Foreign Dogs

"If dogs run free, then why not we?" - Bob Dylan

In 2008 I had the good fortune of visiting Mexico and Peru. In both places there was an abundance of dogs running free. They ran through the streets and crowded markets, even on the roofs. The smart ones, the ones still alive, knew enough to wait with everyone else on the sidewalk until the light changed before crossing the street. Some looked to be suffering from terrible mange. Others seemed ready to be taken home and spoiled. At the stunning summit of Monte Albán, there was dog that followed us around patiently (first photo). We considered the feasibility of taking it (we named it Monty) back home to the States. The thought of long quarantine hassles led us to believe it would be a bad idea, but by that time Monty had already slipped away to follow another group of tourists.