By Lily Bond
CHIANG MAI, Thailand -- Befriending some of the street dogs who struggle to survive among the pedestrians and vehicles in Thailand’s cities means riding an emotional rollercoaster.
Sadly, a car recently killed my canine friend Fitz. Once such a strong, proud dog, he had turned thin and weak. It wasn’t so bad saying goodbye to him when he wasn’t his usual self anyhow.
My dog, Katie, a former street-dweller, has gone totally deaf. Initially, she seemed hard of hearing, but knew when I called her name or opened the gate. Now I need to touch her before she responds. Her eyes have been a bit gummy too. I used my own saliva to rub into them, and they healed within a day – so I understand why dogs lick their wounds! But I wonder how long Katie will last.
Scherzo, a dog I previously wrote about (Dogs Down in the Dumps, September 24, 2006), again lingers at the shopfronts. Frankly, I’ve never seen her looking better, partly because she’s no longer responsible for her latest batch of pups.
The pups have grown considerably and receive fine care, even regular baths, from the workers at Scherzo’s favorite food joint. Their fur glows. At busy times of day, they’re placed in a kennel. It’s a good size, elevated and has a steel frame and sturdy, wooden floor. So the pups stay safer from traffic.
For better or worse, it’s a dog’s life!
ARCHIVES
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Freed from puppy care, Scherzo, looks
prosperous, even near strewn rubbish.
A pup trails Scherzo through their favorite eatery.
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