Pierre Macaigne, Okto & Phœbe
ph. Jonathan Llense
Pierre is a publicist in Paris. He lives with his dogs and his boyfriend in a big tower in Olympiades.
I don't understand why animals, especially dogs, are not more accepted in our daily lives.
Since we adopted Okto and Phœbe I have learned so much about myself, I got acquainted with my neighbours, my shopkeepers, because I am born in Paris, I am not used to being so warm or friendly.
When I notice that my dogs are calm and happy, I feel proud to have provided them with that comfort and the happiness they give us in return.
The other day, I was chatting with a friend, and we were talking about our lives, and we were saying that with the pandemic, we no longer mix, we no longer go towards each other, we stay in our own world... However, this is partly true. Because when you live in the Olympiades (Paris 13e) in a tower with 35 floors, with more than 400 flats and twice as many neighbours, and with a few flats for prostitutes, there was a significant increase in the ratio of people passing through during the day!
Having dogs means being in constant interaction with the outside world. The exchange can be positive or not. It is sometimes vital for humans to express their opinion, whatever it may be. The greyhound, because of its puny appearance, attracts all sorts of reactions. I discovered that I am extremely protective.
The question I get almost daily is: ‘Do they run?’ The answer to that is yes... It's a game for them, they love the great outdoors! It doesn't last long and not all greyhounds are made to race in a dog track... We humans can run but that doesn't mean we want to run a half-marathon every morning... And if we wanted to, we would have to train first. The same goes for a dog, a horse, etc.
It’s possible in Paris. You have to get up early, but it's possible. However, I'd like to have more dog friendly areas in Paris. Or some empty spaces on weekday mornings where we can play.
Okto and Phœbe are Whippets, greyhounds.
The male is 3 years old and the female is 2 years old. They are both complementary, radically different, and inseparable.
They are an old couple, best friends, siblings, pack, and family, and it is great to live with them and to witness their bond.
Okto is male, introverted and extremely nervous. On walks, he always walks 3 meters away from us to anticipate danger. He has an aversion towards busses and garbage trucks: he is hypersensitive to noises and vibrations! An excellent watchdog and formidable hunter, he is the best dog in the world, obedient, very attentive to us, very patient, gentle and very affectionate! He does not give his love and trust to everyone but once acquired it is for life.
Phœbe is the complete opposite, she loves everyone! She eats everything she can find, she wants to play all the time, she's hyper expressive, if she doesn't like something, she'll make you understand. She hates water and rain. She's a tough cookie and at the same time a delicate little thing. She's hyper expressive, if Okto is in restraint, Phœbe is in expansion. Phoebe is not discreet, she imposes herself... And she defends Okto. The world is hers and we are her guests.
Somehow, by adopting two dogs, I wanted to achieve a desire to change my life and to live by my values. A desire to break away from Paris and all the challenges we face on a daily basis. Faced with these obstacles, I find new resources within myself, I rethink my life and thanks to my pets I live my utopia of an empathetic and listening society.
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