Beware of Dog.

So everyone knows that dogs in France are up on a higher pedestal than children most of the time. However, I find dogs here to be a little mangier than their American counterparts. While they're allowed access into restaurants, gyms, on the bus/train, hair salons and what have you, they're not as neatly-kept as most pets I've seen at home. But then again, I did live in Santa Barbara for awhile where people kept their little doggies in purses and painted their claws. Sick.

Last Friday when I was having lunch with my mom and sister in Juan-les-Pins, this big gnarly Burmese Mountain Dog was busy shoving its nose up a tree, investigating hours and hours of other dogs' piss. That's exactly what I want to see right before I stuff my face. He also was almost entirely white, except the tips of his fur were extremely gray and dirty, thanks to the lack of care he's given by his owner.

Long story short, said dog starts bolting after an older woman and her dainty little old dog. Instead of shrieking and freaking out, the woman pulls her dog close to her and looks directly in the Burmese Mountain Dog's eyes.

"It's nice to meet you. You don't scare me," she says and continues walking on her merry way.

It's almost like they think that dogs are equally rational beings here. Then again, I wouldn't be so apt to call many people that I've met here "rational." Oh well...

15 More Days Until France BANS Indoor Smoking! :)

- and -

8 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS IN FRANCE!!