Dogs

Guatemala is a beautiful country with wonderful people, dramatic landscape, a deep and rich culture, and engrossing history (both pre- and post-"Conquest"). 

It is also a country with lots and lots of dogs, including an abundance of "un-owned" dogs. They don't seem to belong to anyone, but are definitely not "strays" in the ordinary sense. 

Here are two from Panajachel, on the shores of Lake Atitlan. I liked this guy's nonchalant attitude; he ain't no turista (sic?):


This one was just waking up; it's again San Pedro in the background:


Dogs really gravitate to Colleen; they can sense that she's a softie:


This guy was also hanging out by Colleen after we climbed Pacaya Volcano:


This poor thing followed us in Antigua for awhile, hoping for food. Unfortunately, we only had orange Tic Tacs, so he finally left us:


This one somehow ended up on top of the volcano, but slept through the excitement of the live lava and tourist throngs:


This one also couldn't be bothered:


This is "Xela" at the top of Pacaya; she belonged to our guide:


This dude closely eyed Colleen from his rooftop perch:


I was a bit worried that he might lunge:


This one was apparently guarding the dirty dishes:


A couple more. From Flores, a charming island town in the middle of Lake Peten Itza:


Near Tzununa, Lake Atitlan, a friendly pup:

And a not-so-friendly one: