I remember my first pet. I was in the 5th grade when a little gray cat came to our patio door. It was a rainy day and she was crying for help. My brothers and I stared at her for a while, our hands touching the glass door and wondering what we should do. I’m the oldest and made the decision to rescue the cat. A few minutes later she was named Whiskers and was secretly placed in my bedroom. Luckily for me, my parents used to own a feline so they were fine with us keeping it.

This was not the case with dogs. About a year into having Whiskers, a stray puppy, looking very similar to a Golden Retriever, showed up at our front door. I immediately wanted to keep it but my parents said absolutely not. I did convince them to let it stay with us for a little bit because it looked lost. Within a few days, a mother and her young son were slowly driving down our street calling the name of their lost pet. I don’t remember if my momma heard them and opened the door or if they came knocking, but once they saw their puppy and called it by it’s real name (unlike the one I’d just given it), the little boy cried, the mother thanked us, and they took the pup and drove away. I cried but soon gave my attention back to Whiskers and, although the thought of having my own dog crossed my mind throughout my life, it wasn’t until I was 37 that I finally got my own dog, Asher.

And it’s because of Asher that I now have such a deep love for dogs. It’s also why now that I’m living in Mexico, I am hyperaware of the number of dogs I see living on the street.

Why Does Mexico Have So Many Street Dogs?

People in America have been very misinformed about the reason for there being so many street dogs in Mexico. It certainly is not due to lack of love for animals. The people I’ve met have 2 or 3 (or more) dogs and even a host full of cats. When I go to the mall, pet owners are shopping with their dog in tow. And it’s not just tiny dogs. I’ve seen more St. Bernards here than I have my entire time in Texas.

And yes I’ve also seen more street dogs here, too. From what I’ve learned so far, it’s more due to limited access to spay and neuter programs along with an overall cultural difference in the belief system about animal sterilization. In addition to this, many people love their dogs but may not be able to afford those surgical procedures even if they’re aware of them.

Street Dogs Vs Stray Dogs

The dog I spoke about earlier, who came to my door when I was a child, was a stray dog. It had a family and was just lost. Stray dogs could also be those who were abandoned by their owners. In both cases, they’ve had previous interaction with humans. On the other hand, a street dog may or may not be stray. Some stray dogs become street dogs when they’re never rescued. Others were born on the streets and have never had human interaction. Those are called feral dogs.

The Dog Has A Home

While riding around the Merida neighborhoods with a local, I asked about the street dogs. I was starting to feel sad every time I’d leave the house and see groups of them roaming around. I’ll never forget what he shared with me. So very calmly he replied, “The dog has a home.”

He went on to explain many of the street dogs are fed daily by multiple families. Restaurants and homes leave bowls of water and food outside. The dogs know which home to go to for which meal. Nobody bothers them and they don’t bother anybody.

I appreciate him saying that because it made me quickly check myself. I was in a new country making assumptions about the needs of animals and not thinking about the cultural and economic differences. It was a reminder just because something is done in my home country doesn’t make it the only way things are done around the world.

street dogs in mexico, why are there so many stray dogs in mexico — Street dog I fell in love with

Can You Keep A Dog If You Find It In The Street?

I’ve been researching this question for selfish reasons. I encountered a street dog and felt an immediate connection to it. I don’t know why but of all the dogs I’ve seen since I’ve arrived here, it’s something about this one that makes me want to check on it all the time. If this is truly a street and not a stray dog, maybe there’s a way I can take care of it or at least find it a home. Maybe finding it a home would be best because I don’t know if I’m ready for another dog.

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