I have two hairy babies that I left back home. I haven't seen them for more than a year already. And if you ask me, they're definitely one of the reasons I look forward to going home at the end of this year.
I always loved dogs. Way back, I loved them enough to pet them briefly and indulge them with tummy rubs when they're not busy getting nettles all over their fur. I learned to love them so much more though when a few years back, I realized I needed something to go home to in that empty house that I lived in alone for more than two years while I was in the city. Evenings after work were kind of lonely. I appreciate the solitude and utmost privacy that I had but at the back of my mind, I knew there was something missing.
I always loved dogs. Way back, I loved them enough to pet them briefly and indulge them with tummy rubs when they're not busy getting nettles all over their fur. I learned to love them so much more though when a few years back, I realized I needed something to go home to in that empty house that I lived in alone for more than two years while I was in the city. Evenings after work were kind of lonely. I appreciate the solitude and utmost privacy that I had but at the back of my mind, I knew there was something missing.
I initially thought of getting a gold fish but that option was immediately scrapped. I knew I needed interaction. I cannot just blow bubbles with a fish. And I thought of a dog--something 'live'; something I can touch, care for, and talk to without feeling like a nutcase. So Byte came into my life. He's basically a mongrel but has Bernese Mountain Dog blood in him so that's still a bit of royalty in my book. Not more than ten minutes spent with him and I was already a doting mommy. I was instantly in love with his little paws, soft fur, his always-moist snub of a nose.
I got over-excited and bought all these dog toys and stuff. Boy was I in for a surprise. I realized doggie maintenance was expensive. Byte came with added budget for vaccinations, dog food, chews, treats, milk, etc. It was a little bit heavy on the pocket considering that I was still supporting myself for my masteral degree. We somehow managed though. I was more than content to live on 'pancit canton' and 'carinderia' food while most of my 'extra' money went to his upkeep. But no, I never complained. Not at all.
Byte taught me a lot of things. Happiness in the simplest of things, sincere appreciation for the things that others do for you, unquestionable faithfulness, and selflessness in its most superlative sense. How he exhibited indescribable exuberance for the smallest treat I give him was beyond me. How he wagged his tail nonstop and jumped at the moment I opened the gate that kept him within the premises showed his eagerness and excitement that was beyond compare. These, among many other things made me love him and dote on him without question and hesitation. I was as selfless with him as he was with me. Sure there were rough patches here and there. My once impeccable place (I have OCD symptoms) was now cluttered with dog hair. There were always dog waste to clean after. And did he scratch and chew a lot. For some reason, he despised his chew toys and preferred my shoes and the furniture. I had to repaint the door where he left his scratches, I had to make do with mismatched footwear, and had to learn to sleep on a small portion of the bed because he knows how to mark his space--which was a huge part of the queen-sized bed. When I go home to Sagada for the holidays. I travel with him on the bus. It was like traveling with a real human baby. Vomit to clean after and regular pee-pee and poo-poo moments during those rare bus stops.
The most awful part of my day though was when I would say goodbye to him in the morning when I go to work. He runs up to the rooftop and sees me off, front feet perched on those grills, barking and whining till I disappear around the curve. That always broke my heart. I realized how lonely it would be for him to be left alone. And I of all people should understand that because that's the main reason I got him in the first place, because I was alone, and that was a bit miserable. So despite the knowledge that I could not squeeze in another 'Byte' in my meager budget, I decided to add another member to the family. Along came Bark.
Bark is a mongrel. I got him when he was just two weeks old, or even less, too young to even walk and see. His hair was a lot thinner than Byte's was as a puppy. Because he was weaned too early, I had to bottle-feed him his milk. So there I was, literally nursing another baby.
Byte taught me a lot of things. Happiness in the simplest of things, sincere appreciation for the things that others do for you, unquestionable faithfulness, and selflessness in its most superlative sense. How he exhibited indescribable exuberance for the smallest treat I give him was beyond me. How he wagged his tail nonstop and jumped at the moment I opened the gate that kept him within the premises showed his eagerness and excitement that was beyond compare. These, among many other things made me love him and dote on him without question and hesitation. I was as selfless with him as he was with me. Sure there were rough patches here and there. My once impeccable place (I have OCD symptoms) was now cluttered with dog hair. There were always dog waste to clean after. And did he scratch and chew a lot. For some reason, he despised his chew toys and preferred my shoes and the furniture. I had to repaint the door where he left his scratches, I had to make do with mismatched footwear, and had to learn to sleep on a small portion of the bed because he knows how to mark his space--which was a huge part of the queen-sized bed. When I go home to Sagada for the holidays. I travel with him on the bus. It was like traveling with a real human baby. Vomit to clean after and regular pee-pee and poo-poo moments during those rare bus stops.
