Danger Dog Blog

Nepal's Day of the Dog 2022

Live from Kathmandu!

Nepal has a delightful tradition of honoring dogs during the celebration of Kukur Tihar.   The second day of Tihar, also known as Diwali, is devoted to giving dogs their due by treating them with delicious foods and adorning them with marigold garlands and a bright red tika blesses their forehead.  

Day of the Dog in Nepal

This cute Spitz lives on the Stupa and has a first hand view of the colorful Rangoli, the powdered mandala meant to draw Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth into their homes and business.

Day of the Dog in Nepal

 Hindus believe that dogs can sense forthcoming danger, most importantly death and are specially worshiped on this day.   This guy seems pretty chill.

Day of the Dog in Nepal

 In Hindu mythology, a dog also known as Shvan is regarded as the or vehicle of Bhairava, an avatar of Lord Shiva. 

The God of Death also has two watchdogs, who guards the gates of hell.   This guy does not like my cowboy hat and is definitely looking askance.

Dogs are a part of the culture of the World Heritage Site of Boudhanath Stupa.  Worshipers let sleeping dogs lie. 

And this bread saleslady has already adorned her 2 pups who contentedly sleep while she does business.

Day of the Dog in Boudha

 Today it is a Day of the Dog's life for these pups, but the dogs of Boudha have it pretty good every day.  

People line up to buy the marigold and gomphrenia garlands (malla in Nepalese).  Some adorn dogs and others are for doorways and people.

 

To see previous Day of the Dog posts, please go to this link.

If you would like to have your dog (cat, horse, chicken, bunny, bearded dragon, etc.) immortalized on metal here in Nepal, you can send me a photo of your pet.   I am now in Kathmandu, Nepal, taking orders.

I will return in early December in plenty of time to deliver for holiday gifts.

You choose the style, the color, what you would like the sign to say...

This hand-painted art form is fast disappearing in Kathmandu, as it already has in most parts of the world.   I pay fair trade wages, the artists get to paint again, pet lovers get a choice of three paintings for each commission, and I get to help Nepali artists make a living.   Everybody is happy.   Rescue dogs from America get to rescue artists from Nepal!

HOW TO ORDER

To order, please send me a photo of your pet.   I will give it to three different artists, giving you a choice of 3 paintings and three artists will get work.   Each painting is about one square foot and is on metal with synthetic enamel paint.   These can be hung indoors or out, be framed or unframed.

While I am in Nepal, your pet will be featured on the Danger Dog Blog, as I stop into the artists' studios and document the works in progress.

Satisfaction is guaranteed as I accept no money up front.   If you do not like one of the three, you pay nothing, and the 3 artists are paid in full in any case.   Let me know what you want it to say and that's it!

Send your photo to ampage1@gmail.com or find out more at www.NepalDog.com.

Let's keep these artists painting.

 

Live from Kathmandu: Nepali dogs

Nepali dogs are often well-treated, especially in Boudha.   There are a number of animal rescue organizations in Kathmandu that do a good job of spaying (not neutering, however), mange control and general health care.

Foo the Pug Puppy

Foo the Pug Puppy is the latest addition to a rather large family.   This handsome boy pup has 3 young kids to coddle him, but only the mother feeds him.  Some things are universal.

A Nepali Buddhist Gompa dog

This young dog poses nicely against the backdrop of a Boudha sidewalk.

Nepali Terrier

A well-dressed Terrier mix greets me near the Boudha Stupa.

Nepalese Dog

A straightforward gaze from this shepherd mix.

A Nepali dog gazes at the Boudha Stupa

 

A nice profile shot of my well-dressed friend.

The Flying Goose by Dilip

 

Here is an example of a Danger Dog portrait.  Your pet could be featured here!

Please follow the Nepal Art Dogs page on Facebook.

Or you can follow the NepalDog.typepad.com feed.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you would like to have your dog (cat, horse, chicken, bunny, bearded dragon, etc.) immortalized on metal here in Nepal, now is the perfect time to order for next Mother'sDay, Father's Day, and Graduation gifts.   I am in Nepal right now and ready to give your pet's photo to 3 different artists.

You choose the style, the color, what you would like the sign to say...

This hand-painted art form is fast disappearing in Kathmandu, as it already has in most parts of the world.   I pay fair trade wages, the artists get to paint again, pet lovers get a choice of three paintings for each commission, and I get to help Nepali artists make a living.   Everybody is happy.   Rescue dogs from America get to rescue artists from Nepal!

