Tripod, the Three-Legged Dog
So after living with my parents for two weeks (as already mentioned, Jillian is a stickler for things like, "hot water," and, "a bed"), we are finally starting to settle into our house in Chelem. Okay, granted, we have still been commuting out to Telchac for internet and work, but in a way, even the commute is nice. It's great to feel like your day is actually beginning and ending, like there is a seperation between "work time" and "off time."
We are getting the house together, unpacking things, trying to figure out some storage solutions in a land without an Ikea, but we have a somewhat disturbing guest: a medium-sized white dalmatian with no spots, and a leg that, at some point, was broken and has healed without attention. This makes the dog hop along on her good back foot, while holding the gimped one up in the air. Amazingly, she gets along pretty well, running full speed through the length of our yard and even managing to jump up and put her front paws on my waist, where she looks at me with total adoration.
It is entirely unsettling, but what can we do? This dog has been living in our yard for the last three weeks (she has been there on every trip we made back while staying with my parents), and is clearly not leaving. She moved into our house before we did, and she barks at intruders and defends her (our) territory. She's got a big heart and a lot of courage, and I am pretty sure I may be the first person in her life to ever be nice to her. We certainly didn't want a dog, let alone one that is such a mess, but she's not leaving, and neither are we.
We may take her to the vet, to see if they can re-break and set her leg, or (my preference) amputate it altogether and fit her with a wooden replacement, because nothing is cooler than living in Mexico with a mangey three legged Yard Dog who responds only to Spanish commands. We'll keep you posted.
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Comments
donde esta las picturas?!
Posted by: amy | August 8, 2007 04:52 PM
I had a three legged dog while growing up!
She had an accident and licked her leg to death, so they amputated it.
She managed to live about fourteen years without a leg, and she never minded not having it.
How can a dalmatian not have spots?
Posted by: Lily | August 8, 2007 05:32 PM
We had a 3 legged cat when I was a kid, actually he really belonged to the neighbors but split his day between us and his "real" owners. We have a great vet in Merida, if you need a referral.
Theresa
Posted by: Theresa | August 8, 2007 06:37 PM
Clearly you belong to this dog. Being a member of her pack is an honor that only she can bestow. Kudos to you for being worthy of her trust. You could not ask for a better housewarming gift.
Posted by: alligatorpointer | August 9, 2007 01:17 PM
i'm sorry...i've been hiding in my airconditioned cave for a few weeks. do you still have olivia?
we should get together one of these days...
congrats on moving into your house!
Posted by: working gringa | August 10, 2007 12:14 AM
Well it sounds like Millie the kitty's sent you a new pet, since you couldn't bring her with you when you went away. :)
Stay safe and hope to read your blog again when you get back from escaping dean.
~Napoleon,Hunter&the Girl Intruder~
Posted by: petsareforlife | August 20, 2007 07:54 PM