The Premises
The woman who lives in this row house in Sousse, Tunisia, is a Fulbright Scholar and a professor of English. In February of 2015, I stayed in her home while she went to visit friends.
Her house was located on a quiet residential street toward the edge of town. The street dead-ended at the Mediterranean Sea. It was a great spot for walks. The house, like most Tunisian residences, is fronted by a fence with a locking gate that opened up into a small courtyard.
Inside, it exuded the warmth and artistry of many academics’ homes. Books, postcards, ephemera, and other artifacts were artfully scattered here and there. On the floor were excellent examples of Tunisian rugs.
The Job
Part of the assignment was taking care of her dog Maggie, a sweet, smart, energetic mixed breed. The other part was to provide a presence at the house to deter anyone who might have attempted to take advantage of the owner’s temporary absence.
The Pet
Maggie and I soon fell into a routine of walking down the street to the Mediterranean shore. We’d stroll along the beach enjoying the fresh air and each other’s company. She was kept on a leash at all times.
Not many people in Tunisia keep dogs as pets, and by the time I got to know Maggie, it had been almost two years since I’d been in close contact with one. My time with her made me realize how much I missed canine companionship.
