It’s a dog’s life
The sights and sounds of Kathmandu assault the senses in every direction with colour, smells and chaos. Indeed when you arrive for the first time, there is so much to absorb, that you would be forgiven for not noticing just how many dogs wander the streets of this fascinating place. However your first night will leave you in no doubt. There is nothing that could prepare you for the wild, unrelenting howls that fill the streets throughout the dark hours. Many a night’s sleep has been broken by the ghoulish wailing of the neighbourhood mutts. So be warned – bring earplugs!
The dogs come in all shapes and sizes. These days they are on the whole well looked after. There is a dog welfare organisation that will lift a very ill dog off the streets, treat it and return it to where they found it. There are several vets around now, indicating that people do try to care properly for them. We have noticed a big improvement in dog welfare since being here 12 years ago.
During the day the dogs take it easy, sleeping off the night’s activity in the warm sunlight.
These days it is cold ( -2c degrees at night and 16c during the day. The Kathmandu dogs, along with their owners are wrapping up and waiting for the sun to return!
There are also lots of puppies galloping down the streets. We have seen one get killed by traffic and have had several desperate offers to take a new pup from overwhelmed owners. We have done well to resist as they can be so cute. Our kids appear desperate at times to take one home and have already been sent packing with a little white one that they “rescued”.
During the Christmas holidays it happened again. Erin appeared back from walking the landlord’s dog, with the above little bundle. He was named (Dakota), fed, washed and given an orange blanket before their father appeared home. Was it time to admit defeat?
For several days they enjoyed the new addition. However we had to face up to the fact that the landlord did not want another dog and would not be willing to look after it when we are not in Kathmandu. So we agreed that he should take the little puppy to his other house on the Terai to be looked after by the man who works for him there. The kids have been promised they can visit. The parents (not great dog lovers) are off the hook. Everything is back to normal and the landlord’s dog called “doggie” is the centre of attention once again!
Eleanor
Sun 13th Jan 2013 at 2:46 pm
Always good to hear from you doggie stories and all it is good that the welfare group to help the sick photos at Christmas were good and what you shared made us think ? A Very Happy 2013 to all xx
Jenny Holley
Sun 13th Jan 2013 at 2:50 pm
Aww—what a sorry tale. The kids even got attached to it THEN he had to go!!The parents sound like Dawie and Lindsey, they gave in and bought two goldfish and a hugh bowl–the boys are happy for now. Lets see how long it will last. Love to you all Jenny H
Robert and Margaret Crangle
Sun 13th Jan 2013 at 11:41 pm
Hi all,
My motto is ‘Get a Life, get a dog’. Without a doubt, man’s best friend. It would have a great time in your family treking through the mountains.
We have Honey and Daisy, with wee Poppy coming in 10 days. (Yes, we probably are going mad).
We still have Miss McKee’s cat, Tiger, but he is a good age now and sleeps most of the time. (Just like me – before you say it.)
God Bless you all as you start your work and have a great 2013.
Robert and Margaret
brian & sue conn
Thu 17th Jan 2013 at 12:34 am
Hi Peter ,Valerie, Conor, Joel and Erin,
As always enjoyed the blog and photos. Howling dogs through the night? Think I would go mental! Poor wee Erin, I can imagine how she feels but at least she has the landlords dog to walk. We tried to tell Martin & Kerry that a dog was not a good idea while they both worked and the girls were at school and childminder all day, but, did they listen? did they heck. Mr Red ( a beautiful cute whippett) is firmly established and Amy uses him as a cushion!!! Take care love and God bless . Sue & Brian
Gladys Brown
Thu 17th Jan 2013 at 1:05 pm
Hi Peter & Valerie
I enjoyed reading your doggie tales! The kids were I’m sure sad to let the pup go – however atleast they can play with ‘doggie’ and visit the new pup. Sounds good to me its like being a Granny – all the fun and then hand them back to their parents at the end of the day! Bliss
Love
Gladys