The Dogs of Petra

When I think about Petra, I mostly think about the dogs.

They were everywhere. Walking next to us, laying in the shade, and following people. Some of them were really skinny, and that made me feel bad. But they were also really friendly and gentle. They just wanted attention.

One dog followed us for a long time. He stayed close to us and wagged his tail when we looked at him. It felt like he picked us to walk with.

I also noticed the kids and women trying to make money. Some kids kept asking us to take pictures with them or buy things so they could get a tip. They were nice, but it made me feel kind of uncomfortable because it felt like they had to do it.

Sometimes it was hard to enjoy everything when I kept thinking about them. I didn’t really know what to do or say, but I couldn’t stop noticing.

Seeing the dogs, the kids, and the women made me realize that people actually live here. It’s not just a place people visit on vacation.

The poor dogs and kids are there every day. Sometimes I wish I could save them.

That’s what I’ll remember.

Not the buildings, but the people and animals who are just there every day.