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The Dogs of Chile

Chile has a lot of dogs. All over the streets, sidewalks, stairwells, parks, these dogs are friendly and well-fed. They’re well-trained too, well smart really. They know they should wait for a signal to cross the street—that all the humans are crossing.

They are another reason why Santiago is so friendly. I’ve never seen an aggressive or angry dog while here! Nor have I ever seen a city with SO many stray dogs. (Thankfully, city maintenance is on point in Santiago, not much doggie doo-doo to step on, unlike in Valparaíso)

With such an abundance of furry friends, I knew Neruda had to have dedicated an ode to them — here’s my favorite line(s), particularly because this is my experience with the Chilean dogs:

“The dog comes to a halt,

chases after bees,

leaps over gushing brooks,

perks up his ears at far-off

barking,

urinates on a rock,

and brings me the point of his nose,

like a gift.”

sleeping-dogs
Sleepy mornings and middays.
This stray dog patiently sits while waiting at the crosswalk.
This stray dog patiently sits while waiting at the crosswalk.
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Crossing the main road when the humans do.
Friendly pooch!
Friendly pooch!
This guy followed us down the botanical garden in the metropolitan park of Santiago.
This guy followed us down the botanical garden in the metropolitan park of Santiago.

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P.S. Happy National Puppy Day!

3 Comments

  1. red red

    Awwwww, such a dog friendly place!!

  2. Pari' Pari'

    Oh my gosh I can only imagine how happy it is with all the dogs around!

  3. Ivette Herrador Ivette Herrador

    OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’d be in heaven there!!!!! PUPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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