You know when you're a kid and you fantasize about a magical world where everything you love exists in infinitely large quantities? That's a little how Patna feels right now, since it is positively brimming with puppies. Of course there's a rational side of my brain that acknowledges that puppies carry disease and dogs shouldn't be reproducing so rapidly, but oh my goodness they are so cute!
This morning I took Lalu out for his walk, and crouching in front of the gate to our building was a tiny little puppy! It was so terrified of the guard (who was trying to scare it off), and me (who was trying to feed it) and Lalu (who was trying to play), that it wet itself. Then the poor thing scampered off around the corner and disappeared.
Feeling a bit frustrated that I hadn't been able to help it more, since it looked so distressed, I walked Lalu around the corner and behold! A cluster of 6 puppies! I could barely contain my excitement. I figured that since I was planning on giving Lalu a bath this morning anyway, he could pick up a few fleas playing with these guys and I'd just wash them off. So I pulled him closer, to try to get him interested, but he shuffled under my legs and tried to back away as far as he could.
At first, I was perplexed, because he's incredibly social and nearly no dog or human has ever scared him. But you know how people who are woods-wise leave immediately whenever they see bear cubs? I kind of forgot that kernel of wisdom, and turned around to find a very large, mangy street dog with its hackles raised, poised to strike both me and Lalu. I whisked my pup up in my arms and speed-walked back around the corner to safety - thankfully, once I was out of the puppies' vicinity, I was apparently no longer a threat.
Already such an eventful morning! Of course, it's nothing compared to the time that Jeff was travelling in a different part of Patna and saw a momma dog with (no joke) SIXTEEN puppies trailing after her, jumping and rolling all over each other to try to keep up.
I love this place.
P.S. It's Jeff's birthday and he's not feeling well, so please send him good wishes and pray that he heals quickly!
Well, you seem to be experiencing everything there is to experience over there, including the native diseases. I suspect Jeff feels terrible. I assume his youth and general well-being will serve him well in this case and this illness will go away soon. Being allergic to medication is adding insult to injury. Keep us informed. Much love, Gini
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