Moscow’s Homeless Dogs
There are thousands. The first I saw were a group outside Kazansky Station the day I arrived. An unofficial welcome committee for weary travelers off the 3-day train from Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Most were lounging about, though a couple got up and nonchalantly inspected arriving luggage. Moscow-style sniffer dogs. Later I saw one outside the National Hotel opposite Red Square resting, center-sidewalk, during rush hour oblivious of foot traffic.
sure enough someone has immortalized these Metro freeloaders on Youtube
I discovered these canines are the stuff of urban legends, nipping behind police lines, speeding up alleys and crossing roads closed to the general public. Sometimes there are fast-moving pups in tow. Many are a generic dark blonde, a cross between a lab and a German Shepherd with long lanky legs.
According to the Financial Times they take the Metro – and sure enough someone has immortalized these freeloaders on Youtube – lolling on seats and squeezing in as car doors close. Some say when capitalism came to Moscow warehouses, where many dogs hangout, were relocated to cheaper real estate on the city fringes. For the dogs to reach city center, and more plentiful food ops, they became commuters.
Theories abound but these quintessentially street smart canines are as much part of the scene in Moscow as St. Basil’s Cathedral.
UPDATE: My original YouTube video, Moscow dogs take the Metro, was taken down – unknown to me. I am now adding two more.
Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!masters degree online
Sounds like win, win. Info and lunch. Thanks for letting me know