Apparently my older brother Rupert cries in the car home when his humans pick him up from a stay with his relatives at Craigmancie Foxies.
I, Nobby, am of course made of sterner stuff, and although I have to admit I did love having the run of the farmyard with five other wire-haired fox terriers, particularly enjoying the relaxed regime of no grooming or baths, I was also pleased to see Gail after her 18 days away.
So Gail wants me to tell you all about her Cuba cycling tour. I had to remind her that my readership is interested primarily in dogs not bicycles, and I did notice on her phone a few pictures of the pups she encountered on her travels around the island.
I have concluded that in communist Cuba, whether you are a human or a stray canine, it pays to have the support of the Party.
See here this rather handsome state-sanctioned resident of La Habana Vieja (Old Havana). He gets to wander the streets at will, receives food and medical care courtesy of the government, and his tag bears an instruction not to maltreat him.
Contrast him with those pups who have to take their chances in the private sector. They might get relatively lucky and live a life of freedom and benign neglect, in town or country.
Or they might end up like this poor fellow. Or worse. (Gail says a the condition of some of the dogs was too distressing to photograph.)
Not a difficult choice is it?
But in truth, I am happy to be in Scotland, where most of us dogs live comfortable lives in a beautiful country with an agreeably cool climate.
I might even consent to a bath this evening.
Welcome home you two!
ReplyDeleteWe are also happy to live in the comfort of a happy home. We are also glad Mama did not visit Cuba...or she may have come home with lots of extra puppies!
xoxo,
Rosy
I bet you're all so glad to be home, Nobby. We're so sad to see those neglected and starving dogs in Cuba. Poor pups!
ReplyDeleteWe're glad to hear you had a fun time while Gail was away, Nobby. Some of those Cuban doggies are pretty sad looking. We should all be thankful for the comfort we have in our homes.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteWell, Nobby, it is just grand to see you coming to greet us again and to hear that your Gail has arrived safely back from the big trip, plus that you had a good time, but were ready for home!
The gov't dog of Cuba reminds me very much of one of the ashram guardians in India - another country with a large free-roaming dog population. One has to stiffen oneself when unused to the very different approach to canines found in such places... it will be most kind of you to let Gail share a little about her trip - you might be surprised (if a tad miffed) to learn that quite a few of your readers are equally interested in bikes and other countries, as we are to see your handsome furs and antics! Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
Your pictures are fascinating, although somewhat sad
ReplyDeleteYou sure enjoyed yourself Nobby, whilst your Gail was cycling.
ReplyDeleteThose poor doggies. I wish we could send them some of our toys and some big bags of noms. Or else rescue them.
One of petcretary's cousins adopted a pup from the Dominican Republic, we think from similar conditions, though not being communist, it was likely easier to take the dogs they could get to Canada, where her cousin lives.
I shall have o ask my sister what she's seen, as she has been tthere many times...at least once a year for years already.
Nice to have you back Nobby - and Gail of course! We look forward to hearing a little bit about Gail's trip - it's not a place many of us have visited.
ReplyDeleteIt's so sad to see the pictures of the poor starving dogs in Cuba, but I guess there are just too many of them.
Love,
Indy xx
Welcome Home Gail. Welcome home Nobby and welcome back to blog land. We missed you and thanks for my morning laughter. when the first photo came up I laughed long and hard, you all look so cute on that chair.. what a happy place to be if you have to be left home. free range roaming is best, kennels are not very nice. we are looking forward to more stories from Cuba.. the dogs are heart breaking
ReplyDeleteWe are so happy that you and Gail have reunited again, Nobby, but how sad to see the Cuba pups.
ReplyDeleteWelcome Gail home from us Nobby, and make sure you give her lots of attention yourself. My humans like to read about both dogs and bikes so we a grateful that you have let Gail hijzck you blog a little. Paw smacks Mr T
ReplyDeleteWELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLCOME back Gail and Nobby
ReplyDeleteWhat handsome photos of you and your pack at Camp.
You 2 were missed; however, it was a OK since I knew you were both having fun roving with friends.
I bet since you posted Gail has hugged you at least 87 more times...after all today is National Hug Day.
I was indeed very sad to read about the condition of many of your distant relatives living on the street. I know you are very thankful to be living you best life in Scotland. So did you enjoy the bath.
As always sending hugs
Cecilia
That is so sad to see those poor pups, so thin. We too are very grateful for the wonderful care and loving home we have.
ReplyDeleteWoos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber
Lady's heart is broken for those dogs and it is one of the things that gets her whenever she travels. We are glad Gail made is safety home to you Nobby. We hope you will allow her to tell us a little about her trip.
ReplyDeleteLee and Phod
We are so glad that your Gail is home and you were reunited! That was a long time to be separated. But those poor skinny pups made us so sad, yes they have freedom to roam but maybe it is better to have a home.
ReplyDelete