The most awful part of my day though was when I would say goodbye to him in the morning when I go to work. He runs up to the rooftop and sees me off, front feet perched on those grills, barking and whining till I disappear around the curve. That always broke my heart. I realized how lonely it would be for him to be left alone. And I of all people should understand that because that's the main reason I got him in the first place, because I was alone, and that was a bit miserable. So despite the knowledge that I could not squeeze in another 'Byte' in my meager budget, I decided to add another member to the family. Along came Bark.
Bark is a mongrel. I got him when he was just two weeks old, or even less, too young to even walk and see. His hair was a lot thinner than Byte's was as a puppy. Because he was weaned too early, I had to bottle-feed him his milk. So there I was, literally nursing another baby.
I thought Byte would be indifferent and jealous to the new pup but he was very tolerant and forgiving to the little one's 'tantrums'. I guess he grew up well eh. I was happier then with the knowledge that there were two of them together. So then I had two furry babies who occupied the bigger part of my bed, shed hair everywhere, depleted my wallet, who were such a pain in the neck when it's bath time, yada-yada, blah-blah, but two very lovely darlings who kept me very happy. Who filled my days with their furry version of rainbows and unicorns.
When I had to leave the country, I brought them home with me to the province. The place was so much different from the city they grew up in. There was a lot more freedom; no gates and grills, and probably more food (hehe, we have abundant sayotes in the yard). There they had more playmates as well. We have Choco, the big labrador, and several other dogs that seem to pop up on our yard all the time. They loved home. There were a lot of spaces where they could run and wrestle and do whatever it is that dogs do. I knew they were happy in their new home and that meant a lot to me. It helped me feel better about the foreboding thought of parting with them. The morning I had to go, it was only mama whom I had to bid goodbye to on the porch. I did my best ninja moves as not to awaken any living soul, the dogs especially. With a heavy heart, I stole away from the house knowing that the moment the dogs would awaken and follow me till the bus terminal, I might have a last-minute change of heart and stay home instead with them.
That abode we had in the city was our sanctuary. We only had each other to hang onto that's why I sincerely believe we have this very special bond that I would not attempt to explain because words are surely not enough. I could go on writing about them but I can only say so much.
I have no intentions of romanticizing on my love for dogs. I simply have the softest spot for these heaven-sent creatures. I know there are a lot of dog-lovers like me who are as devoted and a lot more to their own babies. I do not wonder why.
I miss them dearly. I can only look forward to that day when I'll go home and bask in some furry-lovin'.
When I had to leave the country, I brought them home with me to the province. The place was so much different from the city they grew up in. There was a lot more freedom; no gates and grills, and probably more food (hehe, we have abundant sayotes in the yard). There they had more playmates as well. We have Choco, the big labrador, and several other dogs that seem to pop up on our yard all the time. They loved home. There were a lot of spaces where they could run and wrestle and do whatever it is that dogs do. I knew they were happy in their new home and that meant a lot to me. It helped me feel better about the foreboding thought of parting with them. The morning I had to go, it was only mama whom I had to bid goodbye to on the porch. I did my best ninja moves as not to awaken any living soul, the dogs especially. With a heavy heart, I stole away from the house knowing that the moment the dogs would awaken and follow me till the bus terminal, I might have a last-minute change of heart and stay home instead with them.
That abode we had in the city was our sanctuary. We only had each other to hang onto that's why I sincerely believe we have this very special bond that I would not attempt to explain because words are surely not enough. I could go on writing about them but I can only say so much.
I have no intentions of romanticizing on my love for dogs. I simply have the softest spot for these heaven-sent creatures. I know there are a lot of dog-lovers like me who are as devoted and a lot more to their own babies. I do not wonder why.
I miss them dearly. I can only look forward to that day when I'll go home and bask in some furry-lovin'.