The French love their dogs. They don’t love cleaning up behind their dogs, which is why it’s advisable to keep at least one eye on the pavement when walking in France.
Leashes seem to be optional, and even in a busy city, most dogs are not leashed. However, they are very well-behaved and responsive to the voice commands of their human companions. Also, for some reason, they rarely bark.
Dogs are allowed in restaurants and the waiters often provide them with water bowls. Once, in Paris, I saw a dog sitting on a chair at the table and eating from a plate on the table.
But here in the warm south of France, dogs usually dine outside (as do most humans!):
And finally, the cat.
Near our apartment, we pass a house with a window box in which a large gray cat is nearly always sleeping. We love saying, “Bonjour, le chat!” each time we go by.
One day last week, we were passing as a couple on bikes arrived at the door and unlocked it. We greeted them with a “bonjour” and then asked, “c’est votre chat?”
“Non, c’est un chat sauvage. Il est libre!” said monsieur. (No, he’s a wild cat. He is free). They then told us the chat sauvage hangs out there because they have a cat and he likes to be visit. They feed the cat. Perhaps others do as well.
We will miss le chat sauvage!
We leave Montpellier tomorrow for a week in Narbonne.
Love seeing the dogs and cats. I’m showing this one to Lora, know she’ll love it.
There are lots of street dogs and cats in Turkey, everywhere. One thing I have always noticed and loved is how much the Turks take care of them. You’ll see shopkeepers (and others) putting out food and bedding in the winter. And everyone is very friendly to them. Turkey has been making an effort in recent years with spaying and neutering as well.