i generally miss my dog. alot. recently this stray showed up at my house to peruse the garbage pile that we burn weekly (like everyone else in the village). she looked pretty skinny and like all the dogs in the village was terrified of humans. after a couple of weeks of treating her to some delicious leftovers and scraps as well as coaxing her into a light head scratch and, finally, and most disgustingly, pulling off 7 of the largest ticks i have ever seen in my life (the size of nickels), she has found a way to accommodate her fear of being beaten by humans and now follows me around like she is mine. a couple of days ago she showed up with a rope tied around her neck (i assume to keep her in the yard in which she belongs) but had broken free so that she could come pay the Hadebe-Dlamini-Claxton residence a visit. it's good to see that someone in the village seems to like her and take care of her somewhat, even though she spends the majority of her days in my back yard. today when i saw her she instantly laid on her back to allow me to give her a belly rub. after telling this to my mother (who i might add used to HATE dogs with a passion before we bought cub during the christmas vacation of 1st grade) requested pictures. so, here you go:
here she is trying to lick the camera. she has gotten so friendly lately.
we've decided to call her "mdlebe"--which means ears in Zulu (as you can see below, the name suits her very nicely). i say we, as though my family actually likes her, which is definitely not true. however, my newest housemate helped me name her. while my family doesn't really like her all too much (they just do not like dogs), they put up with her because she is sweet and i obviously love her. she is harmless and all that so it isn't a big deal. they think i am crazy.
i have had to cut down the petting though. i fear that she might have fleas and
may have given me fleas for a day or so until i realized it. don't worry, i took care of it. isn't living in africa grand?
a picture of me outside one of the temporary new offices at work.
me with one of my favorite babies from the creche (preschool). she will be one of many benefiting from the new playground!
2 comments:
I am in love. With an African dog.
I love the dog. But I do NOT love ticks. Please. check your body -- everywhere -- for ticks. Ticks are VERY dangerous and I don't want you to get any on you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, always, for the pictures. I loved seeing you in front of the temporary office building.
We have $1200 in the Bhekezulu Self Sufficient Playground Fund. Go Fund!!!!!
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