As more Argentines go childless, pampered dogs become part of family
BUENOS AIRES: Venus gazes in bewilderment at the candles flickering on her mini birthday cake. The partygoers crowd around her in expectant silence, but she doesn't blow them out.
Dogs can't blow candles, after all.
So Venus' owner intervened, drawing a breath and extinguishing the flames to a round of applause before serving her black mixed-breed a bite of meat-flavored birthday cake. 'Venus is like my daughter,' gushes Victoria Font, founder of Barto Cafe, a bakery making cakes for canines just south of Argentina's capital of Buenos Aires.
About two decades ago, a birthday party for pampered pets featuring a custom cake for dogs may have struck Argentines as bizarre.
But these days Buenos Aires makes headlines for having among the most pet owners per capita in the world. Public opinion surveys report pets in almost 80% of the city's homes. That's about 20% more than the average city in the United States, according to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, and leaps and bounds ahead of other countries in the region.
As a growing number of Argentines opt to be childless in a country notorious for its economic instability, dogs have become the go-to companion. Buenos Aires is now home to over 493,600 dogs — compared to 460,600 children under the age of 14 — government statistics show.
Those interviewed referred to themselves not as 'owners' but as 'parents.' 'Sandro is my savior, he's my joy,' Magalí Maisonnave, a 34-year-old stylist, said of her dachshund.
In the soccer-crazed country, Maisonnave often dresses Sandro up in the jersey of her favorite team, River Plate, and takes him to local games.
'I'm his mama," she said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
16 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
3 zodiac signs are getting high on hedonism when Venus moves to Taurus on June 6, 2025
When Venus, the planet of beauty, love, and pleasure, returns to its home sign of Taurus on June 6, 2025, the vibes turn indulgent, cozy, and full of feel-good moments. However, experts say that three zodiac signs are fully embracing their inner hedonist under Venus transit Taurus today. Also Read Mars Transit Leo 2025: Here's how this transit will impact your relationships With Venus, your ruling planet, back in your sign, your confidence is glowing, and your desire for self-care is at its peak. Think long bubble baths, slow mornings, decadent desserts, and romantic vibes all around. You're not in a rush; you may enjoy every moment and soaking up attention like honey on warm toast. Whether it's a new wardrobe piece, a flirty fling, or a mini makeover, you're loving yourself a little extra right now, and the world's taking notice. Libra, you're no stranger to beauty and charm, but when Venus lights up your eighth house, everything feels deeper, darker, and more intense. You might find yourself craving more intimate connections, both emotionally and physically. There's a magnetic pull toward passion, luxury, and deep emotional bonding. Whether it's a sultry night in, a heart-to-heart with a lover, or a bold financial move, you're feeling bold, magnetic, and in control of your desires. Capricorn, this Venus in Taurus transit is hitting your fifth house. Love, fun, and creativity are all lighting up at once, and it's giving you permission to step away from your serious side and simply enjoy life. Maybe you're falling for someone, or just letting yourself get lost in an artistic project or hobby. Either way, your heart's wide open to beauty and connection. Choose sun sign to read horoscope
Economic Times
a day ago
- Economic Times
These 4 Zodiac signs will thrive in love as Venus settles into steady Taurus
Want to start over with your love life? Venus, the planet of love and pleasure, moves into the earthy, sensual sign of Taurus. This change in the universe will make you more charming, attractive, and emotionally connected, especially for four lucky zodiac signs. This strong transit boosts passion, romance, and self-assurance, making it the perfect time for a deep emotional connection. Whether it's a new flame or old sparks, expect moments that are deep, passionate, and unforgettable. As it moves through one of its most auspicious sky positions, Venus, the celestial overseer of pleasure, love, and romance, does so. Between June 5 and July 3, 2025, Venus will grace Taurus, the zodiac's epitome of sensuality and the pursuit of beauty, as per a report by it occurs once a year during some of the most love-filled weeks of the year, this transit is closely monitored by all professional astrologers. Venus in Taurus represents our sensual side, encouraging us to slow down and enjoy the sensations of touch, sound, scent, and melody. As a favorable astrological influence for love, it fosters an ideal environment for singles to meet. Venus assists people in making connections through joy and grounded stillness. While this transit is beneficial to all zodiac signs, four are likely to benefit the most. Expert astrologers have identified the star signs that will benefit the most from this three-week June 5 to July 3, Taurus is blessed by Venus, which brings vitality and self-assurance. Those who are already in a relationship can experience genuine emotional connection, and singles can meet new people with a radiant aura. Luxurious, silky fabrics that appeal to your receptive side are encouraged by Venus in Taurus, an aesthetic-driven sign. The act of being at ease in your own skin is enough to draw attention as you enter your main character era. Venus in Taurus also makes you more conscious of the changes that have occurred this year in your relationship's values, desires, and non-negotiables. Venus activates the transformational planets Pluto and Uranus during this transit, which takes place between June 5 and June 13 and June 28 and July sweet transit in Taurus boosts visibility for you, Leo. You'll be popular from June 5 to July 3, brightening every room. Attend as many events as possible, even those related to your career and collaborations, if you're single. Thus, being social increases your chances of meeting your ideal partner now. You may encounter electric personalities who promise to expand your mind when Venus activates wild child planet Uranus between June 28 and July in Taurus activates Pluto in your relationship sector between June 5 and 13, giving you the chance to discuss important issues. After clearing this energy, you and your partner will radiate 'power couple' vibes everywhere. Your schedule will be full of social events where you can demonstrate your chemistry and connection. There are plenty of steamy moments in the Venus in