Tomato Temata

Matangi Tonga Online, Tonga’s leading news outlet, ran an article last year titled “Tonga visitor survey finds people and culture most appealing aspect”. In the article, it talks about how those visiting Tonga love the beaches, the natural beauty, the friendly people, and the relaxing atmosphere. On the other end, they asked the tourists what they liked least about visiting the “friendly island”. The #1 answer was the dogs.

Dogs in Tonga are different from what I have ever experienced. I was talking to a Tongan once about it, and he told me that long ago, back in the days of James Cook, travelers on boats brought an assortment of dogs (and even birds) to the islands of Tonga. Being a small island, the breeds are limited, and throughout time and breeding, there became a large range of some strange-looking canines. Large dogs with tiny legs, tiny dogs with huge legs, name that adjective and odds are that dog exists in Tonga.

So, do tourists hate the dogs of Tonga because they often look a little wonky? No. Typically, coming from America, dogs are our family. We love them like one of our own; we let them inside! In Tonga, dogs are utilitarian; they serve a purpose, that purpose is guarding the house. If someone walks by their house, they will bark, and if they bark, the dog next door will bark, and if the dog next door barks, eventually, every dog within earshot will be barking. This can often happen through the night, and often times, numerous times in the night (I am a light sleeper and I often lose hours of sleep every night).

Dogs are supposed to be on a leash if they have a tendency to attack humans, but that is not always the case. I have been attacked by dogs more times than I can count. I’ve been mostly lucky, but I have had to go to the hospital twice for dog bites.. and one time I had to take a 24-hour boat to the capital to get a rabies vaccine! So, what I’m getting at is, if you couldn’t tell already, I am not a fan of dogs in Tonga. In fact, I have grown such a distaste for dogs out here that I have told someone that Tonga would be a better place if they rounded up every dog and dropped them on their own island. Imagine being able to go for a peaceful walk! Being able to walk around without stones in your pocket or with a giant stick! Don’t even get me started about the number of times a dog had chased me while I was riding my bike and bit at my ankles!

I’ve tried to have cats here. Two have run away, and one was, you won’t believe it, eaten by a dog. If you think you’re having a bad week, the other day at school, a pig gave birth, she was swarmed by a pack of dogs and her newborn babies were eaten in front of her. The next day, she was swarmed by the same dogs and was killed a slow agonizing death. The next day I ate her. Dogs!! However, I saw Maia the other day and I saw the love her dog gave her and the affection she had for it. It’s hard to put into words the conviction that came over me, but when looking dopey in the eyes I knew I wanted to get a dog. Later that week, I walked into a classroom and asked the class, in Tongan, who owned a puppy. Nearly every child raised their hand. I asked if someone could please bring me a puppy (kuli pepe i lea faka Tonga) after school, and a boy did. I named her Tomato.

Tomato, or as she is named in Tongan, Temata, is a little lady with a lot of personality. When I first got her, she was incredibly thin. Well, she’s still thin, but she’s pumping the calories. She also had a ginormous stomach. I was worried she had worms, but luckily, she just needed to relieve herself. The kids love her too, whenever I’m inside, I hear people calling her name “yo Temata!!”. I think I love this dog, and I will continue to treat her well. When she’s a woman, I will have an update on little tomato. Then, she will be big Tomato.

I also want to give a special shoutout to my former student, Jackson Courtney. He has been following the blog and always leaves a comment. Hope you’re doing well big man.

‘Ofa atu,

Cam