Chile Dogs

I first had the idea to write a blog about stray dogs while visiting the Chilean port town and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Valparaiso last year.

In fact, we even spent our last morning there going around taking photos of many a homeless hound for just that purpose. But then Rich’s camera got stolen during lunch that same day, and it seemed the idea would have to be shelved.

Happily, we got another shot at it (no pun intended) this year, when we returned to South America. Even better, I was able to expand the concept to take in several other Chilean cities (although Valparaiso still had my most-loved mutts).

The incredible number of stray dogs you come across wherever you go in Chile is clearly a country-wide problem. That being said, during our most recent trip, we leaned that not all the strays are uncared for, unwanted or unloved.

Apparently, owning a pet dog in Chile is a luxury most people can’t afford. As a result, many of the strays are sort of adopted by an unspoken local committee. People will often feed them as if they were there own pets, but on a part-time basis, when they are able. The rest of the time, they rely on other people in the neighbourhood doing likewise. Happily, this means that a surprising number of the strays are actually reasonably well fed.

A waiter in Valparaiso takes time out to say Hi to his friends

Originally, I was going to call this post The Dogs of Valparaiso, or something like that. I have to admit to laughing out loud to myself when I came up with the name Chile Dogs! I hope you like it too!

Santiago

Laying claim to his heritage on Cerro Santa Lucia

We met this cute little guy up on Cerro San Cristobal

Vicuña

Gotta get home

Town meeting

Time to do the grocery shopping

Dust bath

Always happy to make new friends

Coyhaique

Quick rest…

…Before heading off to work

Hanging out at Cascada de La Virgen (Falls of the Virgin)

Can I come?

Puerto Montt

Welcome to Puerto Montt!

Coming through!

Even the statues have dogs in Puerto Montt

Sunbathing in Puerto Varas

OK, so these guys aren’t strays… but the one in the foreground was having such fun I couldn’t leave him out!

Punta Arenas

Guarding Magellan

I could really do with a brush

I’m saving this for later

Valparaiso

Now that looks comfortable!

Guarding the bridge to the Ascensor Polanco

‘Ole Blue Eyes

Music lover

I could go a bath

You need me as a…

…Restaurant greeter?

The dog house

Got places to be

I need a nap

Yeah, me too

Did someone say nap?

What a cutie

Dog at work

Cool cat…er…dog!

Wanna play?

Can I help you?

Best view in Valparaiso

They locked me out!

I’ll be right with you

Play time!!

It’s my toy, go find your own!

Buddies

Shaggy dog story

Need… A… Scraaatch!

There must be something good in here

Lovin’ the shade

Off to work, too

Who needs pillows?

Awwww!

Wanna share?

Indoor / outdoor pups

How badly do you want to come up these stairs?

It wouldn’t be Valparaiso without a dog in the photo

This post was inspired by the photo theme of Pets from Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge.

Yin and Yang

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