Maile Samoa (Samoan Dogs)

This has been a particulary rewarding and exciting week for a variety of reasons that have absolutely nothing to do with why I am writing this post. Please be assured that even though you might be scared for me and concerned about my well-being after reading this post, I really am happy and healthy. Okay, with that being said, I would like to write to you about the "maile" here. Maile is the Samoan word for dog. However, I would never use the word "maile" to describe a dog in the States or a dog raised by a caring and loving family. A Samoan dog is something that is unlike any viscious creature you have ever seen. Do not be fooled by their wagging tails and furry snouzers. They are raging, wild, viscious, unpredictable, terrifying beasts.
Samoans (in general) raise their dogs to be protectors of their land. This means that they raise them to attack and be really mean to anything that is even close to their property. They chase taxis as a cheetah chases a gazelle. The tear into bike tires as volunteers ride on the road. Many a volunteer has suffered from one or more dog bites. And now, I am no different. Last Tuesday, I was going for my evening run (did I mention I'm training for a half-marathon?) and I ran into a pack of dogs (at least 6) on the road. The dogs in my neighborhood are pretty used to me and usually only bark when they see me. But like I said, these dogs are unpredictable. The all ran towards me with barred teeth, barking and growling. I immmediately yelled "alu" which means "go" and usually does the trick when encountering one dog. However, this was not sufficient. They didn't run away and started punching and kicking them. But one was brave and bit my left leg. (Don't worry, not too bad) They only left me alone when I pretended to throw a rock. Samoans have a pretty good shot. So when they throw a rock at a dog, the dog usually gets hurt. They all ran like hell and I continued on my run. I wound up a little bruised and beaten but much more wary. I continue to grow here everyday in ways I could never have imagined.