My landlord, Jorge has cared for Kiko (3 year old medium size male dog) for 3 years. Although Kiko had food and water and a fenced yard, Jorge never touched or talked to Kiko. This is normal here in Mexico. In my pueblito, few people have pets, because in many cases there isn’t enough food for the humans in a family. As a general rule, pet owners here don’t spend quality time with their pets.
Kiko, probably seeking a different lifestyle, became a fence jumper. And a part-time street dog. He would return some days seeking food.
I met Kiko in the street. And our eyes met. Street dogs avoid eye contact. I went up to him and petted him. He immediately jumped up and down and was very excited (happy) when I touched him. In the three years before, he had no real human contact. We became good friends. I bathed him, probably his first bath. Treated him for ticks and fleas. And next week he is scheduled for sterilization. Taught him to sit, lay down and stay.
I don’t have a car and we walk everywhere. Because he is street smart, I don’t use a leash. He loves the freedom to explore when we are walking. I have voice control over him. He is allowed to come into the cantina with me, and just stays at my feet. He will wait outside a store when I shop. But I have to hurry shopping because some people will try to run him off. Although he has a collar, some people are scared of dogs. They are not accustomed to seeing a dog waiting.
There are times when I can’t take him with me. For example, last night the neighbors asked me to go out and dine. I thought we may be in the restaurant for maybe an hour or more. And it would be a long time for Kiko to wait outside. I told him he had to stay home, and I would be back. When I shut the gate behind me, he was pissed. Began pawing at the gate and was very distraught.
A couple of questions…
For the times when he can’t come with me, is there an easier way to do these separations?
Or should I just take him anyway? I have walked for over 30 minutes from my place, and he was waiting for me as I went into a store. When I came out he was gone. But, he was in front of the gate, when I returned home. So, he can get back home. As I mentioned, he is street smart and knows to get out of the way of vehicles. One fear I do have is someone may want to steal him. Everyone is amazed that he will sit, lay down and stay on command. They actually believe it is a miracle. Here in Mexico, at least where I live, it only happens in movies.
I am interested in your thoughts on this relationship. Maybe I could be a better dog owner, or could do something different. I am Kiko’s only human friend. That may be the problem. He may feel fear when he is left alone. Then maybe I am not reading his actions correctly, but just projecting my thoughts on him.
He is so happy to have a friend, and I am happy to have him as a friend.