As we started on the last leg home, a guy comes up and asks me where I got this dog. So I told him the same story I've told you and he, some of his family, and a small crowd gathered around us (not like for a fight but just to watch). The man said that that is his dog and he wants it back, then tomorrow I will have to go and find the guy who sold him to me and we will go to the police station. I said I have no idea where to find that guy, and I told him that I will gladly go to the police station with him in the morning with Buddy, but I will keep him until then. He didn't want to do that and after a few minutes of arguing, I started to walk off and they grabbed Buddy's leash and wouldn't let go. So to avoid any type of physical confrontation, I went with them to their house and left the dog until tomorrow. Now, this is something that did not sit well with me for more than 2 seconds. So instead of waiting until the morning, I jumped on a moto and went to the police station immediatly.
The Police Commissioner was there as I pulled up and since he is such an awesome guy, I got to explain what happened in English! English! It made things a lot easier. After that, we got in his car and went to the guys house. One thing I noticed is how much respect the people here give the commissioner. Even the angry guy who was a confident asshole and took my dog was a completely different person in his presence. He's definetly deserving of it though, he handled the situation well, listened to both sides of the story, and he never seemed to give off the idea that he had more power than anyone else. Also, he is my neighbor, lives just a few houses down, awesome. Anyways, the Commish decided he didn't like discusssing things at this man's house, it was dark and there were some fools around (crazies), so we went back to the police station.
At the police station, we sat and talked with the original owner who wanted to keep his property. It was a difficult situation, I'm pretty sure buddy was his dog and most likely someone did steal him and sell him to me. However, I've had buddy for a month or so now, cleaned up and made him healthy, he's definitly made life better for me here, so I don't want to give him up. I offered to pay them what they gave for Buddy and then once they found another dog I would pay for that one too, but they didn't want that. Then, they finally said that if I give them 10,000cfa they'd let me keep the dog (equivelant to 20.00USD).
What could have been the case: It could have been that it was a conspiracy to get more money out of me. They told someone to take the dog and sell it to me. Then at a later time they would do exactly what they did tonight and try to take the dog back knowing I would want to keep it and give them more money...so if that was the case then it worked well.
Now, Buddy is asleep on the floor next to the bed as I write this, I don't think I'll have to worry about those guys trying to take the dog or rob me(I mean the Police Commissioner is only 2 houses down), we shook hands when they left the station. They may be a little bitter though and I'll avoid walking past that way for awhile.
The king's a beggar, now the play is done:
All is well ended, if this suit be won,
That you express content; which we will pay,
With strife to please you, day exceeding day:
Ours be your patients then, and yours our parts;
Your gentle hands lend us, and take our hearts.
2 comments:
You must have the diplomacy of Dr. Kissinger to be a Peace Corps volunteer! Glad you got Buddy back.
Carol's mom
I am glad you got to keep Buddy, and I am glad you have him to make life better for you over there! much love!
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