While we were waiting and chatting, restless Jamar had found himself a dog to play with. He really missed his own canine, but this Jamaican puppy was a little hesitant and nervously moved forward and backward seemingly at the same time. Fear and attraction were obviously fighting an even battle inside her. Finally a stranger came over and offered the advice that “Hotdog” would respond most kindly to an offering of food. So Jamar un-crumbled his last dollars and went into the convenience-store-part of the internet cafe and procured some sausage bits in a can.
Hotdog immediately fell in love with Jamar as soon as the can was opened. She didn't so much eat the sausages as she breathed them in. That made Jamar look at me like a puppy.
Jamar: “We need more! Do you have money?”
Me: “Boss-lady inside has the wallet.”
Jamar disappeared again and came back with two more cans.
By now more neighbors had taken interest in the project and people were now offering suggestions as to which other animals might need a feeding. A contest of urgency ensued and after much discussion a pregnant cat won out and we searched the neighboring bar with a group of concerned citizens in order to find the needy mother.
We found her lying down in the dust against the back-side of the structure. A little startled by the sudden emergence of a group of excited of people she tried to get up fast and run. But before she could get away with her swollen belly, we shoved some canned food in her face. She sniffed confused and quickly figured out, that we were probably not here to grab and drown her. Oh what a joy! Jamaicans are so capable of being right here in the moment. Everyone clapped and immensely enjoyed the kindness that was taking place. It was like a little mini-party - with dancing!
