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I recently heard that bullfighting is losing popularity in Colombia. Is that true? I hope it is. I hope I don't sound like an over-sensitive animal-lover by saying this, but I attended my first and last bullfight in Cali 5 years ago. I knew it  wasn't for the faint-hearted, but I underestimated how cruel it really is. As each bullfight appraoched the finish, the matador delivered the fatal blow by jabbing a sword (completely) into the bull's side, piercing the bull's heart. The bull then ran around the arena in pain as blood gushed from it's mouth. It then keeled over, still alive, as the matador finished him off by jabbing a knife into the bull's skull, scrambling his brains. The dead bull was then dragged away by a pair of horses. Within seconds, another bull ran onto the scene, having no idea what he is in for. They killed at least 10 bulls total.

The bulls have it easy compared to some animals here in the states. I was recently invited to attend a chicken fight. I refused. As I'm sure you know, the chickens basically attack eachother to death. The last chicken standing wins, similar to dogfighting. I heard that some people bet hundreds of thousands of dollars on these fights. Doesn't this make you wonder what kind of people truly enjoy this? These people scare me.

I am not an animal rights activist. I don't even own a pet.  I just think that these matadors, which many hail as heroes, don't deserve the title. Yes, they have balls, but they are not heroes in my book. And anyone who truly enjoys chicken or dogfights must be missing a screw.

Zack

... in response to The popularity of bullfighting, posted by zack on Jan 9, 2005

Interesting that Hemingway and Pamplona haven't worked into this. I ran with the bulls in 2001 and witnessed those monsters up close and personal. The Spaniards have a fine sense of spectacle and each day of the run the bulls come from a different ranch and are bigger than the previous day's. By the end of the week, those bulls weigh 1500 lbs or more. What is not as well known about the running is that once they have corraled the bulls, all the runners who followed them into the arena are allowed to stay in for a hour or so while they let out young bulls and steers with their horns taped. What they lack in weight and ability to gore, they make up with their energy! They let them run loose in the ring for about 10 minutes before they herd it back into the corral.

While I can't watch an animal killed for sport, I do appreciate the nerves and skill of the matador. The bull has to be worn down so that the matador can get in close and make the kill. That is the job of the toreador, etc. Once he is worn down, the bull carries his head lower, thus exposing more of his neck. The matador is supposed to insert the sword through a particular vertebra that guides the sword directly into the heart. When done well and properly, I don't think the bull suffers much, not much more than what happens to a butchered cow. (I forgot about the spear thrust from the jinetero, so I may be wrong.)

The irony is that the Spaniards revere these animals so much so that you are not supposed to touch them in the running. The gringos that dare pull the tail, etc., can be cited by the police or worse. I have a video of one cowboy grabbing the young bull in the arena and choke-holding it to the ground. He was promptly beat up by the Spaniards. The matador is held to a rigid code of how to perform and if he flinches or handles the sword poorly, he will be remembered and his reputation will follow him.

... in response to The popularity of bullfighting, posted by zack on Jan 9, 2005

Luz Amparo's partner, Maritza, told me many years ago they used to light a cow on fire and let run around town. They did for the Festival of Lights which is the start of the Christmas season in Cali or maybe all of Colombia. Now they just have two people put on a cow costume and run around town that way. In both cases they call it The Crazy Cow.

      I am sure that many  people saw this as cruel and inhumane teatment and thats why that  type of celebration was discontinued.

Ben

   

... in response to The popularity of bullfighting, posted by zack on Jan 9, 2005

An American touring Spain stopped at a local restaurant following a day of sightseeing. While sipping his sangria, he noticed a sizzling, scrumptious looking platter being served at the next table. Not only did it look good, the smell was wonderful.

He asked the waiter, "What is that you just served?"

The waiter replied, " Ah senor, you have excellent taste! Those are bulls testicles from the bull fight this morning. A delicacy!"

The American, though momentarily daunted, said, "What the hell, I'm on vacation! Bring me an order!"

The waiter replied, "I am so sorry senor. There is only one serving per day because there is only one bull fight each morning. If you come early tomorrow and place your order, we will be sure to save you this delicacy!"

The next morning, the American returned, placed his order, and then that evening he was served the one and only special delicacy of the day. After a few bites, and inspecting the contents of his platter, he called to the waiter and said...

