Remembering Whiskey

“To my boy, my buddy, Wiskaka, Snoopy and my friend.
I miss you, Tara-Lynn misses you. Everyone that knew you are sad that you are gone.
All the things we did, all the places we went together. I hope you are not hurting anymore. I hope you are chasing squirrels again.
We constantly think about you.
You will never be forgotten.”

With the deepest love,
Dad, Tara-Lynn, Anik, Skye and Alex

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posted in 17 Dec, 2008 by Guest Author, Angie

A Happy, Healthy Stray

Buddy, the stray dog

We often think of stray dogs as poor, homeless souls in need of loving families and homes with large backyards to run around in. With Canadian winters, this is most definitely true – strays need help.

But I’d like to provide some insight to the world of stray dogs in other countries. For the most part, they are starved and struggling to survive, but for all of you whose hearts break for strays, I want to share the story of a strong, happy stray who had the best of both worlds – family, and independence.

I lived in the Dominican Republic for two years, living and working as a local, and experiencing real life, outside of the resorts. Stray dogs are a part of everyday life; they wander the streets and beaches in search of snacks. They lounge around and make friends with residents and tourists alike. It is not an uncommon sight to see a dog snuggled under a palm-tree, relaxing in the shade on the beach. They roll around in the sand, play in the waves, and chase each other around. When you’re too poor to buy a television, watching the local dogs frolic and scamper around can be great entertainment, so long as you pay the entertainers for their efforts with a piece of your empanada.

Generally speaking, Dominicans treat street dogs with respect. They are not rejects or untouchables, often finding shelter and lunch in local businesses, as well as lots of affection from passers-by. They are sweet and loving dogs, occasionally attaching themselves to someone and following them around for the day.

They do not fear the dog-catcher, as this is not a service offered in the country. They roam free (and warm, in the tropical climate).

My focus is on one specific dog.

One day, while opening up the restaurant I worked in, a big, white dog strolled in and copped a squat in the corner. He was meek and calm, and I let him stay. The owners instructed us to shoo away the stray dogs, simply for the comfort level of our North-American diners who were unsettled at the presence of dogs during their meal. But this time, working alone, I broke the rules. He stayed.

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