An "Unwanted" Joy

Who could resist this look?

"Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to man. Just as one wants happiness and fears pain, just as one wants to live and not die, so do other creatures." -- Dalai Lama XIV

How many of us have seen stray dogs or cats on the streets, or how many do we know have been in the pound or put to sleep?  The answer is "too many."  We do not know the stories behind each dog or cat, but for whatever reason their previous owners had to let their pets in such situation, it is heartbreaking. 

When I came across this quote while browsing the internet, it reminded me of Scruffy and how he became an important part of our family.

When we brought Scruffy home, he was barely five weeks old.  He is what people call a "freebie dog."  He was given to my aunt by an acquaintance for free.  I am not sure what the story behind it, but all I know was that the previous owner cannot afford to take care of many puppies.  So, they decided to give some of the puppies away, if not, they will be forced to put the "unwanted" puppies to sleep.  It was a sad story to think about, but as far as I know, the owner tried to find good homes for the puppies.

At home, Scruffy was shivering uncontrollably.  I assumed he was still trying to adapt to his new environment and being away from his mother for such a very young age. He looked so tiny and delicate.  He did not even have teeth yet.  He had cute little paws, small body, short legs, and a big head.  At least, that was what my cousin noticed.  His eyes are round and dark brown that pierce through your heart when he looks at you directly while begging.  He has ears that flip forward.

He is our first dog.  The only knowledge we have for taking care of dogs was from the internet and from what other people had told us.  Whether it is right or wrong, we do not know.  It was an overwhelming thought at first.  We really do have a live dog now.  He is not just some virtual pet, like Sims pet or Nintendo pet, that can be taken care of with a click of a button.  He is alive!  He responds to his surroundings and to us.  He is another life that we have to nurture and protect.

It is saddening to think that there are a lot of people who incautiously breed animals for business or profit, or those who do not know how to take care of their pets and let them accidentally reproduce.  It is  a great responsibility to take care of pets.  Not only it cost money to take care of them, but they need your time and attention as well. 
          
Sometimes, I cannot help wonder if Scruffy's previous owner managed to find new homes for the other puppies.  Nevertheless, we are grateful to have him and we are making sure to provide a comfortable and loving home for him to grow.

    

Welcome Home!

For quite sometime, my cousin had been asking her parents for a pet dog.  Not having any sibling to play or to fight with, a pet dog might just be the companionship she was looking for.  However, time to take care of the dog was an issue since my cousin goes to school and her parents both go to work.  She understands the situation and the responsibilities of having a pet, she did not pursue any longer.  Although she stopped insisting, her parents knew that her desire of having a pet dog still lingers.  I know my aunt and uncle were just waiting for the right time to get her one.   

One night, while we were watching Filipino soap operas, my aunt just blurted out "I think we should have a dog."  My uncle and I just stared at her for awhile, our brains trying to process what she just said.  I was thinking, "did I hear her correctly? She wants a dog?"  I am fine taking care of a dog, but my only concern was cleaning the mess the dog creates.  So I asked them, "who will clean when the dog poops?"  Our imaginations run wild and started laughing.

Days passed, anxious and excited to see what kind of dog we are having.  My cousin wanted to be the one to name the puppy.  

Scruffy & I

Finally, the seemingly long wait ended.  It was time to pick up our dog.  As we were driving, I was thinking of how to carry the puppy.  I was a little apprehensive about it, since I am not a pet person.  I was scared of dogs because of the fear of being attacked anytime.  In addition to that, I am also not a big fan of wet nose, sharp claws and teeth, especially the fangs.  Nevertheless, I was still very excited.

Wrapped in a hat.

We finally had him!  He was wrapped in a piece of cloth and was inside a medium size box.  He was trembling a lot.  I do not know if it was because of the chilli weather, terrified, or both.  I felt bad for him.  I don't know how to make him comfortable.  He was so tiny!  My aunt had one of those goofy, fluffy, animal shaped hats, and  used it to wrapped and carry him until we got home.  It worked!  It made him comfortable and shiver less.  He slept the entire car ride.

with the family

Scruffy

My cousin named him Scruffy.  :)  

Welcome to the newest member of our family!