Bobby's World

Meet Bobby, or if you're on head-scratching terms with him, you can just call him Bobito. Like all other dogs in Guatemala, he is referred to as a chucho (street dog) instead of perro (dog). I bet that if dogs had the same rights as humans, then chucho would probably be considered a derogatory term used against perros... but let's not get political.

Bobby is no ordinary chucho- he is Alpha Alpha male- yes, I used two Alphas with a capital "A", and for good reason: I have seen him kick the you-know-what out of other chuchos who try to show him, and does he ever show them right back. Think of Chuck Norris in form of a dog- that would be Bobby.

But as rough and tough as I make him out to be, Bobby is by far the friendliest chucho I have yet to meet in Guatemala. Most chuchos are known for causing Peace Corps Volunteers quite a great deal of grief- getting chased by one on your way up a mountain to visit a group is not always the best way to start off your day.

However with Bobby, instead of chasing me, many times he escorts me to and from communities that can take up to an hour to hike to, or follows me around town while I run errands. Decorated with battle wounds and machete scars, Bobby fears nothing- not even fear itself.

Bobby has made quite the name for himself in the community. As he accompanies me through town, children will call out his name as if he were a local celebrity... but I guess he kind of is. He almost never barks, but when he does I know it's for good reason: he's chasing away a bolo (drunk) from the street.

Thanks for being such an awesome chucho, Bobito!

Bobby greeting me in the morning.

Taking a siesta in the AMMID office while I get some work done.

Patience is Bobby's middle name- he'll wait for me anywhere- a true gentleman.

Bobby hanging out at the embroidery workshop.

Bobby showing Kelly and Amalia who's boss- maybe it's "dominance" that is his middle name?

As ferocious as he may be at times, Bobby has a soft heart- and a way with the ladies. Chuchas want him, chuchos want to be him.