"These are delicious, but they are much, much smaller than the ones I saw you serve yesterday!"

The waiter shrugged his shoulders and replied, "Si senor. Sometimes the bull wins."

... in response to Speaking of matadors having cojones...., posted by Jeff S on Jan 10, 2005

LMAO!

... in response to The popularity of bullfighting, posted by zack on Jan 9, 2005

[This message has been edited by Hoda]

Instead of those drugged-up, beat-up, skinny assed baby bulls that one would normally see at these bullfights. They should use REAL BULLS.....like the ones the bull-riders take on, at the rodeo's here! While we're at it, attach some real sharp meat cleavers to the bull's horns. Oh yeah...no hiding behind those barriers either. Those matadors might as well be wearing "tu-tu's", once they come face to face with their new & improved opponent!

If the FOX network starts to show promo's of this modified bullfighting...y'all are my witnesses that the idea was originally mine...lol

... in response to Make it a fair fight....to increase popu..., posted by Hoda on Jan 10, 2005

The Brahma bulls they ride in the rodeo are usually content to just go back in the pen.Maybe thats when they feed them.Sometimes they will take one pass at the rider.
Very rarely someone like Lane Frost gets killed.They also do a little game where these guys pretend to play poker as the bull charges them.Last one sitting at the table wins.Thats more exciting.
The bullfight bulls will go for anything and anybody.Much nastier.
But to counter that the main thing they do,besides tire them out is stab them in the neck,the guy on the padded horse does that.So if they want to wear them out enough its not very exciting or risky.Just skipping the wearing them out and stabbing them in the neck would make it even enough they would lose more bullfighters.
I think the object is to have it appear dangerous,not actually be dangerous.

Pete

... in response to Rodeo Bulls, posted by Pete E on Jan 10, 2005

Hey Pete,
I did not realize that you were into rodeos.  I am not a cowboy per se, but I am from Oklahoma, and Lane Frost was too.  In fact, even though Oklahoma is a much smaller State than our neighbor to the south, or some others; we have alot of big name cowboys that have come out of here.  We also have a lot of race horses, cutting horses, and about any other type of horse you want, including thoroughbreds.  As many of you are probably aware, the formerly named "Cowboy Hall of Fame" is located in Oklahoma City. It is now call the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, or something like that.  It has been expanded on over the years.  If any of you fellows  like rodeos, cowboys, western movies and TV shows, etc;  this is one heck of a place to go!  That's just a little commercial from me to you.  Later.

                             OkieMan

... in response to Re: Rodeo Bulls, posted by OkieMan on Jan 10, 2005

There's nothing like mistaking an Oklahoman for a Texan. Or an eastern New Mexican for that matter. They have their pride and rightly so.

... in response to Re: Rodeo Bulls, posted by OkieMan on Jan 10, 2005

I like bull riding.The rest of the rodeo bores me.One of my relatives from Oregon is a  world class calf roper,or was.I pull up the family name I see him alot there.As a kid you had to wait the whole rodeo to see the bull riding,maybe 8 rides.Now they have bull riding events that go on for three days.I guess if you weren't already aware of Lane Frost they did a TV movie on him plus he was part of the Garth Brooks video "I wouldn't have missed it for the world" was the title I think. Its not likely you will get killed bull riding but lots of guys get injured.The guys dressed as clowns that distract the bulls from the riders,thats a tougher job.I saw a bull just flip his head up and catch one with a horn under the chin,knocked him cold.
Or when a rider gets hung up in the rope and 3 guys are flying around in circles trying to get the guy lose.
I like Adriano Morales,bull rider from Brazil.He was best in the world about 5 years ago,faded a little recently.

Pete

... in response to Re: Re: Rodeo Bulls, posted by Pete E on Jan 10, 2005

I can understand why the normal person finds the roping a little boring. If you've ever had to learn to rope a cow from a horse, you get a much finer appreciation of what's involved.

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Rodeo Bulls, posted by utopiacowboy on Jan 10, 2005

:+)Rodeo

Two cowboys were sitting in a bar Texas when one asked his
friend if he had heard of the new sex position called rodeo.

His friend says. "No, what is it?"

"Well you mount your wife from the back, reach around and
cup her breasts with both hands."

Then say, "Boy, those are almost as big as your sisters."

