Mexican Street Dog, My Favorite Breed

Mexican street dogs having their siesta on the sidewalk.

Life is always full of surprises, ever leading me to experiences, people, and places I never could have imagined. In fact, just four years ago, I’d not even contemplated the prospect of retiring in Mexico, but here I am.

Similarly, I was deathly allergic to dogs when I grew up. Now I am a volunteer shift-leader here at SOS Chapala DOG Rescue, hugging all sorts of canines, large and small, short-haired and long. And, while I used to have no patience for Chihuahuas or Pit Bulls, now they’re among my favorites. Go figure.

But, how could I really choose a favorite dog or breed? Impossible! Unless you group them all together into one, all-encompassing group as this author did, the “Mexican Street Dog.” As he described them, they’re known by their “desire to find a place or home with regular food and companionship, perhaps some work herding cattle, sheep, or children, and a place to nap in the sun. They are invariably intelligent, of good temperament, and know how to run in front of a truck or cross a street or busy highway without being killed. Above all, a Mexican Street Dog must be able to make its way in a precarious world.”

Yes, Mexican Street Dogs are my favorites! And, what a pleasure and privilege it is to harbor them, nurture them, fall in love with them...until they finally find their forever homes.