1. I didnt choose any old dog this dog here is called a rafeiro do alentejo it was a herding dog used for sheep and cattle in Portugal
What is known is that this breed and the ancient types from which it descended have been used to move sheep from mountains in northern Portugal to the plateau of Alentejo and back to the mountain. Due to changes in agriculture and livestock raising, and the elimination of large predators, the breed ceased to have economic use and began to decline. Fanciers, however, have been able to keep the breed alive, although, in Portugal, it is still considered "vulnerable".Today the Rafeiro do Alentejo is most often kept as a companion and guard dog.
2. since cattle raising is still a large part of Portugal i gave him the horns of those of a bull who fought against a matador..I honestly hate bull fights but that's a tradition too in certain parts. This guy was lucky enough to escape the ring alive and as a bonus..some unlucky matador got in his way c;
<--good enough, hahahttp://dailypostal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/israel-lancho.jpg
3. there is a little mesh looking blanket on his back, its actually a fishing net with little fishy charms.. Believe me..I can't image anyone else in the world who eats more fish than these guys..XD their fishing industry is very big over there in Portugal as well and their home made wine..Thats why his collar has grapes :'D
4. those little yellow squares on his legs resemble something too! it's what alot of us like to have as a ''snack'' they are these beans that soak in salty water...they are amazing but extremely hard to explain...its one of those things where you need to try it to believe it XD,,,
http://76.12.74.110/merchant2/graphics/00000001/lupini-lg.jpg
5. in the small island of San Miguel there are a lot of hills and mountains and beautiful wild flowers but i added these flowers for a special reason..THE FEAST! everyone gets flowers and makes beautiful arrangments on the streets out of petals and all.
http://img3.photographersdirect.com/img/15588/wm/pd2403070.jpg
Given the strong Roman Catholic faith of the Portuguese people, it is hardly surprising that most of the festivities in the Azores are associated with religious holidays or Saint’s Days. A few of the festivities are unique to one of the Azorean Islands, but most are celebrated throughout the Islands with only minor differences in techniques and forms.
The origination of many of the festivities was as an act of gratitude to a patron saint for deliverance from some danger. Even religious festivals are not solemn occasions in the Azores; they include parades, food, dancing and even a uniquely Azorean bullfight with ropes instead of swords.
If you want you can read more about the feasts here: http://www.azoresweb.com/festivals_azores.html
6. See that little cup looking thing floating in his ''imagination bubble'' its a pastel de nata a very famous yummy desert originating from Portugal.Its his favorite desert..Its actually a crispy cup filled with creamy custard.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2b/MargaretCafe_PasteisDeNata.JPG/300px-MargaretCafe_PasteisDeNata.JPG
I own none of these photos..they belong to the rightful owners and the owners of the URL i put below them..Thank you
