The other day I saw some friends vehicles stopped in the road. I asked what they were looking at and it appeared there was a puma sighting. VERY exciting! But I didn't have my camera with its mighty zoom and no one had binoculars. Cat like ears, a black body. We all agreed, slightly deliriously giddily, that it could be a puma.
We all went on our separate ways, but when I came back by, almost an hour later, it was still there. That was a sign if ever there was a sign. I would go get my camera and come back. And so I did. It was still there.
Sadly, it was not a puma (we're pretty sure it is the rare Culebra Black Dingo). But rampant ran joy for the mysteries of the universe. For a brief moment in time, 5 fairly intelligent people suspended their disbelief in hope of the most likely (but not to be ruled out) impossible. As Carmen Rosa would say, "Very good!"
The world is so full of a number of things...here are some of them.
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The dog is starving.....look at those ribs....nothing changes in Culebra with regard to the animals, nothing. So much effort and time, so many try, but nothing really changes. “One of the ill effects of cruelty is that it makes the bystanders cruel."
ReplyDeleteActually, there have been many changes for the better, though it is an ongoing work to educate and change cultural mores. No one who cares is going to give up, which is the alternatives indicated by your chosen quote.
DeleteHaving seen this dog close up (different place, different time), it doesn't look to be starving, but I don't know what it's situation is. If anyone reading this does know, I/we would love to hear about him/her. He/she seems to like being on that rock though, I've seen it there a few times now.
Good morning, anonymous,
DeleteIt appears as if you are aware of the animal welfare and rescue movement here in Culebra, but are not fully aware of all that it has done and continues to do. Animal welfare and rescue has been going on for decades here in Culebra … and, like MJ wrote, cultural mores cannot be flipped overnight. Kindly find Animal Welfare of Culebra's (AWC) FB page to see its involvement with Culebra's animals, owned and homeless. Perhaps you might consider helping in some way … here's an idea: draft a letter to the current Mayor, Governor, and Culebra's assembly, and discuss your concerns for Culebra's stray animal population. Here is their address, email and phone # – alcaldecul2013@gmail.com; 787-742-3521 ext. 424; PO Box 189, Culebra, PR 00775-0189. Additionally, feel free to call Culebra's police department (787-742-3501) as they are the frontline for administering and enforcing Ley 154. You might also consider reaching out to non-kill shelters in your area to see if AWC can form a partnership with them so that dogs and cats may be sent to these shelters and be made available for adoption. AWC is an all-volunteer organization, funded solely by donations. Perhaps you might consider holding a fundraiser in your area. Here are some quick stats: in 1.5 years, AWC has adopted over 70 dogs and cats, and has sterilized 130+ animals. All with only a few on-the-ground volunteers. AWC's volunteers and those that live and travel to Culebra are not bystanders as you suggest. And they certainly are not cruel. Kindly use your energy in a positive way to affect the change you want to see.
Thank you for your thoughtful and practical reply, Lori, along with all you and the many others who don't get much lime-light in the ongoing work for the sake of love.
DeleteYour photography, always wonderful, has risen to a new level. Beautiful photos, you should be proud.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shawke. The new camera is open to challenges!
DeleteThe camera is a tool, it can do nothing without your touch, and your eye.
DeleteOh, you always make me happy. Thank you!
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