best friend’ will be spending the night alone, in the hills or perhaps on the roadside of the TF1, terrified, cold, hungry and very likely soaked to the skin. Perhaps if he makes it through the night , he will be found and brought back to safety tomorrow.

On the other hand, perhaps you will drive past his dead body tomorrow on your way north to pick up your kids’ Christmas or Three Kings presents from Carrefour or Decathalon. I only hope that in amongst the glittering display of regalos that you have for your children this year, that there are none with a pulse and a beating heart.

Still, perhaps you can console yourself and justify your cowardly act in knowing you are not alone. Your heartless betrayal has been seen and recorded many times before. In fact, just the other day I came across a poem by Robert William Service – the Bard of the Yukon – which practically mentions you by name.

They dumped it on the lonely road,
Then like a streak they sped;
And as along the way I strode
I thought that it was dead:
And then I saw that yelping pup
Rise, race to catch them up.

You know how silly wee dogs are.
It thought they were in fun.
Trying to overtake their car
I saw it run and run:
But as they faster, faster went,
It stumbled, sore and spent.

I found it prone upon the way;
Of life was little token.
As limply in the dust it lay
I thought its heart was broken:
Then one dim eye it opened and
It sought to lick my hand.

Of course I took it gently up
And brought it to my wife
Who loves all dogs, and now that pup
Shares in our happy life:
Yet how I curse the bastards who
Its good luck never knew!

Nikki Attree is a talented photographer and digital artist who lives and works in Tenerife (when she’s not surfing). She’s also spokesman for Tenerife’s many abandoned and stray dogs via the website Tenerife Dogs which she set up on behalf of the island’s dog and pet charities.

Nikki has donated her latest digital artwork to Live Arico to sell in the Live Arico Shop in Coral Mar Square, Costa Del Silencio. The small reproduction here does not do the picture justice and you have to admit it is not often you get the chance to get your paws on such a striking and original piece of art.

Proceeds of the sale go to feed and shelter some of the island’s throwaway ‘best friends’.

With the number of abandoned dogs that the shelter groups have to care for in Tenerife there is a constant need for donations of all kinds. It goes without saying that it takes money to keep the dogs fed and sheltered and cash donations are gratefully received but contributions of all kinds including old computers (which can be renovated and resold for a bargain price with all proceeds going to the Live Arico) and any household items or bits and bobs that might be sold at the Live Arico shop in Coral Mar square or at the car boot sales for K9 are also welcome.

Here is a rundown of doggy doings over the next few months with proceeds going to the shelters. The information is blatantly nicked off the Tenerife Dogs website so go there to sign up for a table top sale or participate in any of the events.

LIVE ARICO´S SUMMER FESTIVAL – LOTS GOING ON THIS SUMMER!!!

First up is a ROCK NIGHT on Wednesday the 3rd June at Coral Mar Square AND the Albatros Bar, Costa del Silencio. Soundchaser are confirmed and we are working on more bands for the square and solo acts for the bar. Watch this space.

On Sunday the 7th June, Tramps manager Chris Fleury, 31, will walk from Los Cristianos beach to the top of Mount Teide for Live Arico. He expects it to take 3 days and is looking for sponsors. If you, or your business can sponsor Chris, please call Suzy Q on 629 388102 for a form, or pledge your money in the shop.

On Saturday the 13th June there will be an alternative therapies day and open day at Winter Gardens Spa and Gym. The last event of this kind was a huge success and we expect this will be too. With €5 entrance and then €5 for a taster session of various massages, re-birthing, tarot reading, reflexology etc etc. This will be from 10am – 6pm then the plan is to have some live entertainment outside with charity raffle. Mark this one in your diaries folks.

Coming up – Bowling day at Winter Gardens, 5 a side tournament, and lots more.

DONT THROW OUT YOUR OLD COMPUTER!!! Call Suzy Q on 629 388102 or drop it into the shop, as we can have it repaired and resold free of charge, with the proceeds going to Live Arico.

Every dog lover must have his day and if you are within striking distance of Los Gigantes on Sunday then the Live Arico Fun Dog Show will make yours. Expect lots of fun and games and all in a very good cause.

You’d have to be barking not to go really. For more information you can call Eugenio on 649001907 for information or info@livearico.org.

It costs over €2000 a month to support the dogs currently being cared for at Live Arico. You can help and all you’ve got to do is get yourself to the Live Arico Benefit Night at The Theatre Bar at Garden City, San Eugenio on April 20th from 21:00 hrs and be entertained by the likes of Tanya Tevaro, Nick Page and  Suzy Q.

Go along, have fun and give what you can towards a very good cause.

Other Live Arico News:

25th April : Car boot Puerto Santiago

26th April :  Fun Dog Show Los Gigantes

June 2009 : Live Arico Annual Fun Dog Show, Costa del Silencio.

Call Eugenio 649001907 for information or info@livearico.org