Since quitting veterinary medicine in 2017, I have had more time to pursue my favorite pastimes: travel and photography. The pandemic has made travel more difficult but not impossible. In October 2021, I finally checked off a staple item on my bucket list: a trip to Peru.
The visit took me to Lima, Ollantaytambo, Cusco, Paracas and Machu Picchu. I expect mountain views, colorful clothes, great food, and cultural history. What I didn’t expect was that there were so many dogs! In every city, on almost every street, I see dogs roaming, playing, and napping.
In the Miraflores neighborhood of Lima, while walking along the Malecon, I saw a man tending to his three precious Chihuahuas. I asked if they could take pictures, and they posed obediently on the wall overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
In Aguas Caliente, where Machu Picchu is located, I discovered a beautiful species of Peruvian Inca Orchid, the national dog of Peru. It’s a camcorder because… it has no feathers! This girl is a truly stunned person.
In Ollantaytambo, I visited a small clothing store. A young dog befriended me and followed me into the store. She won’t leave me. Was it a ploy to make me linger in the store longer? If so, it worked; I bought a sweater. I can’t leave this person I love. I fixed my dog everyday and the owner sold it.
My favorite is Cusco, a picturesque town with charming cobblestone streets, cool shops, and great restaurants. While walking the streets of Cusco as dusk approached, I spotted a dog sleeping by the door, under a rack of handmade bags and tassels. The lighting was perfect, and I took the shot.
Doggies to the end
The trip ends in the beautiful coastal city of Paracas. My hotel is right on the water, where I have witnessed a beautiful sunset, when pelicans and flamingos fly in silhouette against the orange sky. One afternoon, while walking on the beach, I spotted a yellow Labrador sleeping in the sand. The dog barely opened its eyes when I bent over him and took my photo, with the colorful restaurant in the background.
Peru is a beautiful, fascinating country and has something for everyone. If you’re a dog lover (because you’re reading this!), you’ll be surprised by the number of friendly dogs you’ll meet.
Want to help the street dogs of Peru? Check out the non-profit Allqo Llaqta Rescue Center at allqollaqtarescuecentre.org.
