By dylanmaric
When preparing to go abroad, I consulted with my doctor on a rabies vaccination. Considering the more lax animal restrictions, it wouldn’t be a bad idea.
“Well, yes, a rabies vaccination would be advised, but it is a series of three shots that are roughly $300 each.”
After hearing that figure and losing consciousness for a few seconds, my mother and I opted for the alternative,“possess self-control, Dylan—don’t pet the dogs, Dylan” solution.
That was much easier said than done.
Since exploring Saigon, it is almost impossible to go out and not see a dog somewhere on the street. In the compound I live in, there are a regular 3 that hang out with the security guards. One of them knows how tempted I am to pet him and he follows me around sometimes. (Sidenote: There is also a very senile Chihuahua that I do not want to look at let alone touch.) To cope, I got a bag that has my favorite Animal Farm quote—despite it's roots in Stalinist satire.
It has been great getting to see dogs, but also interesting to see the place they occupy in society. In America, dogs are members of the family. My precious angel—Malah—is the favorite in the household and is spoiled beyond belief. She effectively has her own twin bed. Furthermore, in New Jersey, I work at a pet boarding facility and the treatment some of those dogs get would put Malah’s twin bed to shame.
All the dogs in Saigon are all mutts and, to quote Chris Traeger from Parks and Recreation, they are, “half amazing, half terrific.” And, the dogs here are treated as, well, dogs. They spend their days roaming the streets, following pedestrians, and don’t really sleep with their family. Looking around, I know many Americans would have a conniption because so many dogs are just kept outside all day on chains. They have water, but it is not the life of most dogs in the states—Malah included.
It has been a very eye opening experience that almost juxtaposes the relationship people had with dogs in Western society. I get sent pictures of Malah while she is curled up with her rope toy and treats and then I look out the window and see two dogs roam the street, unattended, carrying scraps in their mouths.
Some of my dog highlights:
On a street filled with book stalls, there was an absolutely adorable black and white puppy that had the cutest puppy smile I’ve ever seen. Sometimes I see it rolling around with a kitten! 11/10
For an assignment, Ihad to wonder down alleys and take notes on what I saw and after I saw this cute pupper I sat down for 20 minutes and watched it lay down in the sun! 9/10
The best was at a Farmer’s Market I broke the "rule." I pet three dogs. They were the cutest things I’ve seen in all of Vietnam. Two were puppies and the other was an older dog that was a protector of sorts—you could tell. They snuggled in my lap and fell asleep for a little bit. I still think about it all the time. 15/10
