Feature Profile I

Ines Van Damme, the Ambassador for the archetypal Fila Brasileiro.

Update: Mrs. Van Damme has taken some time off from her duties as the president of Cafib, and is dedicating full-time attention to a new book! We anxiously await for another production from our 
Ambassador! Meanwhile, her site has been reorganized and many articles that were published in the
Cafibe Boletin that she edited can now be accessed in full through her website: Los Tres Naranjos,
by clicking on "articulos" the left-hand side menu bar.
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There are a only handful of individuals that have made consistent and serious contributions of information about the Fila Brasileiro. Amongst these individuals, one woman in particular, Ines Van Damme, stands out as possibly the most thorough and hands-on researcher about the breed, if not the only one. She is a dutch author based in Spain and is currently retired from breeding. Nonetheless, since 1987 when the "FB stepped into her life" she has been continuously investigating, researching, collecting, writing, editing and publishing books and articles.
Nowadays, she presides over the CAFIBE (Clube de Amigos del Fila Brasileiro en Espanha), a very representative breed club in Spain where she also edits their breed specific internet bulletin, and organizes CAFIBE shows. Whew, That's a lot of work! She also cares for her own Filas, some of which are healthy canine senior citizens..

In 1994, she made a trip to Brazil and that's when the research and archive collecting "bug" got her. The result of this travel and subsequent research was her first book called "El Gran Libro del Fila Brasileiro". A 400 page book with over 200 pictures. The preface of the book is written by Paulo Roberto Godinho, an international FCI judge and respected journalist, as well as consultant to the board of directors of the CBKC (ConfederaƧao Brasil Kennel Club).

Mr. Godinho describes Ines as having "a battery of knowledge that is delightful as well as objective. Her text is interesting, rich in detail and true in its essence...there are two fundamental differences that set [this book] apart from the ones that have been written on the subject before: it is utterly reliable and it does not plead its own case. As a friend and admirer of the work that Ines has set about, I can only congratulate her on her endeavours. As a Brazilian I thank her for the love that she has shown for this breed, the biggest legacy in the history of our cynophily."
for info on purchasing your signed copy directly from the author
inesvdb@telefonica.net

Ines's passion for the Fila breed brought us another excellent book "FILAS AND FAZENDAS", which she wrote based on the years of collecting photographic archives pedigrees, documents, and having met and interviewed pioneer farmers/breeders that selected for the archetypal characteristics of the breed. In her book there are chapters dedicated to the impressive Jaguara Kennel, owned by Mr. William Frederic Chalmers, iconic life-time breeder of Fila Brasileiros. As well as other interviews such as with the children of another icon Pedrinho do Engenho. Along with recounting her visits to all of the fazendas [farms], she takes into account the importance of cultural and historical aspects of Brazil. In her words "I hope that my readers will realize the importance of all this and open their eyes and their hearts for the people, the history, the art and the nature of this fascinating country named Brazil."
(the books are available in English, Spanish and Italian)

The Bulletin of the CAFIBE , edited by Ines , is published bi-monthly with a special "End of the Year" issue. It costs US$50 for a yearly subscription, which also includes classified privileges and Online courses. The last Bulletin included the article "Paulo Santos Cruz Standard of the Fila Brasileiro Breed: Codification by DNA Markers" written by Dr. Anibal Felipe. Once again, by promoting this study in the Bulletin, Ines Van Damme, has added updated scientific research as part of "her battery of knowlegde ", which she is committed into making available to all Fila enthusiasts worldwide.

Chico Peltier says: “I have much respect for my good friend Ines Van Damme. By writing her 2 books, the CAFIBE Bulletins, making 9 trips to Brazil, her deep investigation about Fila History and her enormous love for the real Fila Brasileiro; she does a great service to all of us. It is a pity that some people don't recognize the tremendous effort and practical results this lady of the Fila Brasileiro has produced. For me Ines has and will always have a very special place in Fila History.” To which I will add that her integrity, determination and her commitment to knowledge and insight, are an inspiration to me and for which I owe gratitude and recognition.
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For Book Info about payment and shipping
lostresnaranjos@telefonica.net

also available at
Media Boekservice Holland
info@mediaboek.nl
www.mediaboek.nl

In BRASIL
available at Ines's favorite book-shop
LIVRARIA VAN DAMME
Rua Guajajaras 505
Belo Horizonte (Minas Gerais)
vandamme@vandammelivraria.com.br
www.vandammelivraria.com.br

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