The Barking Dog

You don't see much  wildlife living in the city. There are birds , sure, little ones like sparrows and robins that build nests in city trees. Squirrels, too, that dig in my potted plants out back hiding their nuts for winter, swooshing dirt on the concrete ground. And alley cats, feral or stray, weak looking animals that need a hot shower and a good meal. Oh, and pigeons, munching tidbits in the city parks. And rats.

Walked dogs don't bark.

Lots of pet dogs on leashes and cats in windows, too. The cats rarely get out but dog walking is a major sport in South Philadelphia, where I live. All kinds of dogs — shapes and sizes — and all kinds of owners — young and old — equipped with ready when needed leash-it bags. Maybe someday dogs will learn to use the  litter box.

Walked-dogs don't bark, either. At least those I see in the hood'. That's why, at work, the barking quickly got my attention. I remember when I first heard it. My office building sat on top of the Market Street sidewalk. Huge windows separating me from passing pedestrians.

The first time I heard the barking I was in a meeting. It started from afar, but grew in volume as it passed by,  then slowly faded like a smog-induced Delaware River sunset. All in a minute or two.

Smog induced sunset.

The barking would come and go. Fade in, then out. Not every day, but randomly. No set time, but anytime. I had to go outside and see for myself and that's how I met David and Scrapps.

David is homeless. Scrapps is his dog, he's the barking dog. They roamed the city, David pushing Scrapps in a baby carriage loaded with their belongings. Everything  they own. David is smart, friendly. It took time to get Scrapps' trust, but the box of doggie treats I bought and kept under my desk helped. When I heard the barking, I grabbed two treats and a few bucks and headed for the door.

Wouldn't this be something!

David said he rescued Scrapps from a bad situation and Scrapps is appreciative so he barks whenever the carriage moves. Okay. Sounds reasonable. Scrapps died about a year ago. Maybe living on the streets got to him. Maybe he just got too damn old.

Becoming friends with David and Scrapps taught me something about the homeless. Before, I'd ignore the homeless — as if they were ghosts hanging around the city, down on  their luck, with no possible connection to me; I hardly gave them a look. I think  most people are like that. They see but don't see.

David and  Scrapps changed things for me. Sometimes, now, instead of ignoring them,  I'll stop and talk, buy them a sandwich, a cup of coffee, or give them a buck or two — if I'm sure it's not for alcohol or drugs. You can never be sure. Like David and Scrapps, they all have a life and a story — a story that's as important as yours and mine.

It's the Home of the Charter School General

Jamil Jamil doesn't live here, in Gladwyne!

If you were going to write a story about South Philadelphia, would you live in Gladwyne? If you're not familiar with the city, Gladwyne is an exclusive suburb of Philadelphia. People in Gladwyne don't sit on their front porch in rocking chairs.

 

Which is what Grandma Rody does, so Grandma's got to live in South Philly.



Teachers in Lower Merion schools near Gladwyne don't get beat up by students. They do in South Philly. So yes, as the author of Charter School General, I live in South Philly.

Fresh stuff at the Italian Market in South Philadelphia.

 In writing the General, it was important for me to have a feel for the city.

Philadelphia is a wonderful mix of diversity and great neighborhoods. South Philly is just one of those neighborhoods.

Some think you have to be tough to live in South Philly. I don't know about that. I don't think I'm tough. But it isn't a place for the timid and shy. It is a nice place to live if you like to walk to BYOB restaurants and drink wine.

Mob hit!

Or sit out on the block and watch a Mob hit. Hmmm, that's not so far fetched as you might think. You just have to be aware of what's going on around you and be ready to duck.

If you hear gunshots, stay indoors.

South Philly, a great place to live.