New Baja Buddy Moves Stateside

The dogs in Baja are incredible. There is no select breeding going on here. In fact, the dogs are shining examples of not being bred for looks—they are mostly scruffy, bunches of mix and match pieces. Neutering is not a consideration. Certainly male dogs would not be neutered (a macho thing still very prevalent here) and the females are viewed as somewhat of a nuisance as they seem to get pregnant all the time. (I wonder why that is?) Unfortunately, females are often killed because of this.

What these dogs do have, however, is smarts. Most are raised outside and left to fend for themselves, so they either make it or don't. (One friend said they must know not to eat sea slugs. Nope. It's just that those that do, die.)

Since garbage is everywhere and dead cows on the side of a road are not uncommon, there seems to be enough for them to survive. They are savvy to cars, people and other dogs. If they aren't, they don't last. They aren't fighters as it serves no purpose. Not all seek people out, but they aren't skittish either, and will often come over for a pat. I've seen a couple with mange, however, so I always looks before I pat!

Of course, not all owners are oblivious. You can tell some are well loved, if somewhat neglected. Every once and while, you'll come across a little mongrel that is beautiful and you wonder where are its parents? Most of the dogs are on the small side (40 pounds and under).

The gringos have been instrumental in caring for many of the strays—of which there are too many. There is a loose organization of people who take in and foster them, paying for medical care and neutering as well as trying to rehome them.

A friend here is one of those people. She found a beautiful little girl with Dobie markings who at around a year old had already had one litter and when spayed, had eight little pups in her. But the dog, named Lola, was wonderful. Definitely smart, interested in people and in pleasing, with great doggie communication skills. However, Jeanie already had a dog and because of her current circumstances, couldn't have two, so was trying to find a forever home for Lola. Enter stage left—ME!

Meet Lola/K2, our new neighbor!

We have some wonderful friends and neighbors back in the states who lost their dog about three years ago. This past year they have hashed and rehashed whether to adopt or not. Their past dog was a handful, aggressive with other dogs and dangerous around children, so they wanted to be very careful before accepting another pup into their home. They do not board their dog, but depend on friends to care for their companion when they travel, which they do a lot and for extended periods. I told them I'd be on the lookout for just the perfect Baja dog for them.

I emailed them about Lola and sent pictures and added the kicker that in three days the foster parent was flying back to the states and could bring Lola with them. Quite an abrupt decision-making period, but with pictures and videos to view, and a time constraint on deciding, they chose to buy dog food, bed, toys and leash and welcome this sweet little girl into their hearts and home. They have renamed her K2 (they are climbers) and are blissfully in love.