Why Uncollared

The concept of dogs running around without leashes and collars is anathema to most people I know.  At certain parks or when camping, most will accept a free dog, but not in the general world.  We control our dogs and thereby protect them which is representational of certain societal values. What we witnessed in Peru was something totally different and unexpected. The Peruvian communities’ relationship with their dog population revealed a special connection to freedom and responsibility. Dogs are viewed and respected as free participants within their communities. They roam uncollared and free throughout the day and often at night finding companionship with both humans and other animals from geese to alpaca, llamas and pigs, living together peacefully.  The uncollared dogs were not hungry or under the thumb of their family, some were not owned singularly but were cared for by communities.  There was no desperation in these dogs’ eyes.  They embodied a perfect harmony of freedom and responsibility.  They were living proof of the love and devotion offered by their humans while simultaneously embodying the ideals of a free life, one aspect totally dependent on the other.  This way of life felt unique to the land of the people of Peru.  There may be other iterations around the world left for us to explore, but this beautiful balance and uncollared life moved us to create this book as a tribute to the ideals of living an uncollared life, balancing freedom and responsibility, where we all take care of each other while living respectfully according to our own ideals, and values.