It's a Dog's Life in BA

Dear Francis (aka Frannie and FP),

Since we are about to return to North America, I thought you should know something about a dog's life here in Buenos Aires. When we first arrived in the suburb of Palermo, we saw a man walking seven or eight dogs (there were so many we couldn't be sure). Jean managed to get a picture because we wanted to show people how to walk lots of dogs at once. He had a handle with a loop, and from this loop the leashes were attached. The leashes were short so the dogs didn't tangle them. Apparently the dog walker had an agreement of sorts with the dogs (treats, perhaps?) because the dogs walked--no stopping to smell or pass messages to other dogs.

And, Francis, the dogs were of all different breeds and, of course, their sizes varied greatly. So your Jack Russell friend Parker kept up with your Collie friend Caesar and your Lab friend Gracie. Needless to say, the dogs did take over the sidewalks and people--as should be done--moved to the side to let the kennel/pack--not the Packers--pass. We saw these walkers out several times a day with their same charges. The dogs and their walkers were very serious about their walks and we never saw any squabbling nor did we hear any complaining barks or howls. We did see some dogs walking with their people, and some of the people were responsible
about keeping the sidewalks picked up. Others were not inclined to consider other walkers. We did notice that the building superintendents scrubbed the sidewalks in front of their buildings
every morning. Generally speaking, then, in Palermo, the sidewalks were clean for everyone.
You would really like seeing all the dogs since you are so social--but you'd have to remember that dogs here have to be serious about walking.

The weather would probably be a bit more difficult for you. It's been warm here and you have that triple coat which could make you a bit uncomfortable on the days that have been in the 80's.
We'd want to be in the air-conditioning or on breezy terraces.

There are veterinary clinics all over, so it appears your medical health would not be a problem.
All the dogs seem to be well-groomed, and while it wouldn't be Denise at Golrusk, we could undoubtedly find someone to keep you spic 'n' span.

Now as for the rest of Argentina, you'd be on your own. Many dogs have collars but run the streets with no people attached. They manage, but I don't think you'd like that too much. You prefer to have the comforts of home with clean sheets and two good, well-prepared meals a day--not to mention the odd snack and a kong treat ;-)

So, Francis, I'm glad you've been able to stay with Jeannie, Caesar, and Bob as well as see all your other friends in the Rochester area. Jeannie says you've been a very good house guest; we have to thank Cheryl for your Emily Post manners. Well, except for the time you and Caesar took the bread off the counter. Was that your idea?

Oh, and one compliment from our friend Geno. He called us on Thursday night to tell us he was going to get a Corgi because he liked you from the first day he met you. He had chosen Ernie, a
handsome Corgi from Missouri--Geno emailed us pictures. You remember Geno wasn't feeling well and we never got you the side-car ride with him. Yesterday, Geno passed away. We'll miss
seeing him when we go to Nick's.

So there is the dog's life here in BA. Tell Jeannie we'll be home soon. Meanwhile, make life easy for Jeannie, Caesar, and Bob--stay off the bread truck--too many carbs.

See you soon. Stay well.

ra