MY FURRY SON

I grew up around dogs. I have had them played with me when I was little. I like dogs. They are very lovable, mighty, highly-spirited, and loyal. So I never get frightened by them, rather I am more afraid of men hence, Charles De Gaulle said, “The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs.”

As I went home this afternoon I came to realize that my son (my considered-son dog) just turned one year and five months yesterday. These past few weeks, I never had quality time with him because of busy schedules and array of errands that I needed to attend to.

I bought my dog a food as a present and to serve as an apology for not going out with him.

Then I remember Wasaki, my Askal dog who died about eight years ago. I don’t know the reason he died or what caused his death. I was then studying in college and I was far away from home. I didn’t have time to say goodbye to him. I wasn’t able to see his face for the last time.

I cried. I contemplated. I should have had taken care of him personally. I should have had stayed beside him. Made him happy. Bathed him. Fed him. Maybe…he could have lived longer until now. My heart was torn asunder. It made me promise myself not have dogs again until I finish my studies so I could spend more time with my pets.

It was then on the blessed year of 2016 I saved money and planned to buy a dog. A big dog that I could hug. A dog that suits my lifestyle. A dog which could give me security. A dog which I want to be with on my every morning jogs. And a dog that could speak to me, yes you may laugh or ridicule me but I believe dogs could speak as what Orhan Pamuk (author, My Name Is Red) once said, "Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen."

It was during the last week of November 2016 when I decided to buy a dog. A very expensive dog. A Rottweiler!

I was so excited! I was very motivated! He was 2 months old when I got him. He was cute. He was smiling. Through his eyes I saw our souls are connected to one another. He licked my face and rubbed his body against me. He was seriously adorable!

I named him Achilles.

Time passes by too quickly that I couldn’t believe Achilles has grown so fast. As I browsed his old photos, my emotions scrambled, a mixture of glee and bliss. Especially when I played the video while I was teaching him basic commands. It makes my heart big to see him happy and satisfied.

He always jumps when he sees me home after work. His butt wiggles when I call his name. He listens attentively everytime I talk to him like I do to humans. He gives me reasons to be happy and forget all stresses in life even though temporarily.

“I believe a dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself."– Josh Billings (humourist). Therefore, I know my son loves me too.

I would like to take this opportunity to insinuate how lucky we are to have our pets. They are incredible creatures. We need to take care of them and treat them as ones of ours, for we don't know what we have until it's gone.

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