Saturday, Sep 10, 2016
Hi, I’m Max. Let’s go for a walk.
Max, the landlord’s dog, has been crying a lot. Long, slow, soulful howls. I think the owners have been away for awhile, and although the maid comes each day and gives him food and water he gets lonely. We try to take him for a walk every couple of days and I think he misses us if we go longer than that without walking him.
This afternoon we heard him crying so we made a point to get him out with us. He is a great dog but he is not easy to walk. Max is an Alaskan Malamute, only about 3 years old, and very strong. Sometimes when I have him on the leash he will unexpectedly dart toward something and I almost get whiplash from the jolt.
The other issue is the street dogs all around. Some days we run into dogs that act aggressive and that throws Max into an aggressive response. Trying to keep him moving forward and away from these dogs can be a challenge. I’m basically walking him on his hind legs and he is almost as tall as me when he stands up.
Nevertheless the four of us and Max had a nice walk around the Yanuncay river today. The sun was out most of the time and created warm temperatures. A couple of times it went behind some clouds and it instantly got cool, and for me…just plain cold. The sun makes all the difference up here in the Andes.
My day has been relaxed. I’ve spent most of it writing articles. I think one I submitted for Gringo Tree will publish tomorrow. I took a break from writing this afternoon and watched a movie with Heidi and my sons. Later I talked to Robert, my ex-colleague at work, and got caught up with happenings at my old stomping grounds at Dixie Regional Medical Center. It was a nice call.
It’s been a sedate but satisfying day here in Ecuador.
Chau.
Todd, it is so nice that you take the time to walk Max. He is a beautiful dog. I remember his soft howling. He must be so lonely in that yard all by himself, his scenery never changing unless you kind folks take him out.
The air is fresh and cool in Ontario this morning. It reminds me of Cuenca. It is a nice change from the heat and humidity that we have had here, and much better for packing and moving boxes.
Monte is nestled on my lap in a cozy blanket. I wonder if this weather reminds him of Cuenca. Well, it didn’t take him long to discover the art of squirrel chasing. In a few months we will be back in Ecuador and he will have to settle for chasing our chickens.
Hi Donna! It makes me happy knowing Monte is with you and Don and chasing squirrels. Once in a while there were pigeons here that he could dart at. Monte was funny, he never seemed to want to hurt them, just cause them to fly away. It is hard for us to see Max be alone so much. Hopefully this is just because the family is away. He does enjoy his walks with us though! Doug gave us an optimistic report on things coming along in Bahia. Hope it keeps moving forward!
Todd
Hi There !
Are there a lot of street dogs in Ecuador ? I know when I was in Costa Rica there were and it just broke my heart to see some of them. We have 2 dogs of our own that are totally spoiled. I can’t imagine them out on the streets to fend for themselves. I know you have to have extra money to spay or neuter your dog and food on the table comes first but i still find it hard to see. I’m sure if we end up in Ecuador I’ll have to start a rescue of some sort.
It’s great that you try to walk Max. You have a kind heart, I can tell !
Thanks for the answer about coffee. I will just have to make do with instant- sigh……
Another question…. what about eating salads on the coast. Should we avoid? I’m worried that the restaurants will wash the lettuce and tomatoes with the tap water ??
Thx again for answering all my many questions !
Laree
Hi Laree,
Cuenca does not have near the number of street dogs as there are on the coast, and the dogs are in much better shape here. On the coast the dogs are numerous, many are in ill health, and it is hard to watch. Where we lived in Bahia de Caraquez, Laurie-Ann Laflamme, a very industrious 15 year old girl, started a non-profit, Square Lollipop foundation (can find on facebook) to raise money for sterilization of the street dogs and to provide food for them. She is making a difference! Maybe you can team up. 🙂
I’m not sure how many salads I have eaten here, but I do eat them and haven’t had any problems. The locals use lime juice and salt to clean the vegetables. Most salads seem like a tomato, onion, lettuce combo that has been soaked in lime juice. It tastes great and the lime acts as a bactericidal agent. So far so good for me.
Don’t settle for instant coffee. It becomes a holy-grail search. 😉
Todd
Oh that’s gonna be hard to see the dogs! My heart just breaks for them. I read somewhere that the average lifespan for a street dog is only a year. That’s probably good though cause I’m sure it’s a miserable life. I will look up the young lady’s website and maybe I could hook up with her !
Good to know about the salads. I really like salads but I just don’t want to get sick and ruin our short vacation.
Thanks !
Laree
I agree it is hard to see the dogs. Culturally, many Ecuadorians want to own puppies, and when they grow, the owners often lose interest and it would appear, “lose” their dogs. Hopefully more spay and neuter programs will be created and help decrease the numbers.
Todd