The Logistics of Settling In 149Pets cannot run free due to the large number of loose
animals with diseases. Rabies is fairly prevalent among the
stray cats and dogs around Egypt. Given this, you might
want to consider bringing baby gates for doors so you can
keep the animal contained easily within a small space in
your residence.
Many Egyptians do not like dogs. Some of this feeling
relates to traditional roles of dogs and the number of strays
running around loose in the cities. In addition, those with
conservative interpretations of Islamic tradition tend to
regard dogs as dirty. These people, especially, do not want
to touch or be touched by a dog. This is something to keep
in mind when hiring people to work in your home. Make
sure anyone you hire knows there is a pet in residence and
what rules apply regarding the pet’s treatment. Unless you
know a person likes dogs (and yours in particular), it is best
to seclude the animal when friends come over. That way, no
one is insulted or uncomfortable.
Service People Servants and
If you have never been able to afford a maid or a cook,
this may be your chance. One good way to find a reliable
and honest household servant is to ask among friends that
already employ someone. You can also ask your building’s
boheb. You will likely find that whoever works for your friend
will have a relative or friend that is just what you want. If
your friend’s employee is a good person, they are unlikely to
suggest anyone of lesser character because to do so would
make them look bad.
Once you have found the perfect person/s to work in your
household, several etiquette factors come into play. People
who have never had servants may actually find the situation
uncomfortable. How do you treat a servant? Preconceived
notions abound, from treating them like one of the family,
to treating them ‘equally’ to anyone else who enters the
household, to talking down to your servant. Certainly, it is
never appropriate to talk down to a servant, either in private
or in the presence of guests. To do so in front of guests
would make you and them lose face, and cause you to lose