khanabadosh

-- Dawa: The Story of a Stray Dog in Bhutan, Kunzang Choden

Bhutan is a small hermit kingdom in the Himalayan foothills, placed snugly between India and China and quite aloof to the rest of the world. However, they do have an reasonably active tourism industry and is in fact one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit.

Bhutan government's guiding principal is 'Gross National Happiness', which manifests in their public policies of free healthcare and  education, promotion of their culture, and the incredible efforts in ecological conservation which makes it the only carbon negative country in the world.

The National Happiness is also evident in how happy the subjects of the kingdom are. The country consumes a lot of alcohol and the favorite pass-time is playing snooker at pubs . . . and they do pass a lot of time. The average Bhutanese is a relaxed soul not really looking to rush things and this applies not just to humans but their fauna as well. Especially the dogs. 

Shadows move in the dense green maze

With the sounds of the wild creating a haze.

But watch your step and stay on guard

Don't be deluded or let the senses be marred,

For, hidden in the forest, just behind the view

A tank of flesh, keeps an eye on you.

-- khanabadosh

Photograph from a safari at Kyathadevara Gudi (K.Gudi) Park