These three dogs were tied up whilst their owner was, presumably, inside the supermarket - the doors of which are open in the background. Later, I saw him begging on the street and with four dogs - these three dogs and one other. I have to say these dogs are in good condition and well fed. I've photographed street people before but on this occasion decided not to. Just a feeling - can't really explain it - but it seemed an invasion of privacy and I felt the dogs were happy with the young guy. It's possible that all the dogs didn't belong to him tho. I often see groups of street people and they take it in turns to care for their dogs. Happily I know of at least one local vet who treats these dogs at no charge. She told me one day that for many of the street people, their dogs are an emotional support they can't live without. And that's easy for all of us who love dogs, and are loved by dogs, to understand.
When I saw this on the portal, I thought, "Hey, this looks like Mexico."--except there the dogs are strays and often mangy-looking and starving. These dogs, as you say, look very well maintained. Perhaps this is how the guy earns his money, even if he is begging. Begging? In Menton?!!
ReplyDeleteThere are quite a few street people in Menton, Kate. I imagine it's easier with the warmer weather. At least they are not going to freeze to death on the streets. But yes, we have our street people, many are drug addicts, of course and there are women too. There is one older lady who sleeps rough most of the time and has been begging outside supermarkets or at traffic lights for years. I think there are many who know how privileged we are and who always give money to these folk. There but for the grace of God...
ReplyDeleteConsidering the staggering number of dogs that are abandoned (and worse!) each year - I am grateful for street people who care for some of them! Indeed, this trio looks good.
ReplyDeleteYou should see the combination beggar child - puppy in my country... They are so many that I'm not noticing them anymore. It's like my heart is turning to a stone. Sorry, I am a little bit sad...
ReplyDeleteThey do look like a fairly healthy three. Wish that could be said of the owner too. Ah, "man's (and woman's) best friend"! We have lots of homeless people in San Diego too that survive the winter in our warm weather.
ReplyDeleteYour post brought back a memory of a time I left a restaurant with a take out bag in hand. Passing a homeless man sitting on the street, I asked if he were hungry and offered him the take-out. He said he and his dog would enjoy it - and that made me very happy indeed.
ReplyDeleteIt 's funny in the movies when I was a child i would cry when the dog or horse or dolphin was injured more so than when a person was hurt - I still am a bit like that.
ReplyDeleteI guess it is becasue our pets just take we we dish out to them and depend on us.
That is why people feel needed when they have a dog no matter how helpless their life is it gives them a reason to get up in the morning.
Beautiful creatures and fabulous meaning behind the post.
ReplyDeleteA nice group of dogs....well cared for obviously.
ReplyDeleteI do not share your fondness for these dogs or their owners. The dogs might be in good condition but they are not well controlled. Yesterday I saw them twice outside the chapel st roch and on each occasion they started a fight with a passing dog on a lead, once nearly causing an accident. And what do they leave behind them? There are some big loads on the otherwise delightful streets of Menton and I suspect these dogs- or rather their owners- are part of the problem
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