Amara Stupac, Cernica, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Fortune Cookies
Author: Amara Stupac
I am really fond of animals, dogs in particular, and in Cernica, almost every household has one. The barking in the neighborhood acts like a natural alarm, letting us know when someone unknown was around. It helps keep things organized in our community. Neighbors can also often recognize you just by the way you knocked on their door, making it tough to stay unknown.
Cernica, a neighborhood nestled within the Old Town of Mostar, resembles a maze of narrow alleyways. The intimacy of this place reveals the raw truths of life, where beloved pets link footsteps to the aroma of dolma and fabric softener. I cherish the memories of the neighbor’s lively dog, a spirited companion with a resonant tenor-like bark. My late mother, in her comforting manner, would calm his excitement by placing a gently simmering pressure cooker. The dog eagerly awaited the arrival of flawlessly cooked chicken legs.
In the past, women used to boil bones, cool the broth, pour it into plastic yogurt cups, and then store it in the freezer. These were joyful times – it was a daily ritual to consume the soup.
The dog had two names: the artistic Loknica (little lock of hair), likely due to his curly fur, and the showbiz name Ljuti (fierce one), given by the neighborhood. He responded to both with equal enthusiasm. Interestingly, he was never tethered in the courtyard. He engaged in playful activities with family members and attended to his needs in the garden. I presume the landlady would clean up after him, as there was no unpleasant odor.
Ljuti would occasionally take a leash-guided stroll, not for control but to greet his long-time companions before returning to his realm. Despite his small and scruffy appearance, Ljuti was not prone to aggression. Yet, his bark echoed reminiscent of a lion’s roar, leading to the query of why he was never given the nickname “Lion” – possibly because of his small size. The mailman, from across the street, would yell, “Lock him up; I can’t come in.” The owner, despite confidence in his dog’s obedience, would promptly comply, avoiding any unnecessary risks.
A dog is truly a man’s best friend, and much like humans, they embody the essence of the old saying, “You are who you are with.”
I wake up early in the morning to avoid the heat, aware of getting older. I head to the store, and what I witness is quite a scene. Unknown owners bring their canine companions out for their business, or as they playfully refer to it, “number two and pee-pee.” The selection of dogs is Hollywood-inspired, but the level of training doesn’t always measure up. The impressive outward appearances can be deceiving, as the saying goes, “shiny on the outside, troubles within.” Many owners leave their dog’s waste as fecal “cookies”, trusting their pets enough to walk without a leash. They assure others, saying, “He won’t bite; he’s well trained,” especially when encountering frightened children.
During the morning hours, the first call of nature takes place, followed by an afternoon session of freedom and a visit to children’s playgrounds. We are all different; not everyone is fond of dogs, and some even dislike fish. Nevertheless, owners often receive criticism, and from time to time, I catch whispers such as, “Oh my, he’s afraid of dogs. Take care as to how you’re raising your child.”
Illogical reasoning has, at times, led to instances of dog bites, and more commonly, they result in conflicts between pets. A friend once shared an incident where a sizable dog attacked his poodle because the owner let it roam without restraint.
A particularly challenging category of pet owners exhibits a lack of responsibility. The initial charm of endearing sweetness, embodied in the irresistibly affectionate gaze of a small creature, frequently triggers an expansion of the family. However, as time passes, the once-beloved pet gradually transitions from a source of joy to a burdensome responsibility. The initial tender gaze, while heartwarming, eventually metamorphoses into the essential physiological needs of elimination, while the initial sweetness of the bond diminishes with the rise in appetite, ushering in a new phase of challenges. The seemingly simplistic solution often involves eviction, rationalized by the assumption that “it’s an animal, it will manage.” However, deprived of shelter, both humans and their four-legged companions undergo a transformation into beings grappling for survival. There are occasions when I’m filled with trepidation, particularly when walking a considerable distance at night, primarily due to the presence of abandoned pets that roam the streets.
However, a common set of rules should be applied uniformly; a leash and poop bags, accompanied by a muzzle for larger dogs, are imperative when strolling with our four-legged family members. The moment one experiences the tangible impact on their finances, i.e., the “hit” to their pocket, the repetition of responsible actions will become “the mother of knowledge.”
Owning a dog comes with responsibilities, and those who are not adequately prepared for this commitment should refrain from expanding their household to include a canine companion.