Unwanted Dogs

Many people warned me to not pet the dogs that I would inevitably see roaming the streets of Guatemala. In fact, Brian´s uncle suggested that I reach down, as if picking up a rock, if any dog comes too close. This is because of the risk of rabidity and disease. So, I was prepared to see dogs and to ignore them, merely to keep safe.

True to premonitions, there are innumerable dogs of every size and color, all with a hesitant temperment. They know how to walk in the streets, pick through the trash, and avoid oncoming traffic. Just tonight, one followed Brian and I home from the market for about 6 cuadras (blocks), where we stepped into a used clothing store. The dog stood in the doorway until the owner got a broom and shooed it away.

There are other anecdotes; for example at San Francisco el Alto´s open-air market last week, I came across a small pup who was emaciated and laying on its side, probably about to die, if not already dying. People just walked over it, paying no attention. I´m not saying this because I´m disgusted in the shoppers. After reflecting on the economic state of the majority of households, its clear that if you only have so many resources, then dogs, or any pets, are a luxury as much as a DVD player or any other excess.

It is a shame because, according to my Spanish teacher, the Guatemalan public health department engages in widespread euthenasia of street dogs during April and May to prevent the spread of rabies. This is the time of year when it gets hot in Xela, and apparently rabies is more common during the warm weather. It is a shame because I think those funds would be equally well spent on spaying and neutering.. perhaps? Maybe this is already being done. Its a sorry state though. The good news: our host family does have a small white dog that greets us as we return home. Also, will try to make the next post more upbeat.