Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
This saying has never been more true. I haven't seen it yet, but have heard that the street dogs can be pretty ferocious, particularly when they move around in packs - as they can do when they don't belong to anyone in particular. I've generally tried to side-step them when possible. For the most part, though, they just look hot and tired to me. You see them just about everywhere that's shady, and they are sometimes the only calm bodies in the city.
The dogs are generally lean, like the cats and the cows. I think the cows are somehow the saddest, because they are so enormous and most are scavenging off garbage on the streets. But apparently dogs and cats are not kept as pets here. In fact, cats are never kept, but some families are moving to keeping dogs at home.
Comments
During a trip to Thailand, the locals told me that if stray dogs try to menace you, to reach your hand to the ground to pick up a stone (even if there are none). Repeat as necessary. The dogs should recognize the gesture as "Oh crap, I'm about to get pelted" and will run away. Hopefully Thai dogs operate the same way as Indian dogs.
Posted by: Jocelyn | February 22, 2007 12:16 AM
I love your pictures and your commentary, Philippa. Of course you knew I'd comment on the dog photo. Are there really no friendly street dogs? Who feeds the street dogs? Who owns dogs? Just curious.
Posted by: Cathie DiMassa | February 22, 2007 11:13 PM