Taurus story because, from June 5 to June 19, Venus activates Black Moon Lilith, igniting the desire to delve deeply into sexuality. The desires that were previously repressed are revealed by Lilith. These days will shed light on the changing and developing nature of relationships, love, and pleasure. Relationship behaviors and new forms of connection will emerge as connections become more intense if partnered. The theme of Black Moon Lilith is empowerment and rebellion, which leads to the emergence of new relationship dynamics. For single Scorpios, the Venus-Lilith combination from June 5- June 19 might make you reconsider a relationship and enable you to connect deeply while retaining your independence. ALSO READ: Psychologists say these 7 evening habits could be holding you back from ever feeling truly happy Your zodiac sign, Capricorn, is fortunate to have Venus in Taurus, which brings the best days for romantic relationships. Venus is in your fifth house of romance, play, and fun from June 5 to July 3, which promotes a laid-back way of living. You could think of this combination as your annual check-in for celestial fun. It is the perfect time to try your luck in the dating scene because of the effortless charm that results from this laid-back attitude. Besides boosting self-esteem, Venus in Taurus makes conversations more lively. If you're already committed, think about organizing a fun activity, vacation, or getaway with your significant other. The grounded and creative influence of this celestial combination can be harnessed through nature-inspired activities like hiking and glamping, as well as artistic zodiac signs will experience the most love magic?Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Capricorn will thrive in romance while Venus is in Taurus. Is now a good time to start dating? Yes! Especially for singles, Venus in Taurus creates ideal conditions for making genuine, long-lasting connections.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
These 4 Zodiac signs will thrive in love as Venus settles into steady Taurus
What makes Venus in Taurus so powerful for love? Live Events Which signs are luckiest in love right now? Taurus Leo Scorpio Capricorn FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Want to start over with your love life ? Venus, the planet of love and pleasure, moves into the earthy, sensual sign of Taurus . This change in the universe will make you more charming, attractive, and emotionally connected, especially for four lucky zodiac signs This strong transit boosts passion, romance , and self-assurance, making it the perfect time for a deep emotional connection. Whether it's a new flame or old sparks, expect moments that are deep, passionate, and it moves through one of its most auspicious sky positions, Venus, the celestial overseer of pleasure, love, and romance, does so. Between June 5 and July 3, 2025, Venus will grace Taurus, the zodiac's epitome of sensuality and the pursuit of beauty, as per a report by it occurs once a year during some of the most love-filled weeks of the year, this transit is closely monitored by all professional in Taurus represents our sensual side, encouraging us to slow down and enjoy the sensations of touch, sound, scent, and melody. As a favorable astrological influence for love, it fosters an ideal environment for singles to meet. Venus assists people in making connections through joy and grounded this transit is beneficial to all zodiac signs, four are likely to benefit the most. Expert astrologers have identified the star signs that will benefit the most from this three-week June 5 to July 3, Taurus is blessed by Venus, which brings vitality and self-assurance. Those who are already in a relationship can experience genuine emotional connection, and singles can meet new people with a radiant aura. Luxurious, silky fabrics that appeal to your receptive side are encouraged by Venus in Taurus, an aesthetic-driven act of being at ease in your own skin is enough to draw attention as you enter your main character era. Venus in Taurus also makes you more conscious of the changes that have occurred this year in your relationship's values, desires, and activates the transformational planets Pluto and Uranus during this transit, which takes place between June 5 and June 13 and June 28 and July sweet transit in Taurus boosts visibility for you, Leo. You'll be popular from June 5 to July 3, brightening every room. Attend as many events as possible, even those related to your career and collaborations, if you're single. Thus, being social increases your chances of meeting your ideal partner may encounter electric personalities who promise to expand your mind when Venus activates wild child planet Uranus between June 28 and July in Taurus activates Pluto in your relationship sector between June 5 and 13, giving you the chance to discuss important clearing this energy, you and your partner will radiate 'power couple' vibes everywhere. Your schedule will be full of social events where you can demonstrate your chemistry and are plenty of steamy moments in the Venus in Taurus story because, from June 5 to June 19, Venus activates Black Moon Lilith, igniting the desire to delve deeply into sexuality. The desires that were previously repressed are revealed by Lilith. These days will shed light on the changing and developing nature of relationships, love, and behaviors and new forms of connection will emerge as connections become more intense if partnered. The theme of Black Moon Lilith is empowerment and rebellion, which leads to the emergence of new relationship single Scorpios, the Venus-Lilith combination from June 5- June 19 might make you reconsider a relationship and enable you to connect deeply while retaining your zodiac sign, Capricorn, is fortunate to have Venus in Taurus, which brings the best days for romantic relationships. Venus is in your fifth house of romance, play, and fun from June 5 to July 3, which promotes a laid-back way of living. You could think of this combination as your annual check-in for celestial fun. It is the perfect time to try your luck in the dating scene because of the effortless charm that results from this laid-back boosting self-esteem, Venus in Taurus makes conversations more lively. If you're already committed, think about organizing a fun activity, vacation, or getaway with your significant grounded and creative influence of this celestial combination can be harnessed through nature-inspired activities like hiking and glamping, as well as artistic Leo, Scorpio, and Capricorn will thrive in romance while Venus is in Especially for singles, Venus in Taurus creates ideal conditions for making genuine, long-lasting connections.
