Min tibetanska barndom i Zorgay - Life and Culture on the Tibetan ...

18
MY SECRET PET DOG
D
ogs guard our homes, which is their only responsibility.
Sometimes we joke that certain families have dogs to
protect their beautiful girls from young men's nocturnal
visits. My family had a dog - Tashi, meaning 'Good Luck' - to
protect our home from thieves when no one was at home. He
was my favorite companion <strong>and</strong> became my secret pet.
Father made a triangular-shaped, simple doghouse for
Tashi by our gate. It was not waterproof <strong>and</strong> Tashi suffered on
rainy days <strong>and</strong> when snow melted, which caused me much pain.
I became sensitive to animals after herding pigs <strong>and</strong> wondered
why dogs should be chained up. There were many kinds of
dogs, but they all shared one thing: no freedom. I asked about
this when I was a child <strong>and</strong> everyone answered, "Because they
are dogs." I knew they were dogs, <strong>and</strong> was dissatisfied with this
answer. I was shocked when people said animals were
thoughtless <strong>and</strong> stupid. Dogs recognize their owners, know who
is a stranger, <strong>and</strong> have a keen sense of smell.
Large dogs are locally known as 'nomad dogs'. Tashi
was not very big <strong>and</strong> would have fetched a good sum if he had
been sold.
When no one was at home, I released Tashi <strong>and</strong> played
with him in our yard. He wagged his tail to persuade me to undo
the chain around his neck, <strong>and</strong> I seldom refused. I also led him
outside. He got to know almost all the villagers <strong>and</strong> did not bark
when they visited our home.
"Who told you to take Tashi out? Because of you, he's
not as fierce as before. If he doesn't bark at strangers, what's the
point? He doesn't even deserve to eat leftovers," said
Gr<strong>and</strong>mother, slapping my face to frighten me into not doing it
again.
"It doesn't matter if Tashi doesn't bark at villagers. They
won't steal from our home," I said, further exasperating
Gr<strong>and</strong>mother.
"You know more than my knowledge <strong>and</strong> experience?
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