Where my bitches at?

The other day, a few fellow teachers sent me a text message letting me know they'd be stopping in for a visit. What they didn't tell me was that they would be bringing me a "present". With my friends sauntered in a dirty, tiny poodle who looked exactly like a rat bred with a sheep. "What an ugly dog" was the first thing I thought. Then I thought he looked thirsty. I gave him a bowl of water which he downed in 30 seconds, and a handful of cheese which he also enjoyed. Then we took a walk down to a grooming place. I bought him a little harness and got him cleaned up. He looked a little better. The next day I started researching shelters, but animal shelters in Korea is a bit of a sketch topic. I left notes on random Ex-Pat websites. Then I took him to the vet. "What is his name?" asked the super nice vet. "His name is Milhouse", was my noncholant reply. "Miii.... Hauuu?" asked the vet, clearly confused with the pronounciation. "Sure", I said.

The vet told me he would need to be neutered. That he'd probably been on the streets for about a month. That he was anywhere between three and eight years old, he had an ear infection, and his teeth were in bad shape. I took him home again and we hung out on the roof with other teachers, who took to him immediately. He doesn't like to be away from me, and seems constantly worried that I'll abandon him; it's kinda heartbreaking. Admittedly, I have grown fond of the little guy. He's so grateful for being given a roof over his little head and water to drink. He doesn't like his dog food though, and something about his total health (even though he has no outright issues) worries me.

Anyway, this has led me to take a look at how people treat they're dogs in Korea. Generally, the kind of dog you see is Pekenese (sp?). The people here like to dye their dog's fur random fun colours, which looks funky but probably does the dog no health favours. They love they're dogs, and indeed, even my ugly little poodle has been getting a lot of positive attention from the general public. The biggest thing I've noticed is that all the dogs here are... well, male. Not a bitch to be found. What does this mean?! I always knew that boy babies are held more reverently than girl babies, but does that extend to the realm of dogs too? I was waiting for Milhouse to get groomed, all the while surrounded by other dogs waiting for their owners to come get them. They were all boys! And not just boy dogs, but metrosexual boy dogs. I'm talking boy dogs with pink dye in circles on their cheeks to make it look like they're wearing blush. With pigtails. And little sweaters. I admit, I got Milhouse a bandana, but only because I thought he needed to look a little more badass. I just can't figure this dog business out.

I wonder what Milhouse's life was like before he found me. I think he was abused, because sometimes when I go to pat him on the head he cringes and puts his tail between his legs. I also think he was raised on people food- there is just no other explanation as to why he won't eat his dog food!

Can you believe I just rambled on for that long about dogs? Oh to be back in the land of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Golden Retrievers and Border Collies! Dogs that are dogs. I'm not saying I'm unhappy here, I just think that is one part of life that is simply nonexistent in Korea- the life of big, beautiful, furry dogs. I like Milhouse and all, but I must candidly express that I am caring for him out of pity more than any other reason. Anyone in Canada need a dog? With my luck he'll probably be on the plane back with me next July.