Overview of the Ethnobiology of Dogs in Dominica, West Indies
Overview of the Ethnobiology of Dogs in Dominica, West Indies
Session:
Perception, Knowledge, and MeaningDate and Time:
Friday, 6 May, 2011 - 21:30 to 21:50
Of all of the animals with whom humans interact, dogs have a unique position as our first domesticate and most frequent animal partner. We explore the reciprocal relationship between humans and dogs in a remote village on Dominica. Methods include participant-observation and semi-structured interviews with ten dog-owning families, and free-list interviews on canine ethnoveterinary treatments with 15 adults residents. Dominican dogs are critical to family economics, perceived safety, and companionship. Villagers care for their own dogs on a daily basis and treat them with bush medicines (home remedies) when the dogs fall ill. Yet, it is common to view others’ dogs with derision and suspicion, and many local dogs succumb to foul play.