Dogathon

Our school has a number of contacts in the community through which the students engage in service learning activities (just an academic word for community service). Unlike our previous school, this community service isn’t court appointed, it’s for FUN! And of course it should build character and instill a sense of an unselfish job well done.

The annual Dogathon is designed to bring awareness to the overwhelming number of neglected dogs on the island and one of the few establishments dedicating itself to their plight. The nice lady who runs the shelter is actually my student’s mother. Students were encouraged to raise donations towards their participation in the event. Unfortunately, not too many students participated, but those who did, put forth a great effort. Humita and I were able to raise over €130.


The most exciting part of the Dogathon… family participation, Rocio, Humi, and myself, in our matching Ecuador uniforms! She thought I was kidding when I proposed the matching attire. “No, really, were wearing them, really”.

Nicosia is not Paris. Nicosia is not even Dade County. I think Michael Vick might of have had an apartment here. I remember reading in Tim Park’s novel, Italian Neighbors, that the indifference towards canines often led to poisonings of innocent pets. Such is the case in Cyprus. Even the concept of a dog as a beloved household pet is a relatively new one. Like most agrarian societies, dogs’ importance was reduced to hunting and guarding. So, it was extremely refreshing to see so many people come out in support of needy dogs.

The race was scheduled to be a 3k. I say scheduled because it in evidently halved during the actual competition. We have been told of the general disorganized nature of Cyprus and it apparently extends itself to charitable events. None of the participants knew the exact route and upon seeing the “finish line” at around kilometer one, I told Rocio that we would be continuing for another lap. Only we were flagged (physically) into the ceremony grounds. No one actually competed the race, yet awards were presented nonetheless. Although Humi put forth a valiant effort she (we) did not place. She did however receive an award for “best head gear”. The chicken hat we bought here in Dallas made it in the suitcase. She received a medal for accomplishment. We told her it was for placing first in the race.