Focus on Mexico Blog

We had lots of firsts with the group that came on February 13, but one of the more interesting concerned one of the monkeys at Ana’s brother’s B&B in Guadalajara. When Bill got to the B&B, not everyone was there yet, so he, being the patient man he is, settled in comfortably with his feet up on another chair. I guess one monkey in particular saw him as a friend and not a threat and, therefore, began exploring his new-found toy…even to the extent of crawling up Bill’s pant leg. I, of course, immediately took advantage of the photo op, and kept saying, "see how far he’ll go up your leg, Bill!"

Bill, being smarter than I, stopped the little fellow at the knee. I can appreciate his caution.

Well, we did it! As all the participants who have come on our programs since we've been going to Monte Coxala know, we fell in love with the dogs there. We don't know why ... everyone else said they were ugly, but they just really touched our hearts. When we found out Mama had babies on January 27, we told Lola we definitely wanted one.

We picked her up on March 22, and she's been getting to know the rest of her family since then. Just to give you her background: She's a Xoloitzcuintle...a Mexican Hairless Dog (pronounced show-low-EETS-queent-lee)...usually shortened to Xolo...leave it to us to get an unpronounceable dog! They are very unusual-looking dogs, but Bill and I fell in love with them when we first saw them at the Spa. And, I have to share with you what happened when we went to pick out the one we wanted. As an intro to the story, here's one description of the breed:

"Many swear they have learned more from their Xolo than any other breed, because they are so intelligent and in tune with their family, they seem to know when you are not feeling well, and stay with you, comforting you when alone or depressed."

Well, Ana called Lola at Monte Coxala to make sure we were in line to get one of the dogs, and Lola said we could come out any time and pick out the one we wanted. So we immediately went. As we drove up to the spa, the Mother Xolo was out looking at our car drive up and dancing back and forth. We thought maybe she was 'expecting' someone and was going to be mighty disappointed when we got out of the car. She wasn't...she was so excited to see us. We've been up to Monte Coxala many times with the groups and not once has this dog paid any attention to us at all. In fact, she growled at Bill once when he tried to pet her. This time, she danced all around us and jumped up on Bill as if she were so excited that we'd finally shown up. Then she led us to her pups...I knew where they were since I had taken the original picture. Lola walked out then to go in with us. No matter how Mama was acting, I wasn't about to traipse in on her pups unattended. That seemed to be asking for trouble.

Mama had given birth to seven puppies...but only four survived...2 boys and 2 girls. I, of course, wanted a girl. And, the one that Bill had picked out from his first look at the picture not only was still alive, but was a female! Meant to be!

Our little one was buried under the other female, but we told Lola not to worry about showing us the female...that was the one we wanted, and we were happy just to know she was doing well. Well, at that moment, Mama got in the bed, and pushed the other female off 'ours' so we could see her better. She then preceded to groom our pup and push her toward her nipples. Once the little one was suckling, Mama looked up at us as if to say, "see; I'm taking good care of her for you!" It was so funny!

We were going to name her Izel (EE-zel) because it means "Unique, One of a kind" in Aztec...that's how old her breed is and the name Xoloitzcuintle is an Aztec name. However, our friend Ana Kabande (FOM program director) kept asking us why we wanted such an ugly dog..."she is muy feo!" So I finally told Ana that if she didn't stop calling our dog ugly, we were going to name her Ana!!! She looked at me and said, "Ana is muy bonita!" (very beautiful) ? We thought that was the end of it until we told Ana about the name Izel...she said, "I want her name to be Ana!" Then Peter (Vita agent as well as connected to Monte Coxala) said we should have something about Coxala (COKE-sah-lah) in her name...it was only fair. So now her official name is Ana-Izela McConnauWAY-Kabande de Coxala!!! Is that too funny or what? Name's bigger than the dog. A unique name for a unique dog!

Ana-Izela has been with us for less than a month, but seems to be connecting with our other dogs, Tillie (5-year-old white terrier), Maggie (3-year-old gray poodle) and Lucky (alpha dog, 16-year-old miniature dachshund!). It hasn't always been perfect, but, being a puppy, Ana doesn't take 'no' for an answer very often, whether it's chasing Maggie around the yard, wrestling with Tillie or sleeping on top of Lucky. They seemed to have worked out the pecking order somewhat. This is good, because Ana's probably going to weigh more than the other three combined. I think she thinks she's a lap dog right now, but, hopefully, she'll get over that.

Bow Wow Chic! The invitation offered a front-row seat at a fashion show. Imagine that! Front row! I'd never been to a fashion show before, much less front-row! Ah yes, I read further...ah yes...I see...of course!

You're invited to the The Lakeside Spay and Neuter A.C.'s annual Doggy Fashion Show.

Well, it's not Paris or even New York, but it was a very chic event indeed, with all in attendance loving their furry friends, wanting them to wear nice clothing and meet the right sort of other little dogs.

The Doggy Fashion Show put on annually by Lakeside Spay and Neuter is an informal but fun event/dinner where mutts or bluebloods "strut their stuff' attired in costumes to reflect their owner's creativity, imagination and/or sense of humor! Costumes for human attendees were optional, but since it was after all April Fool's Day, the human contingent made the most of the occasion too...most capitalizing on a "theme" that complemented or contrasted with "Fido's" fashion statement!

There were the stylish, the bucolic and the Hell's Angel entries all vying for attention on the runway. The dogs and their masters displayed winning moves and everyone in attendance had a great time. The owners and their dogs were all pretty good sports, showing up to "show off" their support for a very worthy cause.

The winner was Vivien Michel and her dog, Daisy Mae McCoy... dressed in oh-so-chic faux leopard-skin with what can only be described as a Lauren Bacall veil...I was SO born in the wrong era. I long for the 40s with those plush muff/handbags and the flirty veils!! Daisy Mae definitely sounds like the name of a Raymond Chandler heroine! Maybe next year it could Film Noir-style Doggy Fashion Show. "Dust off your old fedora, grab your trench coat, break out your Bogey, and call out your Bacall." Okay, I'm getting carried away now...it was just a whole lot of fun, and a great evening was had by all with barbeque, lettuce wraps appetizers, dancing and an auction thrown in for good measure.

And, may I say one word for the seemingly most under-appreciated person there? Before the dinner, a singer by the name of Jack Fallon entertained us with soft ballads. He was delightful, but got very little applause because people were arriving, greeting, schmoozing and taking care of their doggies...we just didn't have two hands among us to clap! He was very entertaining and the perfect note to arrive on and start the evening. So...Jack, we apologize...consider this our online version of two hands clapping!

And, last but not least (to us, anyway!), Ana-Izela McConnaWAY-Kabande de Coxala made her public debut at this event, and, as you can see from the picture, became weary of the whole thing ...so much attention; so little puppy breath! Finally, overcome with ennui, she took her afternoon siesta in her chauffeur's lap!

You know, this Pet Chic fashion show has me thinking about reincarnation. In my next life, I want to be a Yorkie Poo, live at Lakeside, and ride around in a BMW with a rich lady. Chase cars? Chase cats? Chase mailmen? Are you insane? I have to get ready for next year's event. "I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille!"

And, if any of you out-of-towners feel like contributing to a worthy cause, here is the address and information. You'll feel great if you do it!

Checks should be made payable to: Lakeside Spay & Neuter Center , A.C.

Please write on the "memo" line on the face of the check: For deposit to account #23710683

Mail check to:
USAA Federal Savings Bank 10750
McDermott Fwy
San Antonio, TX 78288