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.

Tampa to Yucatán ferry - a reality?

Along with my daily prayer for the proposed ferry to carry people and cars from the Port of Tampa to Yucatán, I occasionally scour the internet for any updates. I'm not sure how I missed the update from November 17, 2011 in the Tampa Bay Business Journal, but this is what they say:

"Ferry service between the Port of Tampa and Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula will begin by the second half of 2012, according to an executive starting the service."

This report does not state that talks are under way or that negotiations are taking place between the Port of Tampa and interested parties. It says "will begin by the second half of 2012." "This is a no-brainer," said Bruce Nierenberg, chairman and chief executive officer of United Caribbean Lines.

The report goes on to say that one ferry would generate $300 million a year in economic impact and create at least 100 shoreside jobs. I'm assuming this means jobs for the Port of Tampa, but it would also be good news for Mexico - more jobs in Yucatán and countless tourist dollars.

Service to Mexico would accommodate 1,000 to 2,000 passengers and up to 600 cars. The cost for a round trip ticket would be around $195.00. I'm certain that transporting a car would cost an additional fee. Travel time is around 27 hours.

I suppose we can't actually celebrate until we see a published schedule, but this news seems more concrete than any in the past.

Read it for yourself from the Tampa Bay Business Journal and Tampa Bay Online. The TBO site states that the ferry will run from Tampa to Cancún while earlier articles referred to the Progreso Port. Either way this is a win-win for those of us on the Eastern Seaboard. Now we just have to believe that they will accommodate pets.

Happy Carnaval, Mérida