"Then see if you can hold on for 8 seconds."

... in response to Rodeo Riding , posted by slojas1 on Jan 11, 2005

n/t

... in response to Re: Re: Rodeo Bulls, posted by Pete E on Jan 10, 2005

The Garth Brooks song and video was called "The Dance",
the song of his I liked best.The video also had shots of JFK  and John Wayne in it.I liked the line " some things are better left unknown."

Pete

... in response to Correction, posted by Pete E on Jan 10, 2005

I haven't seen a PBR event since moving to Colombia.Just one of the things you give up here.They didn't even show the second play off game yesterday on direct tv.My other favorite sport is boxing,I get very little of it here.I used to be able to tell you who was the best at any weight.No more.
But soccer they got,seems like 24-7,365 days a year.I guess they have their priorities.In the states any sport going year round would get old.But here its about all they got for sport so they love it.

Pete

... in response to Make it a fair fight....to increase popu..., posted by Hoda on Jan 10, 2005

or better yet, why don't they just drug the bull fighter
and leave the bull alone I am sure they could find something down there to drug him.

... in response to Make it a fair fight....to increase popu..., posted by Hoda on Jan 10, 2005

LOL!

And how about if the matador has to be bare-assed naked and have his nuts and schlong painted bright red. And make the cape the size of a handkerchief.

That should even things up a bit... :-)

Ray

... in response to Make it a fair fight....to increase popu..., posted by Hoda on Jan 10, 2005

[This message has been edited by zack]

I heard that some of those rodeo bulls have a tense rope tied to their nuts which the rider pulls to piss them off even more and make it a more challenging ride. Is this true? If yes, no wonder they jump around like maniacs! I would too!

Imagine putting these rodeo bulls into the bullfighting arena. All the matadors and 50,000 fans would be running for their lives. Now THAT is something I would want to see. In the end, I would be throwing roses at the bull :o)

Zack

... in response to I have a better idea...lol, posted by zack on Jan 10, 2005

That reminds me of a little rodeo I went to once in Rocksprings, Texas. They usually have a dance that starts after the rodeo and a bunch of stands with carnival-type games for the kids. During the bullriding one of the bulls tossed his rider and then promptly jumped out the arena. You should have seen the scurrying outside the arena as the bull ran through the stands and the dance. Now that was rodeo! I guess he was hoping to meet a good looking cow at the dance.

... in response to Re: I have a better idea...lol, posted by utopiacowboy on Jan 10, 2005


The Bull in question, quickly dispatched the fool on his back & proceeded to tear shit up by destroying part of the seating & punting patrons all over the place....

Priceless....

... in response to I have a better idea...lol, posted by zack on Jan 10, 2005

I guess that would be Pedro's trip to PBR?  What a hoot!
But, I think that all of us agree that we don't like to see any animals being  abused or killed for sport.  I am not an animal rights activists either, but I never could stand seeing anyone mistreat any type of animal.  To me, that's sick!
                       OkieMan

... in response to I have a better idea...lol, posted by zack on Jan 10, 2005

It's called a flank strap. The bullrope that the rider holds is a different piece. As the bull leaves the chute, you will often see someone on the ground pulling the flank strap tight. Claim is that the strap is not positioned on the genitals, not sure on that :0

... in response to The popularity of bullfighting, posted by zack on Jan 9, 2005

Yeah I am totally against it too.
Thanks for the visual. I wish I didn't read this thread, but it gave me an idea of how graphic it could be.
I have only seen 5 or 10 second clips on TV. You know, where the Matador gets speared or there was a close call.

Anyway, on Chirstmas I was at my friends who are Philipino.
The subject of cock fighting came up and they are really into it. The one guy actually raises Roosters for the sport and out of curiosity I asked some questions...

He gets $3000.00 dollars for each and says his farm has thousands on it. I'm not sure if it's true, but I just couldn't beleive it. He also says they put blades on the Roosters legs, so when it kicks it can cut the other.

Well this is probably not news for most, but it was to me.

V-Dude

... in response to The popularity of bullfighting, posted by zack on Jan 9, 2005

A lot of animal rights activists like to protest the sport of rodeo but rodeo animals are very well-taken care of compared to what happens with the bulls in bullfighting. I have a lot of respect for bullriders and the rodeo clowns who protect them but I don't have much for matadors. Interestingly enough many people in Latin American countries hate bullfighting. My Colombian wife hates it and would like to see it outlawed.

