Dogs of Raro

When I was last here 25 years ago, visiting Dad who lived and worked here , dogs were everywhere.
They roamed in packs, we’re not particularly healthy and there was no regulations or animal welfare groups.
They had interbred and their appearances varied from dogs with short legs and long bodies to ones with long legs and short bodies! Real mongrels in every sense of the word.
I wanted to save them all.

So , this visit I’m pleased to see that due to the introduction of free neutering programs, permanent vets on the island and dog registration required the dog population is looking so much better .

They do still free range, it’s very rare to have a property fenced so the dogs do roam, but they all find their way back home. They tend to sleep all day, even on the side of the road, even young puppies trot in and out of the traffic. There is only one road but still, it’s amazing that there’s not more accidents. I have seen a few three legged dogs this time!
Night time is party time for them. They go around in small groups, like human teenagers, and make a bit of noise if they come across another group that they don’t like. 3 am this morning was rather noisy!
Anyway, it’s part of island life. The family who owns the place we are in were out fishing in the lagoon this morning and their 5 dogs came down too.
The two in the picture were doing their own fishing in the clear water. It’s not uncommon to see a dog trot along the beach and then pop into the water for a swim then shake himself off and continue on.

It’s a dogs world.