Best in Show

Today is World Rabies Day and as part of the celebrations here in Davao, the local dog clubs got together for an early-morning parade around city hall. The event drew various pedigrees: German shepherds, labradors, golden retrievers, boxers, pit bulls, dalmations...and one mongrel pup carried by a very loving owner.

Said owner was an old lady, hair unkempt, clothes ragged and dirty, and she had a habit of mumbling to herself and throwing her head back to laugh for no obvious reason. Her right eyelid was locked in a permanent squint, owing to its empty socket. When she smiled, you could see only gums where her upper front teeth were supposed to be. The crowd gave her wide berth, that old lady, but if you were kind enough to go up to her, she would nod and smile and show you the pup that she carried so lovingly in her arms.