The story of Israelis and their dogs

Israelis are currently known for their love of dogs, but this has not always been the case. Dogs (Kelev in Hebrew) have gained a place as man’s best friend. For most of modern history, we have welcomed them into our homes, walked them, fed them, cleaned up after them and excused their poor behavior.

Then

But, throughout history, ancient Israel has not felt this way. A common insult at that time was to imply that someone was of a low status or was evil, by calling them a dog (eg. 1 Samuel 24:14). In the Kabbalah, they are a symbol of demonic powers. In the Zohar, a vicious canine on a long lead was as a comparison for evil in the universe.

Now

Thankfully this mental attitude has changed. One trend-breaker was an essay called “Azit the Canine Paratrooper”.

This tale was of Azit, a female German shepherd. She, surrounded by enemies, became a metaphor of Israel’s position in the Middle East geographically. Although Gur did not state so, the choice of German shepherd is significant. Israelis then saw German shepherds and remembered the Nazis and the Holocaust.

Maybe Gur wanted to change the German shepherd into an Israeli image?

The dogs of Tel Aviv

The city of Tel Aviv is home to over 25,000 registered dogs. Tel Aviv has declared itself as the friendliest city for dogs in the world, per capita, with the most dogs. They have one dog for every 17 people!  Tel Aviv boasts its very own dog festival, titled Kelaviv. This name is a combination of kelev, the Hebrew for dog, and Tel Aviv.  The event draws huge crowds of canines and their owners every year. Features include doggy massage, products like including organic gluten-free kibble, and more. What a change this is from previous history!

Living with a dog in Tel Aviv

The residents of Tel Aviv now have a blooming love affair with their dogs, a love that is growing. To rectify some of the major issues presented to dog owners around the world, Tel Aviv has pioneered in several areas. There are the dog beaches where man’s best friend can run around, play, swim and generally have fun with each other. Then there is the ability to travel with your four legged friend on public transport such as the buses and trains so long as the dog is muzzled. Often, taxi drivers are happy to accommodate too.

A real treat for owners is the fact that many restaurants and several theaters also allow dogs and even provide water bowls. In Tel Aviv-Yafo, there are at least 70 parks where dogs are able to be off the leash, and in some areas, you may even find dog food vending machines!

Caring for the dogs of Tel Aviv

The city works for it be be easy to adopt and care for abandoned dogs, and banned cosmetics testing on animals in 2007.

The city is also launching digidog, a digital alert system that highlights doggie activities and reminds the owners of their annual rabies vaccinations and offers and discounts at local pet stores.