... in response to Re: The popularity of bullfighting, posted by utopiacowboy on Jan 9, 2005

Are you a PBR fan by chance? My wife LOVES it, can't get enough. I'm not sure she knew it even existed before coming here. We usually catch'em when they come here, although Nashville is not on the schedule for 2005 for some reason:(

... in response to Re: Re: The popularity of bullfighting--..., posted by Red Clay on Jan 9, 2005

I'm a rodeo fan. Period. The calf roping and team roping are really my favorites but you gotta have a ton of respect for the bullriders, steer wrestlers and bucking bronc riders. Those guys are men.

... in response to Re: Re: Re: The popularity of bullfighti..., posted by utopiacowboy on Jan 9, 2005

Amen.  Hey Bill, I got to meet one of my heros a little over 10 years ago.  Back when I was in the radio business, I got to meet and interview Ben Johnson.  That was in 1994, and he died in 1996.  My ex-wife and I were friends of his family.  I knew his sister and her husband.  But, the one that my ex and I were good friends with was his nephew, Dale Christenson.  Ben grew up in Pawhuska, Ok, and they still have the Ben Johnson rodeo there each year.  It is much smaller than some of the bigger events and places, but it meant alot to me to have met such a fine man.  Interviewing him was fun, and he was very friendly!  I certainly have always enjoyed seeing him in all of those westerns over the years; especially with him and the Duke!

                        OkieMan

 P.S.  He told me that he was the only man to be both a World Champion Rodeo Star and also an actor who won an Academy Award.  Boy, could he ride a horse!

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: The popularity of bullfi..., posted by OkieMan on Jan 10, 2005

I did not know that Ben Johnson came from Pawhuska. I lived in Bartlesville for several years - some beautiful country out that way between Bartlesville and Ponca City. I agree - you were very lucky to have met him. He was the real deal! I love the little rodeos - a lot more than the big city rodeos where most people just go for the concerts that they have in conjunction with the rodeo.

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: The popularity of bu..., posted by utopiacowboy on Jan 10, 2005

Wow, I had no idea that you had lived in Bartlesville in the past.  My ex and I lived in Nowata.  She grew up there.  I grew up in Muskogee.  What a small world.  All I knew about you was where you live now.  That is wild.  Well, I really did enjoy meeting Ben Johnson.  I still have the interview tape I made of my interview with him.  I also got his autograph, but my one regret is that we did not bring a camera that day, so no picture of me and Ben Johnson. Well, well, what a hoot.  My ex still lives in Nowata.  Actually, I should say, my second ex.  My first ex, the mother of my boys is from Eufaula, and she remarried and lives between Eufaula and Stigler.
Tell your wife I said hi.  You guys take care.

                      OkieMan

... in response to The popularity of bullfighting, posted by zack on Jan 9, 2005

Anyone who takes pleasure in watching something die has never had to kill anything or has never seen death upclose. If they have and still enjoy it, there is something seriously off there. Everything has it's place, including death, but to kill for entertainment is a purely human invention, and not one I would say that I am very proud of.

... in response to Re: The popularity of bullfighting, posted by soltero on Jan 9, 2005

I had a ranch in Texas for many years and from time to time I would have to kill an animal. A rabid racoon, a dog killing livestock, a "downer" cow etc. I hated doing it.

... in response to The popularity of bullfighting, posted by zack on Jan 9, 2005

He jabbed the sword into the bull's side? That's strange.

In the bullfights I've seen, they always insert the sword from the top, between the shoulder blades.

Ray

... in response to Re: The popularity of bullfighting, posted by Ray on Jan 9, 2005

[This message has been edited by zack]

You are probably right. I don't recall exactly where the sword is inserted.
I just remember it being somewhere in the thorax near the spine.

