I never thought I would have to.....

Give THE TALK, you know, the sex talk to a dog, but I did! It seems like it's come a little too late though. But before I go any longer, I need to jog your memory a bit, so you know who I'm talking about. Do you remember that cute little face I welcomed into the family a few months ago, Aisha, My Setswana 2 Setswana Sister's dog? Yeah, her! The 9 month old little girl that was so sweet, cute, and full of energy. I guess all of those characteristics that made her so much fun to be around, also made her fun to be around other dogs as well. It turns out that, while at a mandatory Peace Corps meeting, Charlene's co-workers didn't always keep such a close eye on little Miss Aisha. Seems that she (Aisha) didn't know how to handle herself like a lady during her first time in heat. Seems like little Miss Aisha has fallen in the family way...or like they say in Setwana: Aisha o mo mmeleng!

Well, during a recent visit, I had to give her...THE TALK...more like an on-going conversation. I told Aisha that, in America, being un-wed mother doesn't necessarily present her in the best light...socially (the unfair and unfortunate burden of being female). I know that she is proudly South African, so she doesn't exactly work on the American system even though her mother is proud to be an American. I asked her if she had considered the high incidence of HIV in her community and country. Of course, she didn't. I told her to condomize or consider getting herself fixed. I told her that she might find that her friends will distance themselves from her, because the things they had in common may not be there any more...they will have different foci. She will undoubtedly have to get a job to support her litter. I asked her if she had informed the father...she was a bit tight lipped and had a confused look on her face when I asked for his name.

Aisha new of my background with Planned Parenthood and public health. She knew that if she needed to ask questions, she could always come to me. I try to maintain an open door policy with all of my two and four-legged friends. I know that sometimes it is difficult for the younger generation to come and talk about sex with older people, but I'd like think that I'm a cool aunt...open, accessible, non-judgemental.

Now that the deed is done, and all we can do at this point is wait, her mother and I, and the entire Setswana 2 Setswana crew will provide a strong support system for her to utilize in her time of need...ish! Aisha!