HOW TO ORDER

To order, please send me a photo of your pet.   I will give it to three different artists, giving you a choice of 3 paintings and three artists will get work.   Each painting is about one square foot and is on metal with synthetic enamel paint.   These can be hung indoors or out, be framed or unframed.

While I am in Nepal, your pet will be featured on the Danger Dog Blog, as I stop into the artists' studios and document the works in progress.

Satisfaction is guaranteed as I accept no money up front.   If you do not like one of the three, you pay nothing, and the 3 artists are paid in full in any case.   Let me know what you want it to say and that's it!

Send your photo to ampage1@gmail.com or find out more at www.NepalDog.com.

Let's keep these artists painting.

American Dogs = Nepali Jobs.

Hello from Dogmandu!

Please check out the Nepal Dog YouTube Channel:   https://www.youtube.com/user/NepalDog

You will be happy you did!

Micro-finance through art patronage.    Trade not Aid.

 

Laxmi Puja or the Festival of Lights in Boudha

The third day of Tihar starts as being the Day of the Cow, but the real fun starts when evening comes and every home is adorned with colorful powders (rangolis) leading to their front door.   Also lit by butter lamps and candles, this is all meant to attract Laxmi, Goddess of Wealth, to their home.   The day is filled with music and merriment, fireworks and laughter.

But those Rangolis...

 

A large Rangoli made of colored powders

 This one was done by a female Nepali artist.  I remember her from last year.   People come and marvel at this impermanent piece of art.   This rangoli only lasted another 48 hours, but was always admired.

A Rangoli beckons Laxmi to a shop

Rangolis in an arcade in Boudha

 When many shops are in an arcade, the rangolis can get elaborate.   I hope Laxmi isn't confused...

Rangoli on a quiet street in Boudha

 This pinwheel shape is especially appealing.

Sparklers and fireworks are part of the fun

Boudha Stupa rang with laughter and sparkled with light

 

An arcade in Boudha filled with Rangoli 

A small Rangoli 

Butter lamps glow in the night around the Stupa

 Religion is always the reason for any holiday in Nepal. 

Boudha Stupa covered in light

 It is always special to see Boudha Stupa lit at night.   During Laxmi Puja they stay on all night.

Street dogs of Boudha sleep through the festivities

 These insouciant street dogs don't seem to mind the loud fireworks and the crowds.  They are sleeping in order to get up and bark all night!

 

The next day the rangoli are intact

 For at least a little while, these rangolis see the light of day before being destroyed by footsteps or dogs or the wind.   After 3 days they are all gone. 

A Papillon Chihuahua mix by Megh Raj Thapa

This little charmer is hand painted on metal by the sign board artist Megh Raj Thapa and is a perfect example of what you can expect when you order a portrait of your pet.   You can fully customize what you would like it to say, coloring in the background, style of painting (folk art or realistic) and, of course, all pets are welcome.   I have had everything from desert turtles to conyers to ferrets ordered.    Each commission gets a choice of 3 portraits by different artists.

I am currently in Nepal at the beginning of my trip.   Please order soon.

Satisfaction is guaranteed as I accept no money up front.   If you do not like one of the three, you pay nothing, and the 3 artists are paid in full in any case.   Let me know what you want it to say and that's it!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Now is the time to order:   Be ahead of the Pack!   

I am in Kathmandu right now and taking orders until the November 25, 2017 cut off date.  I will be back in plenty of time to mail your holiday orders.

How to order your custom pet portrait from NepalDog.com

1. Please send me a photo of your pet.  I will give it to three different artists, giving you a choice of 3 paintings and three people will get work.   Each painting is about one square foot and is on metal with synthetic enamel paint.   These can be hung indoors or out.

2. Let me know what you would like it to say.

3. Let me know what style of portrait you would prefer:   naive, realistic, colorful, etc.

4. Tell me your pet's name and breed.   

5. Send your photo to me at:   ampage1@gmail.com  
That's it !

Satisfaction is guaranteed as I accept no money up front.   If you do not like one of the three, you pay nothing, and the 3 artists are paid in full in any case.   Let me know what you want it to say and that's it!

The cost is $250 plus shipping.   Shipping is around $20 per sign (to and from the US).   And 9.75% California sales tax for California residents.  
Pay after choosing your portrait. 
Multiple pets on one sign cost more ($325 for Double, $400 for Triple).

Let's keep these artists painting.

This hand-painted art form is fast disappearing in Kathmandu, as it already has in most parts of the world.   I pay fair trade wages, the artists get to paint again, pet lovers get a choice of three paintings for each commission, and I get to help Nepali artists make a living.   Everybody is happy.   Rescue dogs from America get to rescue artists from Nepal!

