The Germans and their dogs

I have been living in Germany for 10 months now (effective this Saturday) and I believe I have a better understanding of the German people as a whole. Now, I am not trying to lump every German into one group, as I have met some who don't fit the description I am about to share. However, for the most part, the one's I have come into contact with I find to be unfriendly, opinionated, selfish and lack any understanding or connection to their emotions. I know you are thinking "Wow, that sounds awfully brutal." As I said, not every German is like this. For example I don't believe that Carsten's mother has all of these qualities. I have talked with Carsten about how impolite I find Germans when he and I are out and about. Such as if I hold the door open someone will walk through without saying thank you. Carsten says that please and thank you are American traits and not often found in other parts of the world. Maybe that is true since I have been exposed to many different cultures in my various language classes here and the only ones that seem to say please and thank you are me and the women from Africa. In regards to the understanding and connection to their emotions, I have a perfect example. A woman in my class here recently miscarried. Upon finding out, one of the teachers asked is she would be back in class the next day, stating it was probably best for her to keep going and forget about what happened. My mouth literally dropped open. I was so stunned by this.

In terms of Germans and their dogs, it appears that over half the population here has a dog. Which is great and I love dogs. I hope to have one of my own someday. But what is different here than in the US is that dogs seem to be allowed to go anywhere. On the bus, train, in cafes or restaurants, basically any place a human goes the dog can as well. I have yet to see one in a movie theater, but I wouldn't be shocked if I happened to come across one there. Anyway, my big issue with all these dogs is that no one here really seems to follow the leash law. It is so bad that I just assumed that they didn't have on; until I asked Carsten and he said that in fact Germany does have a leash law. I can honestly say in the amount of time I have been here I think I have seen less that 10 dogs on a leash. Okay, fine. Let the dog run free. That is much more fun for the dog I am sure. But when I am jogging and trying to get by, would kill a German to restrain or move the dog? I can't tell you how many times I have to run basically through bushes to get past a dog because they are able to run free and the owner could care less--going back to the selfishness and unfriendly.

So, where does this leave me. Loving my cats, Zoe and Lela. They are fantastic; playful and full of love. And since this week has been an emotional roller coaster, both cats have been more affectionate and just as cute as can be (though I might be a bit biased). To see pictures of my babies over the years, click here.