How to Deal With Howling Dogs in China
I’ve been invited to a party for nudists of sorts — a neighbour of mine has shed his/her humanity and would like me to do the same and jump in the pool.
Very nearby there is a dog who howls all night. It probably starts shortly after I fall asleep, because I do fall asleep and yet, once I have heard its tormented cries, I cannot sleep again. It is a continuous expression of anguish and sorrow. It pierces glass. It pierces darkness. It pierces restfulness. It challenges any attempts I may have to convince myself that I am a good person — it disagrees.
I’ve thought of sneaking over in the night and poisoning the poor beast. I’ve thought of publicly humiliating its deformed, twisted owners. Putting them in a pillory where they can be scorned; immortalized as oddities and relics. But I still get to sleep in my bed as I have done for many nights now, as my canine friend has continued to ask for help or release.
I am complicit in its suffering. I have been invited to this party and I cannot claim not to know the predilections of my host. I need to act today. My own humanity is at stake.
