When I arrived in Key West in 1969 the island had a very noticeable out-of-control feral cat population and a less noticeable number of free roaming street dogs that did not belong to humans. They were free spirited dogs that never worm collars or leashes. Some were given nicknames but did not come when called. I encountered the old town resident dogs daily. They were large in size, well-mannered, appeared to be well nourished and healthy considering they were susceptible to fleas, heartworm and distemper. At that time there was no history of rabies in our county.
The dogs walked around living peacefully among each other and the towns people. The dogs were not fearful, aggressive or noisy. They were not so needy or trusting, as to present their bodies for touching, petting or scratching on the head or belly. Every few blocks in old town had their own resident dogs. I do not remember the sound of dogs barking, growling, breeding, fighting for food, territory or females in heat. I do not remember any dog menacing humans by chasing them on foot or bicycle or in any way being threatening to humans. They did not form packs. I do not remember ever seeing a litter of puppies. Maybe unknown to me they were captured, neutered and put back on the street.
I lived at 518 in the middle of 500 blk of Elisabeth Street in the Heart of Old Town. The dogs where I lived were not non-descript mutts of different colors and sizes. My neighborhood dogs were large, short haired and light brownish in color. They were big, heavy boned and impressive in stature. They were self-reliant, confident and exhibited relaxed behavior around people. In the early 70's there were still a lot of small locally owned family neighborhood "convenience" stores in each city block that stayed open late in case neighborhood residents needed toilet paper or milk.
The store supporting my area on Elizabeth Street was a three-story sizable building on the corner of Fleming and Elizbeth (just a half a block from my house). It had a back yard hidden from the street where groups of excited sounding Spanish speaking men played competitive board games every day. Their presence was an everyday audible neighborhood sound. They played some sort of domino like board game in which they created sharp slapping board sounds. This seemingly all male owned and operated store was a social center for a loyal group of Spanish speaking men and free roaming island dogs. The proprietor offered a small cooler of freshly butchered meats. It took me awhile to realize they slaughtered baby pigs in the backyard. I often heard the sound of what I later learned were the terrified screams of piglets being slaughtered. Every day the proprietor put raw meat scraps on brown butchers' paper and placed this offering on the sidewalk out front of his store for the neighborhood dogs to eat. This was a time before city laws for canines existed and pre ASPCA dog catcher time. People who owned dogs at the time walked them comfortably off leash. I do not remember any dog fights over territory or the plentiful daily meat scraps.
The dogs walked around living peacefully among each other and the towns people. The dogs were not fearful, aggressive or noisy. They were not so needy or trusting, as to present their bodies for touching, petting or scratching on the head or belly. Every few blocks in old town had their own resident dogs. I do not remember the sound of dogs barking, growling, breeding, fighting for food, territory or females in heat. I do not remember any dog menacing humans by chasing them on foot or bicycle or in any way being threatening to humans. They did not form packs. I do not remember ever seeing a litter of puppies. Maybe unknown to me they were captured, neutered and put back on the street.
I lived at 518 in the middle of 500 blk of Elisabeth Street in the Heart of Old Town. The dogs where I lived were not non-descript mutts of different colors and sizes. My neighborhood dogs were large, short haired and light brownish in color. They were big, heavy boned and impressive in stature. They were self-reliant, confident and exhibited relaxed behavior around people. In the early 70's there were still a lot of small locally owned family neighborhood "convenience" stores in each city block that stayed open late in case neighborhood residents needed toilet paper or milk.
The store supporting my area on Elizabeth Street was a three-story sizable building on the corner of Fleming and Elizbeth (just a half a block from my house). It had a back yard hidden from the street where groups of excited sounding Spanish speaking men played competitive board games every day. Their presence was an everyday audible neighborhood sound. They played some sort of domino like board game in which they created sharp slapping board sounds. This seemingly all male owned and operated store was a social center for a loyal group of Spanish speaking men and free roaming island dogs. The proprietor offered a small cooler of freshly butchered meats. It took me awhile to realize they slaughtered baby pigs in the backyard. I often heard the sound of what I later learned were the terrified screams of piglets being slaughtered. Every day the proprietor put raw meat scraps on brown butchers' paper and placed this offering on the sidewalk out front of his store for the neighborhood dogs to eat. This was a time before city laws for canines existed and pre ASPCA dog catcher time. People who owned dogs at the time walked them comfortably off leash. I do not remember any dog fights over territory or the plentiful daily meat scraps.
The dogs were street savvy, and I never knew of one being hit or killed by an automobile. There was not much street traffic then.
People gave them nicknames. They seemed well feed and healthy and smart and happy enough and they were just a wonderful part of our community.
A woman named Sister lived in Key West. She was famous at the time for travelling the island barefoot with a large pack of dogs she had assembled. All sorts of dogs, big and little followed her everywhere she went! Sister and her entourage were energetic on the move, and they travelled fast. They swept across the island.
They were a sight to see. A menagerie of scruffy mutts, Not a collar anywhere for restraint, identification, fashion, protection or training. Wild ones!
People gave them nicknames. They seemed well feed and healthy and smart and happy enough and they were just a wonderful part of our community.
A woman named Sister lived in Key West. She was famous at the time for travelling the island barefoot with a large pack of dogs she had assembled. All sorts of dogs, big and little followed her everywhere she went! Sister and her entourage were energetic on the move, and they travelled fast. They swept across the island.
They were a sight to see. A menagerie of scruffy mutts, Not a collar anywhere for restraint, identification, fashion, protection or training. Wild ones!
I Would Love to Have You Visit Soon!
Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden
Home of Key West Parrots
518 Elizabeth Street, Key West, Florida 33040
HoursEveryday: Including Holidays 10 am - 3 pm
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Telephone305-294-0015
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