Welcome to Nepal's Day of the Dog 2017

Nepal is the only country in the world to celebrate a day dedicated to dogs.

 Kukor Tihar is a day of Dog blessings.   

A Spitz and a Boxer on Nepal's Day of the Dog

This young (very well-trained) Spitz and his brindle Boxer puppy friend are awaiting their Kukor Puja treats.

A brindle Boxer puppy and her first Day of the Dog

The 5 and a half month old Boxer is about to enjoy her first Day of the Dog.

The ceremony is complicated and took about 3 minutes.  That Spitz has the patience of a saint and the young Boxer has that unique Boxer wiggle...   They are garlanded with marigolds, red tikas (blessings) are applied to their foreheads and paws.   Coins are placed on their heads and then, they are very well fed with meat and rice.  Flower petals and rice kernels are also part of the process.

The Kukor Puja ceremony begins

The ceremony has just begun and the Boxer pup is already digging in.

The Spitz does his Namaste while awaiting his treats

He must have held that Namaste pose for 4 minutes, before he got antsy.   He also shakes hands...

Nepal's Day of the Dog ceremony deserves a selfie.

The Spitz' owner is understandably proud... 

A big and handsome St. Bernard dog on Nepal's Day of the Dog

 This big St Bernard is very good at his job.   He did not stop barking at me!

A young Spitz just wants to have her ears rubbed.

 

This dog was so pretty and friendly...

 

Two Nepali street dogs near my hotel in Boudha

 Even the street dogs near my hotel got the full Day of the Dog treatment and they are sleeping it off!

Lucky the Dachshund roaming the streets of Boudha

Also known as Kukor Puja or Kukor Tihar, it is part of a 5 day festival which also has a special day for crows and cows.   Tihar is part of the festival of lights where the locals invite Laxmi into their homes with colorful powders and lights so that they can have wealth in the coming year.

India also celebrates a version of this holiday, but they do not honor dogs as part of their Diwali (Dipawali) festival.

 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Now is the time to order:   Be ahead of the Pack!   

I am in Kathmandu right now and taking orders until the November 25, 2017 cut off date.  I will be back in plenty of time to mail your holiday orders.

How to order your custom pet portrait from NepalDog.com

1. Please send me a photo of your pet.  I will give it to three different artists, giving you a choice of 3 paintings and three people will get work.   Each painting is about one square foot and is on metal with synthetic enamel paint.   These can be hung indoors or out.

2. Let me know what you would like it to say.

3. Let me know what style of portrait you would prefer:   naive, realistic, colorful, etc.

4. Tell me your pet's name and breed.   

5. Send your photo to me at:   ampage1@gmail.com  
That's it !

Satisfaction is guaranteed as I accept no money up front.   If you do not like one of the three, you pay nothing, and the 3 artists are paid in full in any case.   Let me know what you want it to say and that's it!

The cost is $250 plus shipping.   Shipping is around $20 per sign (to and from the US).   And 9.75% California sales tax for California residents.  
Pay after choosing your portrait. 
Multiple pets on one sign cost more ($325 for Double, $400 for Triple).

Let's keep these artists painting.

This hand-painted art form is fast disappearing in Kathmandu, as it already has in most parts of the world.   I pay fair trade wages, the artists get to paint again, pet lovers get a choice of three paintings for each commission, and I get to help Nepali artists make a living.   Everybody is happy.   Rescue dogs from America get to rescue artists from Nepal!

Live from Nepal: Dogs of Mustang

The dogs of Mustang in Nepal have a great life.   They are free to roam where they want and sleep in some outrageous places.

Thondrup, a Nepali Dog in Marpha

This is Thondrup, a big dog from Marpha.    These photos do not really show the massive size of Thondrup's paws and body.

Thakali Losar parade led by Thondrup.

He is omnipresent and leads the Thakali Losar parade,   Losar (aka Tibetan New Year) is celebrated a couple of weeks later here in Marpha than in Kathmandu.   

Thondrup and his prime seat at the archery tournament

Part of the Losar celebrations include an archery tournament, and, of course, Thondrup is front and center.

Thondrup gets his moment in the sun.

Thondrup gets a well deserved rest in a sunny spot.   More dogs from Mustang coming soon.   Internet is very spotty here, but I hope to introduce you to many great dogs.   They have a great life here.

 

Just as I finished writing this, I walked out of my Guest House and there was Thondrop.   Wagging his tail and accepting neck scratches and belly rubs.