Our Dog Family

We arrived in Mexico with one dog.  We found Peso in a Yuma, Arizona Animal Shelter.  He is the best dog we have ever had.  Several months after we arrived, we rescued a dog from the streets.  We named him Diablo because he got into mischief all the time.  Most recently we rescued another dog from the streets who has a neurological problem.  Her name is Maya and she was days away from dying when we rescued her.  We have two other dogs who belong to the neighbors, but they spend most of their time in our yard with our dogs.  Their names are Blondie and Sparky. 

This is Maya the day we took her off the street.  She could barely stand.  We didn't think she would survive the night.

Three months later she is making a strong recovery.  She still has neurological problems.  But, we think she's going to lead a long life.  She is our special needs doggie.

This is Diablo.  He loves to sit in my easy chair.  He is 2 years old.  We rescued him from the streets of San Nicolas.

Blondie is a neighbors dog, but he spends a lot of time at our house.

Sparky is another neighbors dog.  He loves to tag along on our morning walks.

Peso is 8 years old, but he still keeps up with the younger dogs.

Our morning walk.  Maya in front, Diablo and Sparky, then Peso and Blondie bringing up the rear.

My next door neighbors keep Sparky tied up.  But, I release him every day so he can walk and hike with us.

All the dogs get along fine.  There has never been a problem.

Horses

One of my friends told me that he thought there were more horses than people in Mexico.  I hadn't thought about that.  But, it seems half the pictures I take are of horses.  So all you horse people should enjoy this blog.

Daniella, a young lady from the village and Debbi going on a trail ride.

These horses roam around for food.  You see a lot of them in the country.

These Charros are really proud of their horses.

Debbi with Diego at Lake Chapala.

The barn to the right of the house is adequate, but not as big as its counterpart in the U. S.

Some more of the free grazers.  There's a baby on the right.

The Thursday morning ladies ride. 

Debbi was asked to ride in the 2011 Independence Day Parade.

She got to ride with the Queen  Daniella.

Another Thursday ladies  ride.

Dia de Los Muertos

The Day of the Dead holiday in Mexico focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember the family and friends who have died.  November 1st honors children and infants.  November 2nd honors adults.  The celebrations are joyous and festive.  The mood is upbeat and you'll see very few tears.

This is downtown Chapala.  Notice all the Marigolds.  These are the official flowers of Day of the Dead.

Yours truly getting ready to have some fun with the local kids.  In a couple of hours these streets will be packed.

Every year, this street in Chapala is used for constructing altars to honor the dead.

More brightly colored altars

Skeletons are a big deal for this holiday.  They are considered to be good, not spooky.

Her family feels strongly that they will see her again.  I hope they do.

Our friends Joe and Sharon enjoyed the festivities.

The Chapala Panteon.  People go to cemeteries to be with the souls of the departed.  They build private altars containing the departed's favorite food and beverage.

The intent is to encourage visits by the souls so the souls will hear prayers that are directed to them.

My first altar.  Grandma and Grandpa Robinson upper left.  Mom and Dad in the middle.  Below them, my niece Kelly. ( I'm getting a larger picture of her for next year.)  And my Grandma and Grandpa Gwin on the right.