Didim Today

1,5 years ago I went to the Greek isle of Crete and was amazed about the attitude of the Greek people towards dogs and cats. So different from most people in Western Europe... We took one Greek dog home with us to Holland and we still are very happy with him (as he is with us!).As I could not understand the warmhearted Greek people with their attitude towards dogs, I wrote an open letter to some Greek newspapers. Besides both newspapers placed my letter, even one of the editors  - a doglover himself - consented in a monthly column in his Crete Gazette. The Greek people react very enthousiastic about the stories.

One person said: We never learned how to treat dogs in a right way. It is as simple as that! A few months ago, I - by accident - met people with dogs from Turkey as well and I found out Greek and Turkish people have the same attitude towards dogs.

An extended series bark, with moderate till long intervals. Is someone there? I feel lonely and I am in need for some company. Generally caused by social isolation or confinement. 

One or two sharp, short barks, on normal or higher tone: Hello! Typical greetings- or recognitions signal, meant for a well-known person.  

Single, well-considered bark: Come here...  Learnt form of communication, to bring about a human reaction, as the opening of a door, being hungry, etc...  

Soft growl, low tone (seems to come from the chest): Go away! Look out, you!  Of a dominant dog that  is irritated or demands that others stay out of its neighbourhood.  

Cry (often sonorous and long-drawn-out): I am here!  This is my territory. Dogs use this to announce  their presence, to socialize on distance and to beacon their territory. 

Crying bark: I am alone and I am worried. Why nobody comes to keep me company?  The sad sound of  a dog that feels lonesome and fears that nobody will react on its cry of distress.  

A screaming dog: Help! I think I will die. A sign of pain and panic of a dog that fears for its life.   

Signals of the tail

Tail horizontal, pointing off the dog, but not stiff: Maybe something interesting is going to happen  there.  

Tail points straight behind: Let's see who's the boss here.

Tail low, near the hind legs: I do not feel well.  I am a little bit depressed. 

Tail between the legs: I am frightened. Please, don’t hurt me. 

Set up hairs on the tail: I defy you! 

Faintly wag: You like me, don't you?

Spread out wag, without lowering the body, moving the hips to and fro: I like you. Let's be friends.   

Slowly wagging, rather low tail: I don't quite understand. 

We could not explain to Boomer how proud we were of him that he might have driven away a thief from our house, but we rewarded hem with a special dog’s dainty of rawhide, and his tail almost made him lift the ground, so fast his tail made rounds. 

Articles and letter from  Marianne Miltenburg

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