25 Nov A Dog’s Life in North Richmond

Photo Essay, David Meza

On rides around North Richmond I pass dogs in the streets.

Some bark and give chase as I cycle by;

Others just watch as I roll pass.

Some guard small businesses, some live in homes.

Some are abandoned, or run loose

German Shepherds, Pit Bulls, Huskies, all hang by the road.

Where homes are deserted strays move in.

Where gangs are busy tough hounds stand watch.

Where streets are clean and homes are nice, small dogs yap.

Life for a North Richmond dog can be hard.

It’s noisy out there where the polluted air stings sensitive noses and ears.

Many of the dogs I see aren’t taken care of like they should be.

Instead they appear, just left behind.