The Rez Dogs

Dogs have a special significance to the Navajo. The dog holds a place something like the sacred cows of the Hindus. Dog were here before the white man, the horse, cattle, sheep, and even the Navajo. The are looked upon as the guardian of the home and flock. Dogs are felt to be able to warn of evil spirits and scare them away. They have four legs and four is a special number to the Navajo.

This reverence for dogs has created problems. Dogs cannot be bought nor sold. They can be given but unlike other animals are not viewed as property. Unfortunately dogs cannot go to the local grocery and buy their favorite Alpo but are dependent on man. Unfortunately there are a lot of men who have their own problems and because of that there are lots and lots of stray dogs. Feral dogs or dogs without homes like to hang out near the center of town and are often hit by cars. There is always a pack that hangs out a the campground that serves Canyon De Chelly National Monument. They have become excellent beggars and know how to warm the hearts of campers.

Every few years there is movement a foot to capture and neuter the dogs. This works for a while until the next generation of dogs is let loose and start the populate the town and surroundings. There is healthy population of Mountain Lions though and they help to keep the numbers down in the more rural locations. Like old people, old dogs here are revered and should be as they must be quite wise to survive all the challenges that life bring.