Pets in Afghanistan

Now I'm told the Afghans do not keep pets and they definitely do not bring animals into their homes. Yet I'm finding the "strays" here, both cats and dogs, far from what we would consider ferial. They are friendly and desire not only food but affection.

My colleague Rick (in the 2nd picture) carries packages of beef jerky for his walk to and from work every day so he can give treats to what appear to be stray "doggies"... it seems the highlight of his day. He also draws a group of Afghans every time who thoroughly enjoy the affection he gives this "pack" of dogs and they want to participate. Interestingly, the dogs are very fearful of the Afghans especially the kids. I'm told they are quite abusive to the animals, which I just don't comprehend.

Then there are the armies of stray cats which are all around. We are instructed not to feed them because if they're hungry they'll eat the rodents, snakes and many of the bugs... they are our exterminators. My buddy John, a resident of our safehouse, has his Tally. I always know when John gets home because Tally is yelling at him to feed him, begs like a dog. Beth and Kathy across the alleyway have Calli, an infinitely pregnant female cat whom they feed twice daily but according to them only because she's pregnant. She is no longer pregnant but now has the kittens so the feeding continues. When I go to the US Embassy they have bowls of food and water out for "their" cats with some even providing cat houses. Even the Nepalese (Gurka) guards have their pet stray cats... you should see these burly guys talking and playing with the many kittens that hang out at the security posts ...it's a riot. Needless to say, the "no feed order" is not adhered to. Americans, we never do as we're instructed; of course, I think that's what makes us so great.

Now I do see local venders selling bird cages with canaries, so assume these are house pets. I'll have to ask Asa about that, but she's taking a few vacation days to study for her university exams so I'll have to get back to you on this one.

Big Blog Hug goes out to the Fredericks Family... thank you for the beautiful hand drawn pictures for me and the bountiful school supplies for the local orphanage. The kids and teachers will be thrilled with this gift which I hope to get to them soon.