... in response to The popularity of bullfighting, posted by zack on Jan 9, 2005

I went to my first and only bullfight in Cali 4 years ago.
There were 2 matadors from France and Spain and they took almost zero chances,by the time they did any passes the bull was so tired and also stabbed in the neck to keep him from tossing his head he could hardly move.My friends and I said we never need to do this again.
Then a Cali Matador,Ramiro Cadena got out there and took the bull on when he was fresh.He had only ran around the stadium about once.Cadena got down on his knees and held the cape out and the bull went by about 30 MPH and slid out trying to turn around.I must admit that part was exciting and he showed up the European guys big time.
But of course the bull lost,its almost guaranteed.I found myself rooting for the bull.A bull did get one of the picador guys,tossed him uo in the air about 15 ft.The guy got up like no problem,but it had to hurt.
There are banners painted on walls around Cali knocking bull fighting.I think only 4 countries still allow it.It probably will be gone in 20 years.
I also went to a cock fight,really pretty boring.Theese skinny little roosters,looked like 5 lbs.But the guys were betting on them.One guy jumped in the ring and rolled around on the ground after his rooster won.
I can't get very empathetic about a chicken,or even a bull.But I love dogs,I think they have very human like emotions.And I can't stand to here them cry.Dog fighting does bother me.
When we were looking for the Plaza DeToros we got lost.There were girls with banners complaining about bull fighting.I told my friend to ask them,they would know where the bull arena is.
For me it was a once in a lifetime experience.I don't plan on doing it again.
Is this in there with save the seals? Not quite,its for intertainment,not for the fur,a whole different thing.
How about hunting?As a boy growing up in Idaho I hunted alot.It was a main form of sport.And of course it is killing for intertainment.If you needed the food and it was actually cheaper than buying it you might convince me its foor the food.Basically its klling animals for intertainment.Now when we get in to animals that will kill you,I lose all empathy.I think any mountain lion that gets within 5 miles of a major population area should be shot on site.

Pete

... in response to The popularity of bullfighting, posted by zack on Jan 9, 2005

Zack,
I have not seen a bullfight live, neither would I want to.  The closest I came was a televised event, and that was gruesome.  I don't think you can call it sport, especially when the bull is weakened right from the start, having been speared seveal times mostly around the neck and head (by picadores on horseback), before the matador(translated from spanish means 'killer') gets his turn.  It's truly barbaric...
I have asked a few colombianas about their reactions/ie. their opinions.  In general they detest it.  A calena remarked that it is a  sport of the snobs, indicating this with hand and facial gestures....she seemed to be saying that the sport is still favored and witnessed primarily by the upperclass, ....

... in response to Re: The popularity of bullfighting, posted by Ricardo on Jan 9, 2005

Is bullfighting more popular among the upper class because of the cost of the tickets? I don't remember what they cost. I don't understand why there would be a correlation between socioeconomic class and the favortism of bullfighting besides that. I'm not disagreeing with you- just not sure why that would be true.

... in response to Re: Re: The popularity of bullfighting, posted by zack on Jan 9, 2005

If I were to guess what the correlation would be is that the more wealthy the person, the more disconnected from real life they are. Anyone who has had to suffer would probably be rooting for the bull.

... in response to The popularity of bullfighting, posted by zack on Jan 9, 2005

One should go to a slaughterhouse sometime, and see how one' favorite steak is put in a long line, with a shot to the head, one at a time,
and then their throats cut to drain the blood.

If one ever raised their own chickens, one kills their grilled chicken lunch by breaking their pretty little neck.

The mexicans eat dog because they are cheap, and worth more as food, than as a mans best friend.

let us not try and put our gringo values on our latin neighbors, the last thing we need are more U. S. politically correct societies in this world, where a woman has more rights than a man, and animals for that matter it now appears.
ws  

... in response to Re: The popularity of bullfighting, posted by WS244 on Jan 9, 2005

There is a vast difference between the slaughterhouse and hunting and bullfighting. I lived on a Texas ranch for many years and I had to kill my share of animals. I didn't torture them first for entertainment. Some things are just plain barbaric and bullfighting is one of them. I'd like to see one of those matadors ride one of those bulls for 8 seconds. That requires a REAL MAN!

... in response to The popularity of bullfighting, posted by zack on Jan 9, 2005

Zack,
 I totally agree with you, and I am sure that most if not all of the posters on this board also agree.  Most civilizations, in all parts of the world, have had, or are still participating in these barbaric forms of entertainment.  I really enjoyed the movie Gladiator.  Not because I got off on the violence, but it, in fact, showed how truly barbaric the Roman Empire was; and they did not have a corner on the market in the Ancient World.  I live in Oklahoma, and our state just recently outlawed cockfighting.  Up until then, it was still legal.  I think this so called "sport" is absolutely barbaric; just like the bull fighting and the others already mentioned on this thread.  To close, I would like to ask the more experienced guys if any of the latinas that they have known actually wanted to go to a bull fight?  I may be wrong, but I don't think that we would positively impress a latina, if we suggested to take her to one.  But, I could be wrong.  So, anyone have any stories concerning the girls?  How about "mud wrestling"?  Just kidding!

