By and large, Haitians don’t keep dogs as pets. Dogs are viewed as nuisances, not companions. They’re a common sight in urban areas, where humans ignore them as they roam the streets and dig through trash piles for scraps. Many are covered in sores and are so skinny their ribs look like xylophones.
Haitians generally frown upon giving food – even leftovers – to dogs because that seems disrespectful to the many hungry humans also in need of food.
As a dog lover, it’s hard for me to ignore these dogs who are so clearly in need, but I know that I can’t do anything to (permanently) improve their situations.
All Hands’ base has been “home” to several animals, including goats, a cat and chicken.
And now, it appears, a dog.
Over the last week, this little lady has been not just entering the base’s gated property, but entering the base itself. I snapped the above photo this morning as she strolled by my bunk.
She’s sweet, very friendly and, as you can see, adorable.
During Thursday’s evening meeting, she pranced through the seated crowd of volunteers, much to our amusement and delight. Dylan, the project’s manager and a feline fan, scooped the dog up and headed for the door, prompting a loud collective “Awwww” from the dog’s growing fanbase.
Friday evening, I stepped into the office to sign my local volunteer buddy, Christmane, into the office so he could use a computer. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a long nose poke through the metal gate. By the time I finished writing, she had climbed over a piece of plywood that had been tucked against the gate to block her entrance and scooted inside. Smart little booger.
Just now, as I was typing this note while sitting in the lounge area with Dann, she trotted in through the open front door and across the camp’s cloister. Minutes later, a volunteer walked back across the cloister, dog in arms. Sure enough, the pooch strolled back in not five minutes later. And again, a volunteer escorted her outside. Persistent!
I know there are lots of practical reasons why the base can’t adopt her. But I really think they should.