As Hanumann, the chief of all the monkeys, I admit to having a special kinship with dogs. In Thailand, I often find their company preferable to people - especially to some of the rude, inconsiderate chain-smoking Euros and loudmouthed Americans that I frequently encounter. At least, dogs give Ling Yai his proper due and recognize his greatness. That being said, here’s a brief profile of some of the dogs that I have known during my travels to Thailand.

Son

I met Son while staying at Malee’s Nature Resort in the small mountain resort of Chiang Dao in Northern Thailand. Son, somewhat aloof and regal in bearing, is the alpha male and lead security dog at Malee’s. The other four resident dogs at Malee’s keep their distance from him but also follow his lead. Often standing on top of one of the patio tables watching over his dominion, Son has a very commanding presence.

Peepee

Peepee, a 8-year-old French toy poodle, is the official greeter at Ram Derm Restaurant on Sukhumvit Soi 22 in Bangkok. She loves to greet each and every customer that walks through the door with a friendly wag of the tail. Not the shy type, Peepee loves to pose for pictures

Panda

Panda is one of Khun Lek’s fourteen dogs at her lovely garden estate in Chiang Dao. Nicknamed Panda, because her fur coloration is similar to a Panda Bear, what separates Panda from the rest of Lek’s dogs are her beautiful brown-gray eyes.

Batdog

Another one of Khun Lek’s minion, Batdog, while small in stature is quite big in heart. Named Batdog because his face resembles that of a bat, he has ‘a mug” only a mother could love. Often running around with his left foreleg in the air, Batdog oozes with personality and is a bundle of energy. I admit that Batdog is by far my favorite Thai dog; whenever I see him, I often start scatting and half singing the melody from the 60’s TV sitcom Batman….