By Jan Vicente B. Pekas
Pretty much an integral part of a typical Filipino household are the dogs. Big and small, the sounds of barking are present in a lot of houses. Afterall, the clucking of chickens and the howling of dogs are the common alarm clocks for early goers in this country. And as a result, many of these lovable pets end up becoming part of the family. Being raised from pups, they grow up alongside the children. Causing lots of damages and irritation to the parents, just as a typical child would do. Although, the entire process of a small puppy growing up brings joy and some sense of accomplishment to the parents as a living child would also give.
However, I would not have felt an ounce of these feelings if not for the adorable pup we had been blessed with. For the longest time, I always wanted an adorable puppy to foster. Not a beast to be chained outside to guard the house, but a close friend inside a home. Unfortunately, the current company we had back then were all so used to living outside. And simply forcing them in would be taking away the freedom they all enjoyed. Purchasing a youngling was out of the question. The tuition fees back then were a heavy enough burden for my parents.
Then an angel in the form of the administrator of the office building where we rent generously offered a lovely pup. She came complete with medical records, and as white as real white, a Labrador and Spitz mestiza.
So here we are with a puppy barely 3 months old running around the house. Carrying slippers away and doing whatever she chooses to do. It’s as if another child is living in the house. Surrounded by pure innocence, she brings a smile to each and every person she passes by. Even a random piss on the floor will only be met with laughter.
Due to the current company I have with me in the house, I was pretty much saved from doing the dirty work. Mopping up piss and picking up wastes are not much enjoyable. But for just one day, looking after the rambunctious pup was part of my main tasks. My constant worrying left me drained at the end of the day. Feeding and taking her out was more tiring than I expected.
But as surprising as that was, taking care of another living human being has to be more draining. A lot more tiring and complicated.
Yet, our elders managed to raise another generation. An entire wave of young adults ready to take the stage. To get to where we are now would not be possible without the adults who looked after us. The people who took care of our messes when we ran around like puppies, clueless of the outside world.
Innocence may have shielded us in our youth, but we could not be protected forever. Our leash was eventually cut and we got a look at the outside. As of now, we run around with shimmering eyes. Bursting with curiosity and excitement, we explore the unknown. But rest assured, we will definitely look after the next group of pups to come around.**
