my baby just cares for me

I woke up emotionally and mentally tired today. The constant barrage of thoughts (i.e. used, godforsaken & dispirited) isn't helping either. So, I've decided to start rating my stress factor on a daily basis. Today: 8/10. And, it is only Monday morning goddamnit. Argh!!

At my current state of feeling abandoned, I recalled reading a book written by a Russian writer/journalist in the late 19th century, Vladimir Gilyarovsky mentioning stray dogs while observing the criminal underworld in Moscow. Stray dogs are a common sight everywhere in the world but nothing compared to its population and integration seen here. So common that there is a website dedicated to strays in the Russian capital where pictures are posted regularly. How many you say? At the moment, there are 35,000 stray dogs in Moscow. To put that into perspective, that's 84 dogs per square mile. Originally, the strays were unwanted pet dogs that were dumped by its Muscovite owners but nowadays, this isn't the case. The probability of a pet dog surviving in the streets now is near zero. It is thought that the population density of these strays are subjected to the frequency of these animals coming into contact to each other, which contributes to their psychology, behavioural pattern, physiology, stress level and environmental awareness. These strays are neither domesticated nor wild, they are an evolving breed. Moscow strays can be divided into 5 types, guard dogs, beggars, independent hustlers, wild dogs and finally metro dogs.

Guard dogs are most comfortable with humans and are quick to bond with security guards who they consider as masters. They mainly can be seen loitering around warehouses, hospitals and garages. It is a symbiotic relationship for food & security. Beggars meanwhile are strays that are able to socialise with people but do not get attached personally. These dogs are always in small packs and it is common for some to leave the pack for better opportunities elsewhere. The third group is Independent Hustlers whose interaction with humans is predominantly directed towards other strays. These hustlers live by gathering food from the street and rubbish bins. Wild dogs meanwhile are seen within wooded parks, city borders and industrial complexes. They are never seen on the streets, nocturnal and are predators. They view us as potentially dangerous and will not socialise with us. Finally, the most interesting group of all is the metro dogs. These mongrels are savvy canine commuters that live and travel in the metro. Similar to people, these strays use the public transport to commute within the city. They have good instincts about people, able to recognise stations by the pre-recorded station stop names, aware of time and of course a good sense of smell.

In Moscow, there is a vigorous debate for the future of the strays. There those who believe that extermination is needed to cap the spread of diseases and some while acknowledge the negatives, fight to forbid the killing of the stray dogs and suggest a system of sterilising them and building shelters. The city councils are definitely listening to these forums and are proactively acting in response. These Muscovite's grew up with stray dogs and considers them a positive contribution to the cityscape. The question remains, is a city just for people and other non homo sapiens not invited? Except for religious beliefs such as cows to live and roam free in India, why can't strays? Is this the true future of our cities, a concrete desert filled with consumption and eco-wannabe's with rooftop gardens and under-spec wooden slats 'green' facades?

I truly hope not because unlike what I'm feeling right now, I most unequivocally will end up being in the streets like the strays - abandoned and cold. For real.