Dogs Got My Back

Growing up in San Agustin, on the outskirts of Acapulco, Guerrero state, Mexico was tough. Violent crimes such as murders skyrocketed as unconscionable gangs took out people at will and did it at random. Many of the take downs were gang and drug related. A lot of times innocent people became victims for just standing too close to who the gang members were after. The killers were relentless, the cops were exhausted, and some became corrupt by taking sides with many high profile drug dealers who had their scouts controlling the streets. Life for me in San Agustin was horrific. You could not simply walk to the grocery store without worrying that you may get robbed and beaten or shot and killed.

The worst thing is that these subhuman who killed and sold drugs in the streets had no remorse whatsoever. They also used their drugs money to influence youth as small as seven(7) years old to begin selling drugs and carrying guns. The fear was thick on the streets as you could be sure that there would be a kidnapping following a beheading by the end of the week. Many who walked freely without fear were either gang members or the police who knew that they were on the cartel's payroll. If you wanted to live, if you wanted to eat, if you wanted to walk, you had to roll with the toughest dogs you could find. I found my two dogs who always had my back. Both are mixed breeds, Venom, which is the larger dog is mixed with his mother being a golden retriever and his dad being a Rottweiler. Nica, the smallest is mixed with her dad being a poodle and mom being a Shih-tzu. These two dogs are the only defense I rolled with, and let me tell you, they always had my back.

Venom DogVenom is an adventurous dog who loved his home and his family. He was quiet and friendly, but knew when to execute ferociousness when the time was right on unscrupulous gang members who plagued the streets. Venom was a no nonsense dog who simply wanted to see the streets cleanup of all the drugs and guns. He was known by the Cartels and his presence patrolling the streets placed things in some order as any gang-member who dared to commit and act of crime when venom was out would be sniffed out, chased, cornered and brought before the court of law. They knew better than to try and resist arrest because that would end up really nasty. Those who had the experience of getting a few bites here and there know better than to mess with this law abiding canine. Venom knew the streets, he knew the trees, a few shop walls and fire hydrants really well if you know what I mean. He left his mark and his scent on all graffiti that the gang members used to deface the community. This dog was on the hit list of the cartels because they said he disrespected them. Venom knew, but he stood for something and knew that innocent people relied on him to have some spark in the dark world they lived. His name entered the hit list because he flatly turned down a bribe by both cartels. They offered him lifetime supplies of dog foods of the highest quality, dog treats in the millions, a large dog house, and the best vet service money could buy. And of course, female dogs flocking at his paw. This was a tempting offer to any male dog, many would simply accept and go live the life. But once you have been bought by the Cartels, you will remain their property until the day you die. Venom was a dog with integrity and commitment. No amount of free dog food and fire hydrants in the world could bring him over to the side of unlawfulness.

Nica DogNica was a very cute female dog and she used her charm and wits to get every bit of information needed to help bust many drug operations. She was basically the one who was in charge of intelligence gathering and she did her job well and with class. She sported a much friendlier personality compared to her compatriot Venom. They were the best of friends. But that friendship was kept a secret for ten (10) long years and counting. Nica could not afford to not be friends with many of the degenerates of the city as well as those who were held in high esteem. If they knew that she was working with us, she would become targeted and the information she so easily garnished would be cut off immediately. Her role as a intelligence dog was extremely important and even much more dangerous than Venom who the enforcer. Gang members hated snitches and if they ever found out Nica was basically snitching on their operations, they would pursue her endlessly until they were either expired or she was.
She was beautiful, she was the life of the party, she mixed and mingled and was simply adored. But she knew what she was doing, she knew that there was a line that no dog should cross and she stood behind that line for many years.

​Two Dogs Take Down Big Drug DealerThis was one bust that us three always talked about in our highly secret and secured location. We had managed to successfully take down one of the biggest drug dealers in Mexico. It all played out like this; Nica got invitation to go to a fancy party in one of the most secured upscale communities. She picked out a drop dead outfit which would make any dog loose his sense of scent. All eyes were on her as she gingerly scrolled in, fur curly over one eye, paws gently strutting. The kingpin saw her and immediately went over to boast to party members about him being good friends with the lovely Nica, even though it was the first time she had actually spoken to Roberto Emmanuel.
He invited her to a private section of the party which was cordoned off. They were all having a good time, drinking and feasting on bacon strips. Nica was standing near Roberto when he suddenly took out his phone to read a text message. The message informed Roberto that the drug shipment would arrive at a certain port at a certain time and he needs to be there in person for the exchange of money and drugs. Nica was a pro, she could read your messages from a mile away. As soon as Roberto replied and confirmed, she simply vanished into the crowd.Venom, Nica, myself and a few out of state police made arrangements for the bust the next day.
Roberto was foolish enough to come to the location to exchange the money for the drugs. This was going to be deadly as both sides were armed to the teeth. As the exchange ended, immediately the team swooped down on them. All hell broke loose, bullets flew from all angles as the drug dealers tried feverishly to escape. Nica and Venom were ready for action. They wore mask to protect their identities. Back to back, we moved in on the criminals. Taking out who never obeyed the command to drop their weapons and seize fire. We were a team, many thought of us similar to the Justice League. We watched each others back in the melee. Soon, the law had won and Roberto and his cronies were arrested that night. He was charged and convicted and is now doing 30 years of hard time.