El Perro

I forgot about the mutts. From my brief period of observation, Mexican dogs are one of the most advanced breeds. This conclusion is supported by a few of their everyday behaviors and exchanges. Mexican dogs carry on stimulating conversation with greater frequency than your average golden retreiver. Dogs all across the city, from junkyards, to haciendas, to tienditas, can be heard exchanging yelps and howls. To the untrained ear, this is just noise. But, just yesterday my mother listened in on two mutts talking about their owner. One bragged to his pal, I bet I can make my master come out first and bring me in by barking louder than you. Another group of ruffians were roused over a new dog in town. "Hey cafe, did you see that new vato in town. Sure did picasso, let's show him who's boss." They began to raise the pitch of their bark, as others in the gang quickly joined in with gusto. These dogs scheme. And they have to, because their resources are limited. Unfortunately, many roam the streets without owners; they are raggedy, which makes them so adorable. The urge to take them home, follows you like a moapy shadow. To make matters more heart-wrenching, they can pick out the retired Americans with a few extra pesos. This one followed my mom all the way home the other day. She was at the biblioteca when he locked eyes with her and proceeded to do figure eights through her legs. On the way home, she kept pushing him away, but he kept nipping at the tie of her capri pants, buttoning his nose at her. When my mom crossed the street, he would cross the street. He would say, "Hey, what about me, hey, you're forgetting about me." I sure hope all Mexican dogs go to heaven.