Little doggy adventure

Our first morning here started out with a big breakfast of an egg omelet which was more like a crepe, it was so fluffy!!  And, some toast, granola cereal, and yogurt with banana.  Then we had some time to take a walk, and of course for me, hang out with the dogs.  The dogs, as adorable as they are, made me so nervous because they all were running into the street constantly and one expecially, liked to chase the big semis that were driving by on the busy street right in front of our hotel.  She already had a bad left leg, which I suspect happened because she got hit by a car.  Either way, they are the happiest dogs I've ever seen and followed us everywhere. 

We were all happy to discover that we had access to the little patio area outside of our rooms, so I was playing with the dogs and reading when the dogs all ran across the street to go play with another dog and then the thing that I feared most happened.  The smallest of the dogs got hit by a smaller car.  I was so horrified!!  I ran into the street and picked up the little dog, barely holding it together because from the bleeding, I could tell he was hit in the head.  The hotel waiter came out to greet me, and I couldn't even bare to ask what they were going to do with him, but I was not hopeful. 

Later in the morning, we met with our team leader/country manager Mihaela, to start our orientation.  Although I was so sad about my new doggy friend, I was cheered up by the fact that we would be able to meet the kids in the clinic today.  As we were having lunch, the waiter started talking excitedly to Mihaela and pointing outside.  Much to my delight and complete surprise, the little doggy survived!!!!  He was walking outside and then was able to eat some of our leftover lunch!!  I was so relieved and so, so grateful and happy.  He broke my heart when I picked him up and saw how badly he was injured, it was such a wonderful surprise to see him up and around, and gave me so much hope for the rest of the trip.

According to Mihaela, when the communists took over, they moved all the people in the villages into apartments, but all the dogs were left behind, which left many, many stray dogs in the streets.  We saw them around Mcdonald's too.  Some of them get adopted by the community, and I think our pack of dogs are cared for by the hotel and the volunteers who come through here.  I think the waiter said one of the boys on staff had taken our little injured dog and was looking after it when it came to, and I think the owner of the hotel is going to take him to the vet.  I'm so so glad. 

Now off to get some rest before we visit the clinic, I can't wait to meet the little ones!!!!!