A great title for a short story: En Guatemala no mueren los perros

How much is that doggie in the window -- 
The one with the waggly tail? 
How much is that doggie in the window? 
I do hope that doggie's for sale
-- (How Much Is) That Doggie In The Window?
Patti Page, 1952

In response to what a froend said about how it can be brutal saying goodbye to our pets ... Here's a sweet story.

About 20 years ago, when I lived in North Carolina, I had these neighbors from Guatemala. Their little boy

had been born here and at four years old, he really didn't know anything about his parents' homeland other than that it was very different.

For instance, he asked me one day as we were walking along whether there where a lot of snakes where we lived. No, I said, not too many, although you should probably stay away from that creek you keep wandering down to, because I'm not sure about that place. "Guatemala has lots of snakes," he said. Another time, possibly that same day, he commented on the fact that there were so many flowers here in our area. "Guatemala has hardly any flowers," he said. I assured him that was definitely not the case. (How wonderful he makes it sound, remarked my dad -- devoid of flowers 💐 and overrun by snakes.🐍 )

Now, the whole family had a serious addiction to this one telenovela called <>. Come 10 p.m. on any weeknight, you could count on their living room filling up with cousins who'd just gotten off work and rushed over to watch the family soap.  Sebastián knew he was was supposed to be seen and not heard unless the show was on commercial.

When I showed up this one particular evening, I had just gotten word that my parents had had to put down their 13-year old dog, of whom I was very fond. They had called to tell me because I was going home the next week for Thanksgiving and they didn't want it to come as a shock. Sebastián offered to play cars with me when I arrived a few minutes before the show and sat down on the sofa, but I told him, "No, thanks, sweetie; I'm just not up to it." The family noticed my subdued mood and asked what was the matter. I explained about Shana, getting a little teary-eyed. Sebastián held his tongue, though, waiting for the commercial so he could offer consolation:

"Dogs don't die in Guatemala. If you want, I could bring you one..."
🤗 🐶 🤗

¡Feliz Día de la Independencia Centroamericana!
🇸🇻🇨🇷🇳🇮🇬🇹🇭🇳