I was recently in the tiny beach town of Montezuma in Costa Rica for about a week, and I really got to know some of the resident dogs quite well, and what an affable lot they are. They're not homeless , but they are free to wander about from dawn to dusk. They find a cool shadowy spot to sleep through the intense heat of noonday sun, and the rest of time, they just do whatever whatever they feel like.
From the veranda of my hotel, I'd sip cafe con leche while I watched two Akitas romp in the surf every morning, and then roll around in the sand - absolute ecstasy - for all of us.
And every afternoon around 4:00, a beautiful Rottweiler would head down to the beach where people congregate to catch the best body surfing waves, pick up a dried coconut husk or a piece of driftwood, and she'd amble up to the tourists until she found someone to toss it in the ocean for her, and would joyfully dive after it - over and over again. If they got tired of playing, she'd find someone else, until the sun was nearly set, and then she would head for home, exhausted but happy, and ready for dinner. I saw her do this every single day.
I counted about 20 dogs there, and never once saw a fight break out, or even an argument between the dogs. It's a great life and they know it.
The dogs of Costa Rica embrace the motto of this small, vibrant country - pura vida - the calm appreciation of the beauty everyday life has to offer. It's a lifestyle I want to aspire to - wish me luck please!
