Pets

As you may notice, I haven't done anything really exciting lately, though we have a 4 day weekend this next week and some of us are going back to Green Island. I will be diving at least once and it looks like such a beautiful place that this next blog may be my first illustrated one!

For now, I thought I would talk about pets. Taiwan's new economic status leaves room for extra mouths to feed so people have gotten into pets (mostly dogs) in a big way. There are enormous numbers of Retrievers here of all colors. Lately, there has been the discovery of what we at home called the "pocket dogs" -- itty bitty ones who surprise you only when they move.

Dogs are not leashed here so they roam around always looking for a willing petter (me!) except for the ones that are kept in too-small cages. Those break your heart because they are usually kept outside and I guess, are supposed to be barking warnings but mostly they just sit and look miserable. But despite (or because of?) not being leashed, the dogs are very well behaved. I have one night barker in my neighborhood who sometimes gets the others going, but by and large, a rice and vegetable diet seems to make for a placid animal.

There are at least two Petsmarts here which have started the whole routine of doggie goodies - clothes, toys, strollers (!), packs for them to ride in while on a motorscooter, all to make your pet the cutest on the block.