I just love dogs. I love all breeds of dogs and even those of the Heinz 57 variety. I grew up with Doberman Pinchers that my father bred and trained as a hobby. All I know about dogs I learned from watching my Dad work with them. Mexicans love dogs too. If the people of Guanajuato are any indication of all Mexicans, then our south-of-the-border neighbors have a love affair with dogs. They are everywhere here. I don't know how many exactly but at night, around 9:45 p.m., the canine chorus begins. For a town of about 100,000 people, it would appear from the nightly howl-fest that there is a dog for each person. I don't think that is true but that is how it seems. Mexicans keep their dogs on the flat roofs of their houses. I have not a clue why they do this. It could be there are not many grassy yards here so where else are they going to keep them? These are the roof dogs of Mexico. Unfortunately, some Mexicans have a different concept of love for their dogs and keep them in such poor conditions, the average American would rush to the phone to call the 1-800 number for PETA. When we first moved to Guanajuato, it had a horrible feral dog problem. The streets were full of these poorly conditioned curs running through the streets looking for garbage to eat. However, I am happy to report that the problem has improved in recent days. The city is managing this problem better and the feral dog population, though not perfect, has declined. This problem in Mexico is often city-specific and is due to lack of funds to deal with these strays. I have been told that some cities manage this problem more efficiently than others do. In some cities, the problem is nonexistent. I believe this is true because, in our travels, we have seen some city streets empty of strays. An interesting dog-related phenomenon you will see in Guanajuato is that, when you are walking down the street, you will see many Mexicans walking with their heads down. Now and then, they do a little jig or jump about as though they have some neurological issue. What is happening, I soon found out, is that they are trying to avoid what happens in a city where there are few grassy parks or yards for the citizens' dogs to do their daily dirty business. They are trying to avoid dog poop! This is a problem that vexes the tourists but what are our poor canine pals to do? It isn't their fault. There are practically no yards in this steppe, mountain desert climate. When the owners take them out in the mornings and evenings, they use the city sidewalks to deposit their poopies. This can make for an interesting walk. I am happy to report that I have yet to have the privilege of stomping through a precious canine's little sidewalk gift. My wife, however, has--much to her dismay. Therefore, we have worked out a walking strategy I recommend to all the tourists who perchance come to visit us in Guanajuato. You must walk in single file. The lead man (or woman) is responsible as the lookout. You must constantly scan at least 6 feet ahead of you, never taking your eyes off the sidewalk. If you see that you are approaching a turd bomb, you need not yell or make a spectacle of yourself. Use your hands to signal that you are approaching danger. If the caca is on the left, use a slashing motion with your left hand and point at least 12-15 inches away from your thigh area. Then, be sure to dance gingerly out of the way so the person following you will have plenty of time to play dodge the doggie bowel movement. Welcome to Guanajuato! Ya'll come and see us! |
