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