The FCI organises its first dog walk in Thuin, in collaboration with the Tourism
Office: a huge success!
In the afternoon of 2 August, under an azure blue sky and an omnipresent sun, 81
walkers accompanied by some fifty dogs signed up to take part in the very first
dog walk organised by the FCI and the Tourism Office of the City of Thuin. While
it is true that the number of participants had been limited to 50 in the original
announcement, it was with pleasure and enthusiasm that we subsequently decided to
take all of the applicants for the walk on a stroll through the streets of Thuin,
its historic centre and its hanging gardens.
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After meeting up at the place Albert 1st, our guide Swamini led this
happy procession to the headquarters of the FCI, directly opposite the Beffroi.
It is there - in front of the offices of the largest canine federation in the world
- that the sculpture of the Belgian Shepherd Dog stands guard, the Malinois, a gift
from the FCI to the city of Thuin, created by the Belgian artist Luc de Blick.
© Oleg Bochkov
The guide recalled that on 26 April 2011, the Municipal College of Thuin decided
to turn Thuin into the World Capital of Dogs, thus focusing attention on
the City,
the Mecca of dog lovers, and offering the world a positive and instructive showcase
for knowledge, projects, initiatives, research and other discoveries concerning
a subject that occupies an important place in today's society.
During the next stop-off in the courtyard of the brand new extension of the FCI
HQ, a local breeder - recognised by the FCI - of American Cocker Spaniels and Continental
Toy Spaniels gave a talk about dog breeding and how the FCI contributes to it.
© Oleg Bochkov
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© Sabine Segers
Everyone then moved on to a place called Chant des Oiseaux, where L’Ecole Technique
Cynophile provided a presentation on the basic principles of dog dressage, with
a practical demonstration of the main steps and key-moments.
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© Sabine Segers
© Sabine Segers
© Sabine Segers
© Sabine Segers
Our walk ended at the nursing home Le Gai Séjour. This home knows the FCI
well and
appreciates our four-legged friends, as there have already been a number of meetings
between the residents and visiting dogs, at the initiative of the FCI. As usual,
the welcome from residents and staff of the nursing home was warm and moving: it
is always so touching to see the bonds of friendship forming between the dogs and
their hosts for the afternoon.
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After this marvellous day out, the experience will be repeated: we are already working
on this and are putting together some surprises for you... We are counting on you
to attend the next walk!
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© Sabine Segers
Our partners on 2 August 2015
Marie Luna Durán
Marketing and Public Relations Manager