                              OkieMan

... in response to Re: The popularity of bullfighting, posted by OkieMan on Jan 9, 2005

Okieman,

At least mankind is making some moral progress, going from killing people for entertainment to only killing animals for entertainment.

If you ever want a Latina to stop calling you but you don't want to hurt her feelings, tell her that you absolutely love bullfights. Chances are she'll lose interest in you and she won't feel rejected. :o)

Zack

... in response to Re: The popularity of bullfighting, posted by OkieMan on Jan 9, 2005

Any Latina I have ever encountered hates it.

... in response to The popularity of bullfighting, posted by zack on Jan 9, 2005

Even if it is not loosing popularity I would not attend.  I know I am a woos!  It is actually pretty barbaric the whole scenario!  The bull dies even if it wins and gores the matadore.  GO BULLS!  As for dog fighting that gets me so mad!  I own a dog that is on most lists of dogs apartments in Las Vegas won't allow, because they ruled the eastern world of dog fighting and hunting before the Pittbull showed up in china!  The idiots that actually participate in dog fighting give many awesome breeds of dogs bad reps and breed the wrong traits into the animal hence making them dangerous.  To make my point I trust my dog more than most idiotic humans!  She has be around so many small children that smack her in the butt and pull her tail and has never even growled!  Sorry to go amnesty international on this site but I realy think all animal fighting should be illegal and punishable by all spectators and participants put to death!  Perhaps it is the fact that I did way too much research on Animal fighting after owning my dog and wanting to get to the root of the rumors on my pup.  More to tell idiots that told me my dog was going to be vicious that they can stick it!  If you want to see the most inhumane sport ever look at bull and bear baiting.  They actually bet that their dog will be the one that strikes the fatal blow on a Bear that has been declawed and his teeth pulled out before the fight ever begins!  REAL FAIR HUH!  Makes me think that some people have a real twisted idea of what entertainment is.

... in response to The popularity of bullfighting, posted by zack on Jan 9, 2005

[This message has been edited by Bueller]

... in response to The popularity of bullfighting, posted by zack on Jan 9, 2005

[This message has been edited by Bueller]

  Bullfighting is losing popularity in Spain, so it wouldn´t surprise me if it were losing popularity in Colombia as well. Your description of it is superficial and somewhat erroneous-- if you don´t like it, fine, but you are not really describing it accurately or in much depth, unless the Colombian version is significantly different from the many bullfights I saw in Spain. Comparing it to dogfighting and cockfighting would not be accurate either, not that you really did.
 I have never taken much interest at all in spectator sports, but I found bullfighting to be fascinating. I´d gladly attend again.

 Bullfighting schedule for Colombia:
http://www.portaltaurino.com/colombia/index.htm  . Looks like they have a lot of Spanish bullfighters, including Julián López, "El Juli" in Bogotá on Feb 13. If you want to see ballsy, spectacular bullfighting, he's one to see.

... in response to Re: The popularity of bullfighting, posted by Bueller on Jan 9, 2005

How is bullfighting in Spain different from bullfighting in Colombia? I'm assuming you never saw a Colombian bullfight. I don't know if they are different from those in other countries, but to those of you who have seen a Colombian bullfight, please tell me how my description is not accurate.

... in response to The popularity of bullfighting, posted by zack on Jan 9, 2005

On the subject of dog fighting, and Latin America, check out "Amores Perros."  Great flick.

"Three interconnected stories about the different strata of life in Mexico City all resolve with a fatal car accident. Octavio is trying to raise enough money to run away with his sister-in-law, and decides to enter his dog Cofi into the world of dogfighting. After a dogfight goes bad, Octavio flees in his car, running a red light and causing the accident. Daniel and Valeria's new-found bliss is prematurely ended when she loses her leg in the accident. El Chiro is a homeless man who cares for stray dogs and is there to witness the collision."