I went to Bibbiena's fiera dell'estate yesterday. It took me about half an hour to find a parking place as throngs of people descended on the centro storico and its 100 stands selling everything from electrical goods to bars of soft nougat called torrone. I ended up parking in the hospital car park and walking for ten minutes, but I was determined to go to the fair. I wanted to visit the ENPA Casentino stand promoting the local dog pound that I have volunteered for. My official card hasn't come through yet so I haven't started volunteering yet but I can't wait!
The stand was crowded but only with six volunteers wearing their official ENPA tabards. They'd brought along two of the kennels' current 'guests' a lovely gentle dpg called Stacy and a similar big hairy hound called Alfio. Both were impeccably behaved and enjoying their day out. You can see their profiles on this page here.
I asked how the takings had been and the response from the group leader Domentico was 'disappointing'. 'It's always like this at Bibbiena though,' he added. It seemed such a shame that these people had given up their free time to spend the whole day at the fair and the thousands of people around had contributed less that €30 the whole day. Granted there wasn't that much to buy – a lucky dip and some kids t-shirts and hats – but all the money went to help the poor dogs. I saw at least three people with dogs while I was there and none stopped at all. What a shame. Domenico did a little walk around with Alfio to draw attention to the stand, but it seemed everyone was intent on buying other things.
It was nice to meet everyone anyway and I especially enjoyed chatting to a lady called Elisabetta who had been a volunteer for two years. She confirmed my feeling that the canile was well run and one of the very best of its kind with lots of attention and exercise for the dogs. I hope I get my card this week and can get stuck in.