It’s been a busy few days around our house. First, Ali somehow got involved in saving Chacho the spider monkey in Barra de Navidad, Mexico. Honestly, when it first came up I thought, “Come on, he’s an old monkey by now, what are we going to do for him from Guatemala?” Ali showed very quickly what caring people can do. Within just a couple of weeks, the owners of Chacho had agreed to hand him over to an animal rescue group who promise to give him a much better life. We had visited Chacho three different times through the years, but had never done anything to help him other than feed him, give him a little companionship, and lament over what a sad lonely life he led. Now, in just a matter of days, Ali and her friend have, hopefully, changed everything for him. Tip of the hat to my crazy caring wife for that one.
Strolling through the cemetery.
I’m sorry, but that’s a pooper scooper in his hand, right?
You see this everywhere in Latin America—people setting up shop selling junk food right outside the doors of the schools. Just brutal for the parents.
I hesitate to even mention the caterpillar, Fuzz, that spent a few days with us rehabilitating. Walking down the sidewalk one day we spotted him being trailed by ants. Ouest couldn’t handle seeing that, so she scooped him up. The kids made him a nice home, let him rest, and then brought him to a park after a couple of days where I’m sure he has now turned into a beautiful butterfly and flown off to see the world.
Museums like this can really change a person’s perception of Guatemala. This museum is housed in the extensive grounds of a hotel right smack dab in the center of Antigua.
I wasn’t sure if she should be doing this or not, but man is she strong.
I love the color of this picture.
You have to laugh at the crowds on a Sunday. With Guatemala City only about an hour’s drive away, Antigua becomes a very popular spot on the weekends.
That VW bus looks like a prop for this picture.
I adore my little girl. A vendor was selling these paper umbrellas for 5 Qs in the plaza. That’s only about .75 cents, yet despite dying to have one Ouest couldn’t bring herself to pull the trigger on the purchase. I finally told her that if she bought it and decided she regretted it, I would pay for it. She picked out her umbrella and was literally floating on air as she skipped down the street. Needless to say she handed over the 5Q when we got home later. Not a single purchase is made in haste in our family. I love that in this picture you can see that the decision had taken so long that Ali and Lowe had taken up residence on the sidewalk in the shade.
Nothing beats blue corn tortillas. Don’t try to convince me otherwise.
Okay, so here’s what happened. We were walking home from dinner and just three block away I peeled off to go grab a few things at the grocery store. Three blocks away! I was gone ten minutes. As I was walking home I came around the last corner and spotted Lowe on the sidewalk, on the lookout for me. He ran back in the house to alert everyone. I came up to the door and found this.
“Oh, Papa, he just followed us home. We couldn’t do anything about it.”
This sort of thing never happens if I’m there. Three measly blocks they had to walk without me.
Well come on, once a dog is in your house what are you going to do about it? Before I’d even stepped inside I was headed down the street to the corner store to get a bag of dog food.
“Chavo” was settled in immediately.
And no, we aren’t getting a dog. If there is anything less suitable to a traveling family boat life I don’t know what it is. We will however be very good fosters.
24 Comments on “Happy Animals”
Save a larval butterfly, save a dog. Pop for a vet to fix the pup; it’ll help.
Hoping to get some saved up karma before someone else crosses our path. 🙂
I agree. Poor baby needs to see a vet. Maybe they can find a home for him. I’m so glad that you helped Chacho. Please keep us updated on that. You guys are great!
He definitely wasn’t feeling good. During his neuter they did an x-ray that showed he had been injured on his left hip – by car or person, they don’t know, but it was healing. Plus exhaustion, hunger, stress…he needed a break. The vet gives a discount for helping the street animals, he cannot do much more than that. Too many animals.
Loving the updates. Glad you are enjoying yourselves in Guatemala.
Definitely enjoying our break from the boat for a few weeks. Always enjoy seeing new places, but makes us really excited to get back home when we are done.
“And no, we aren’t getting a dog.”
That sounds like a Dad statement for sure – good luck with that 😀
From
A Dad 🙂
Definitely a dad statement! Thankfully we all agree that a dog will wait until another time. It gives the kids the realization that we can help, that we can do something, and that we don’t have to keep Chavo, but we do have to help him. Life lessons there.
Life is great and so is this post!
When I was anchored at home with kids I loved following your adventures sailing around the world free as birds.
Now my kids are long grown and gone and I am enjoying following your travels around the world with your adorable kids! Enjoy the moment ?
Thanks, Esther. Makes me realize how many years have gone by. So many changes in (both) our lives.
The photo of Ouest with the parasol is priceless: sheer unadulterated joy. Good luck on finding a home for “Chavo!”
Exactly. We all need to remember those simple joys more. Chavo is on a plane this morning!
Hi
Thanks for the update on the monkey
Your comment to not release him / her into the wild is good advice
If he / she had a bigger compound with access to people and maybe a partner he / she would be in heaven
Request that where ever he / she goes keep us posted.
Keep up the good work
Cheers
Things were looking up for Chacho, the spider monkey, and now we might be back to square one. Although we do need to keep in mind that things take time for change in Mexico (a developing country). Will update when I hear updates.
I hope you don’t give the dog a home…then abandon him. After all he did follow your kids home. This sweet lost little soul knows kind and caring humans.. your dear wife & kids. .You can see in the photo that he has finally found a peaceful place to rest his head… and knows he’ll be love and fed…. by Ali & your seeet kids.
One dog on a boat will not be a tragedy.
We know…all about boats.. and dogs. Think of all the sailors who have had a dog or cat on board for love & protection. Hope you find it in your heart to do the right thing!!!
Hi Kay, I appreciate your thoughtfulness for Chavo but we disagree about having a boat dog. If we agreed with you, we would have had one a long time ago. I think I’ve found him a wonderful home, a home better than what we could give him. He will be able to rest his head, be loved, and fed — plus have a place to run free. 43 acres, instead of 42 foot boat surrounded by water. If all comes together, which involves a lot of details, I will be able to share the happily ever after soon. It will be the right thing in my heart.
Great photos of life in Guatemala. Some of the buildings are so impressive even if they are clearly deteriorating. Agree with the above comment that the photos of Ouest with the parasol are classics.
That’s such great news about Chacho. We also visited him many times over the years and often brought him bananas. It was really tough to see! I sure hope that he can enjoy a few of his remaining years.
God bless you for helping Chavo. Y’all are good people.
do you know where to find the best happy animals located in South Florida?
Ali, thank you for being such a caring soul! What you demonstrate to your children is priceless! I hardly post, but I have been following you and your family for years. It’s been a joy to watch Ouest and Lowe grow up. They are beyond lucky to have you and Pat as parents. Oh what a life they have! Thanks again for being such a kind, loving and proactive person! Your Karma account is over flowing for sure!
Pat —
Of course that’s a pooper scooper.
They didn’t have plastic bags back then 😉
Onward!
St. Rocco! No wonder a dog showed up in your lives.
ring ring “where were you guys?”
“the store”
“its 10pm!”
“yeah”
“what did you buy?”
“kitty litter”
“did we spill some oil and need to soak it up?”
“no”
thus the story goes!!!! hhhhmmmmph!