Rosie, a puppy, smelling mint, Broadview, Seattle, Washington, USA

Rosie, a puppy, smelling mint, Broadview, Seattle, Washington, USA, a photo by Wonderlane on Flickr.

I got really sick in Guadalajara - Mexico is not a clean place - yah I could have died.



In my case I was possibly already infected from other travels but I got a dose of intestinal parasites and a huge bunch of bacteria. Dr. Jesus Navarro tried to cure me of at home with a dual injection of antibiotics, but it didn't work. I got sicker and dehydrated. Finally I cried out as loud as I could - "I need a doctor!"- I was weak by then under my mosquito net in the 100 degree heat, but I remember the echo.




I spent 3 more days in the hospital - he tried some other stuff - finally some strong antibiotics worked - and two doses and a bunch of intravenous hydration I was out. It was bad. Always go to the very best hospital. I was a bit delirious. I guess I can get really ill but I look pretty healthy still, and act fairly normal.



The people I was staying with - I was able to provide some things for them - as I understand it now they have a lot of information about handling food, why things go in plastic garbage containers, and why both food and animal poo is not left laying around to attract flies - because that is a vicious cycle. I am not sure if they ever heard keep it hot keep it cold or don't keep it. It is possible to have many origins of infection, as I most likely did.



Shortly before I got sick we heard a 14 year old died of intestinal worms - she was living on the streets fighting with the street dogs for food. In the long run I guess that means they won. The emergency Green Cross doctor who treated her was overwhelmed with grief.



Any way, that means that I am returning stateside because my true buddies insisted on it. Two weeks I stayed in hotels recovering - the magnificent older hotels I love. There goes my meager retirement fund. This brings us to today.



I went to pray in a cemetery here in Santa Rosilia - reflect on death and change, take a few photos. Because to be brutally frank I felt it was needed. (see: http://www.mexonline.com/santarosalia.htm) There are a lot of unmarked graves.


"However, El Boleo exploited the workers, creating a labor system equivalent to slavery. From 1901 to 1903, 1,400 workers died, many the victims of silicosis and frequent accidents. As El Boleo prospered, well-concealed violations of contract exploited the underpaid workers. Labor strikes by the workers were repressed by force."

A cemetary for photos and prayer - mixing religion with art - well, that equals starvation in a 3rd world country.



Found a couple starving dogs in the cemetery. A momma with long nipples and no haunch (bare skin on the hind quarters), and at least one puppy (the others died I am sure) - so I thought I will come back tomorrow and feed them.



But driving down from the cliff side cemetery I stopped to pause by the side of the road right next to a place that sells milk and eggs! So I bought a couple of liters and two dozen eggs. I forgot the bread - but I know how to feed starving dogs. I raced back up the cliffs before the sun set.


When I got up there just as the sun was setting I cut the tops off the plastic containers of milk, and broke open all the eggs with my trusty knife and poured them on my favorite pink grave - (just like my sister Lisa's wish, she wanted a pink headstone reading "Not Boring" as I understand it that is what it reads).



Then I could see it was too late, the puppy was on it's last legs - infected with parasites internally, it couldn't really stand up any more and fell over.


So I cut a deal with the momma - she got all the food, I took her last pup, that I could see. She understood. God it was awful; I don't know what I can do for the momma, she is wild, starving and very afraid. She is part German Shepard, not a small dog.



I fed the pup some food and Pepito Bismal laced with antibiotic pills, because the vet was closed but the drugstore was open. So I washed her the best I could and she is sleeping in a plastic bin lined with sheets the hotel gave me and two towels one from my car and one from the room. She has fleas and ticks it looks like.



The puppy did absolutely everything I asked of her including drinking the Pepito. She has had a hot dog and much water. I am concerned about her condition but she stood up and walked. In the morning we'll see the vet because he was closed with no cell number listed.



Heck - I am in Mexico with a cemetery dog. Just when you think things can't get any more complex. Suffering makes you understand others suffering. I can not imagine what it must be like to try and help prevent starvation among humans.



But I think the worst of the recession/depression in the US is over. Wish me luck. I'll update you on the costs associated with the dogs if anyone is interested. Photos when I can...


-Linda