Over the years I have been fortunate to observe many wild animals from the windows of my studio. I am always amazed at the intelligence and resourcefulness as well as the sense of community and family that they so often display. Their ability to adapt to situations is remarkable, something which many humans fail to do when faced with any sort of change. I suppose that’s why I was not surprised when I read an account of the wild dogs of Moscow and how they have adapted to a changing world.
It seems there is a large group of these dogs which works during the day in the city center where scavenging for food is easier from tourists, office workers and city dwellers who frequent the street vendors there. These dogs have even developed a method where they approach an unsuspecting street diner from the rear and bark very loudly, often making the startled person drop their food. With children, they change their tact, using a softer approach where they will rest their heads on the child’s knees and look dolefully at them as they eat. It often yields a few tidbits.
At the end of the day these dogs move to the subway and head out to the suburbs, where it is safer for them at night than in the city center. They board the appropriate trains, dashing through the doors at the last second, and know how long it takes to reach their destination. They ride in the less crowded cars at the front and rear of the train and often fall asleep, having to be awakened by the barks of their companions to let them know that it is time to get off the train.
If you’ve had a pet, especially one that was extremely bright, then this probably doesn’t come as any sort of surprise. I wish I could find one that would write my blog and do my taxes.
Redtree Times 