32 Saber Tails Spring 2016
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America
A
s with people who are not native to Mexico, water
was a concern for the dogs. During the journey,
they drank bottled water only. When we arrived at the
place we were staying, there was a water purification
system with an ultraviolet light so the dogs drank the
tap water. We supplemented the food we got in Mexico
with boiled chicken. Even so, Leo especially had a bit of
adjustment since he eats Abady which is impossible to
purchase or replicate in Mexico. Our veterinarian had
given us Metronidazole as a precaution for stomach
upset which definitely helped Leo.
S
an Miguel de Allende is a town in the mountains at a
7000 ft. elevation with a very temperate climate. For
example, during the end of December it was mid-70’s
during the day and low 50’s at night. David and Leo
loved the climate and good weather every day. It is very
dry making it essential to stay hydrated for humans and
dogs alike. San Miguel, like much of Mexico, has many
street dogs. Most people adopt a street dog instead of
purchasing one from a breeder. These dogs are super
smart dealing with the road traffic and pedestrians in
normal course.
Most are short
haired and are
very clean de-
spite being on
their own. There
are numerous
adoption ser-
vices in Mexico.
A
t sun rise
each morn-
ing, I would
take David and
Leo for a walk
through town.
At that time of day the town is very quiet and we would
walk miles exploring all the streets. The center of town,
El Jardin, is a big park facing the central cathedral in
San Miguel, The Parroquia. Bells from the churches ring
starting at 6:30 AM and every half hour thereafter, so all
know when they must rise and leave for work. On our
first day walking to El Jardin, we spotted two dogs with
the same coloring and shape as our guys but with short
hair. Could it be that we were not the only PBGV’s in
San Miguel? Unfortunately we could not catch up with
these dogs and we did not see them again for the rest
of the stay. The morning walk would usually mean a
visit to a local bread shop for a breakfast delight.
S
an Miguel has a large expatriate population made of
mostly Americans, Canadians, British and Europeans.
Many Mexico City residents have second homes in town.
PBGVs not being the most common breed made David
and Leo instant celebrities. They felt like movie stars. As we
wined and dined, David and Leo joined us as many restau-
rants and cafes are dog friendly.
O
ne morning we were looking for Leo and had not seen
him for about 30 minutes. Workers had entered the
house area and Leo had escaped. I ran outside the house
and called for Leo who, thankfully, showed up promptly
with a puzzled face that said “I wanted to see what it was
like to be a street dog” and he had visited all the neighbors.
T
o return to the USA, a heath certificate is required from
a Mexican Veterinarian which we obtained a few days
before departure. Most of the professionals speak English.
Our return to the states was as smooth as the journey
down. David and Leo were back at home with big smiles
and stories to tell wondering where the next trip will be.
Editors note: This article originally appeared in the Febru-
ary 2016 Issue of the AKC Gazette. Articles published in the
AKC Gazette are reprinted here with the permission of the
AKC.
Doug with David & Leo Exploring the City