Chile Forum

g~j wrote:we have had a few good walks with one dog...

cobi wrote:We've been in Chile three weeks and I've been really impressed by the street dogs. They're so civilised. I've previously travelled through Thailand where they're not great and Samoa where they're worse, so was apprehensive when hearing about the street dogs in Chile.

But so far I actually like them. Generally they're just going about their business, they seem much more dignified than pets.

Sorry, but there in nothing romantic or "dignified" about the way these animals eek out a life, and it would be better if people stopped pretending otherwise.

greg~judy wrote:

Sorry, but there is nothing romantic or "dignified" about the way these animals eek out a life, and it would be better if people stopped pretending otherwise.

Even though we can look for the "Good" in relating to these beings...
And we may try to interact in some pleasant/temporary symbiosis...
You are right, GJJIM...
There is also the "Bad"...
And the "Ugly"
We cannot be compassionate to all, but we still may choose individuals - to increase our merit (karma) in this world... so you~I~we may not come back in our next rebirth, in such an existence

I know the situation can't change overnight, but it's not as if we are powerless to improve the lot of these animals.
Absolutely...
The first step is to stop pretending they have some noble existence,
No more nobler than any (dog~being)...
Simple respect would be a good place to start?
and the second is for Chileans to drop their macho BS that puts a social stigma on spaying and neutering.
Totally...
g~j lived for a while in Dharamsala, India...
There was/is an excellent animal care program at Tibet Charity...
funds were donated to retain foreign vets, who come for weeks/months at a time...
to facilitate canine birth control -
as well as treat sick/injured animals -
as well as implement a vaccination program...
they cared for the local community animals...
as well as traveling into the surrounding valleys and towns to do good deeds there.
We were volunteering in a different program at TC...
but we interacted with many of the people in the animal care program...
and saw on a day-to-day basis the amazing results that it presented.
Over our months there we saw quite a few doggy success stories - really inspiring
It could be a role model for any similar situation - anywhere
http://www.tibetcharity.in/what-animal-care.html
Who knows, after a few years you might be able to walk down a city sidewalk without having to carefully watch where you step.
Yep...
1st thing g~j always tell friends or newbies in developing countries...
WATCH WERE YA STEP

greg~judy wrote:BTW...
Cows won't go on "walks" with you like dogs will...
Different priorities
They seem to remain somewhat aloof...
Like cats - but not as smart

And the cows leave behind a useful fuel for their Indian friends.
They say that bread baked in a cow-pie fired oven has a unique flavor not found anywhere else.

g~j wrote:We cannot be compassionate to all, but we still may choose individuals - to increase our merit (karma) in this world...

Huang-po wrote:... those who cannot win the state of understanding -- go on to create the wholesome and unwholesome mental states by grasping form, thus creating further suffering ...

... some people, because of delusion and discrimination -- create much karma fruit ...

... awaken the mind -- and win silent and sudden understanding. Just this ...

Shitou wrote:...

In the light there is darkness,
but don't take it as darkness;

In the dark there is light,
but don't see it as light.

Light and dark oppose one another
like the front and back foot in walking.

Each of the myriad things has its merit,
expressed according to function and place.

...

If you don't understand the Way right before you,
how will you know the path as you walk?

Progress is not a matter of far or near,
but if you are confused, mountains and rivers block your way.

I respectfully urge you who study the mystery,
do not pass your days and nights in vain

...