Friday, January 11, 2013

Los perros en Mérida

I recently received  a comment on an older post related to the proposed Tampa to Yucatan ferry. I wrote about our desire for the ferry to become a reality because it would be the least traumatic way to transport our two dogs and cat to Mérida when we move there this summer.  The commenter stated that many people bring dogs into the country only to abandon them later and suggested that we leave our dogs behind and adopt unwanted dogs in Mérida, thereby "helping the problem, rather than adding to it." I was offended, at first, that this anonymous person could think that I would consider bringing our dogs to Mérida and then abandon them after realizing that they were getting in the way of our lives or becoming a nuisance or too expensive to keep. It was obvious that this person did not know us or the value that we place on these amazing animals. My response was that "suggesting we leave our dogs behind would be like asking someone to leave their child behind." (Here is where some will roll their eyes at such a comparison, but our animals are a part of our family).
And yes, they can be demanding and difficult at times.  I feel certain that our two would flunk out of Dog Whisperer school. The trauma they both experienced in the first few months of their lives, before we rescued them from certain euthanasia, helps us tolerate minor neuroses that others might not. I bonded with my first companion at the age of three -an American Staffordshire Terrier named Penny, who snarled when anyone that she did not know approached me. These animals are in our lives such a brief time, yet their impact is profound.

Having thought about the comment for a while, I have come to realize that the writer had only the best interests of the dogs in mind. It is tragic that so many companion animals are neglected and banished to the streets or to a shelter, where far too many must be euthanized because no one wants them. That is a heart breaking reality. There are many angels (and I know a few of them) who are working in Mérida and elsewhere to help end this tragedy.

Campaigns should be waged that discourage parents from giving in to their children who want a pet without understanding that it will be the parents' responsibility to care for the animal. And it is a HUGE responsibility with considerable expense. People should stop purchasing animals from retail pet shops. The "cute and irresistibly adorable" factor is responsible for many impulse purchases that begin with good intentions and end disastrously. Dogs, especially, can be trained to a degree but they have their own personalities and boundless energy. Watch out when they don't have an outlet, like DAILY walks, to expend some of that energy. They adapt amazingly well to your environment, and when they are not out sniffing the grass or pavement, or sleeping, they simply want to be with you. Always. Some chew furniture or shoes for a while but usually stop with a bit of gentle, but firm admonishment. They leave hair and muddy paw prints wherever they go. They want to sleep in YOUR bed, quietly at the foot or snuggled up against you. They wait patiently when you leave for work or go out to dinner and are ecstatic when you return. Every time. They depend on you for their every need and in return they give absolutely unconditional love.

As I've said before, not being able to bring our animals with us to Mérida would be a deal breaker.

10 comments:

  1. I agree. Animals are as important to us as our children were. I have found myself trying to plan the walls around my house to be 'cat proof' as it frightens me how many cats are treated in Mexico. Though I doubt my cats would ever be mistaken for Mexican cats being double the size and weight. I know we will obtain a dog or two when we are in Merida....I've already needed to restrain myself after meeting two stray dogs who were sweeties!

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  2. Our first time in Merida, we staying in a house with three huge labradors and a house cat, and it struck me how these old houses in the Centro are just perfect for los perros. They're safely walled in and get to roam around inside and out with a freedom that would be difficult in a typical north-of-the-border house. I've never seen a more contented lot. It would be a shame to deprive your own pets of the pleasures the Centro has to offer, and it's a shame that well-meaning but sanctimonious commenter thinks that dogs are interchangeable.

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  3. I'm here in Merida now and can't ignore the dogs I see. As humans we think of what Merida holds for us...how our lives will be better. If nothing else, some of us will better the lives of the four legged aminals that cross our paths. One dog, cat at a time iis not a weak aspiration.

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  4. I just can't imagine life without our animals. Each time we have lost one to age or disease, we go through a period of mourning, but eventually emerge and adopt another abandoned animal. There's just this strong desire to make the remainder of their lives free of pain and suffering and to love them as much as they love us.

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  5. Do you know if the ferry from Tampa to Yucatan is going to go ahead?

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    1. We're still waiting to hear. I'm not so optimistic at this point in time, but hopeful that it will happen one day in the not too distant future.

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  6. Hello, I liked your blog, it's interesting. I live in Monterrey and I went to Merida last Saturday.... I loved it, really loved it so much so that I'm starting to consider the idea of moving. I'm very surprised at finding out how many Americans and Canadians have chosen to live in Merida. As a professional English-Spanish translator I think there can be opportunities there.
    A friend of mine married an American man a few years ago. They bought a house in downtown Merida, but unfortunately they are now selling it. She is making all the arrangements there and that's why I decided to visit -- I had a wonderful time. Regards!

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    1. Hi, Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. I'm glad you visited Merida and liked the city. With your credentials, I'm confidant that you could find employment. Best of luck!

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  7. I agree that pets are full family members; mine certainly are.

    I'd like to have two dogs in addition to the two cats I already have. Debating on whether to get them while I'm still in the states or wait until I get to Merida. If I end up driving down, I'd like the protection of doggies.

    mg

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  8. Having that protection driving down is a huge motivation. In spite of the thousands of foreigners who drive through the border states daily without incident, we can't help but be a little nervous about it. How about one dog from the states and then adopt one of those cute guys from Evolucion.? We are already talking about adopting a third dog once we get down.

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