Man bites Dog

Firstly I will start out by saying that I am a vegetarian and while I am not necessarily vegetarian for animal rights, I do have some feelings for them and I don't advocate the consumption of animal meat especially if it's not free range and anti-biotic free (let alone a dog), but I guess its fascinating to some people so I thought I'd give a little background (with a little help from our Lonely Planet Guide).

The history of dog meat (gou rou) consumption in China dates back millennia.  Famed among Middle Kingdom residents for its medicinal qualities, canine flesh is especially popular in winter months, as the meat is believed to generate heat and promote bodily warmth.  They tell me that after a spell in Guangxi, I'll get used to the sight of freshly skinned mutts being blow torched by the wayside, or man's best friend -- limbs stiff from rigor mortis -- hanging rigidly from hooks in night markets.  Or how about the fresh skinned dog faces I see when I walk into my "friendly neighbourhood store" Wal-Mart (that would be Big W for the Australians but they call it Wal-Mart here)?  I personally don't think so.

Dog meat may make it to the menu across much of China, but not all Chinese participate.  Many here are dearly devoted dog lovers with pedigree pooches that are well trained and wear Nike shoes (yes you read that correctly).  In our complex alone, we have Poodles, Huskies, Samoyeds, Chows and little lion looking dogs that I don't know the real name of.  You will never see any of them on leashes or tables.  Gou rou is a special breed that is farmed entirely for consumption, although I don't know how one can go to the market and look at the puppies alongside the chickens and ducks and think, "I'll have that for dinner!"  In fact sometimes, if the dog meat isn't selling, they'll chop it up and mix it in with the goat because apparently it looks and tastes very similar. 

There is a people group though -- the Manchu from China's northeast -- that eschew dog meat because a much-revered pooch once saved the life of Nurhachi, their leader (or founder -- I forget which).  

And now, I will leave you with a much nicer image in mind...

We found a new Bird and Flower Market much bigger than the one by our flat (don't worry, they only sell animals for pets at this type of market -- it's when you see dogs at the wet market that you know they are meant for consumption).  I couldn't really drag Jason any further than the baby bunnies...

And I have to throw in a picture of the kissing fish.  They really needed to get a room!

This is my new friend that keeps finding me where ever I go!  She is the cutest thing (mostly because she thinks I'm the most beautiful thing she's ever seen -- that's about all the English she knows too).  She hardly speaks English and I hardly speak Chinese so we get along famously!

Hey Vicki does this photo bring back memories or what?!  You should come here -- bunnies are totally legal.  Which reminds me and I'll close with a joke:

Q.  What do Australians think that Chinese built the Great Wall for?

A. To keep out the rabbits.

Baibai (Bet you can't guess what that means)!