"The dogs are our closest brothers"

Today was a lovely one, because we spent it at a retreat centre connecting as a group. With 35 people, there is a lot of people to meet, but there is a great feeling of becoming a tribe, which is powerful. I am struggling to connect on a deep level with some of the Andean ceremonies and traditions because they are not of my own. It feels like I am one space removed, so doing sharing, affirmations and mediations in group today, helped to ground me.

Something I can connect with very easily,  is the Peruvian's relationship with animals, especially their dogs. 

In Andean culture, dogs are considered their oldest brother and you will see wild dogs and semi-wild ones everywhere. Through the street and sacred spaces are healthy looking, friendly dogs who roam freely.

It turns out, that most of the dogs are actually owned, but rather than keeping them inside, owners allow them to run freely in the city, much like a cat. I have seen them snoozing at a beautiful vantage point, stretching out on the steps, waiting patiently outside their owner's shop, and playing with friends in packs, even stopping at traffic lights.

Of course, not all the dogs are treated well (and I've been surprised not to see puppies roaming around, like the kittens I saw last year in Morocco). I guess the Andean attitude toward dogs represents their attitude to most of nature, seeing them as an equal being, capable of fending for themselves to a large extent, and also worthy of their respect.

I definitely think Frank would love life as a free to roam, Andean street dog! What he wouldn't tolerate however, is the dressing up of dogs which is also very common here. My personal highlight is the dog I met one morning in dungarees, checked shirt and bow tie.

One thing's for sure, and that's Cusco is always full of surprises! Tomorrow we head away for 2 nights to Pisac and the sacred valley. I'll let you know how it goes!

photos: the many varied dogs of Cusco