There are dogs everywhere in Beijing. We see them being walked by owners on busy highways, and down the smallest back-alleys (hutongs). Mostly the dogs are small (30lbs or less). But, occasionally we see some larger dogs (mostly Chows and Huskies). These dogs are amazing, most of them are walked without leashes. In the back-alleys, they seem to be very well-adjusted and part of the community. The dogs can manage around the little shops and market vendors and avoid all of the people walking through. These dogs are usually walking around with no apparent owner nearby. On the big highways, you usually see the master pretty close to the dog, but again, no leashes. These dogs stay close to the sidewalks, and seem to know to stay off the street. However, we have also seen dogs cross the busy highways without a leash next to their owner. These are streets that Kamala and I are nervous of crossing, and the dogs handle it with ease. It is absolutely incredible how well-adjusted these dogs are. And for the record, though I'm sure there are parts of China that do occasionally eat them. I have never seen a restaurant, or a menu item, or anything in the stores about dog meat. I have seen lots of other things (turtles, eels, frogs, sea-cucumbers, squid, and some other animals I couldn't name) in the stores (some alive and some on ice). But never a dog (or cat for that matter). I would say dogs are becoming very popular in most of Beijing.
-JASON
1 comment:
Good report!
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