I WOKE up last Saturday before 7 a.m. because my mother told me she is visiting us early in the morning. My kids were also very excited to see their grandmother, especially that she always comes with special presents. But it was almost 10 a.m. and she has never been late with her commitments, so I decided to call her, and I did not expect her to cry upon receiving my call. She said "Apple, anak si Bash ay kamamatay lang." I saw the pain in her face in the video and I just wanted to embrace her.
Bash is a Shih Tzu Terrier mix dog, a gift from my children to their Lola five years ago. I can still remember my mother crying while visiting a veterinarian when Bash was sick. Bash was vomiting during that time and appeared to be like dying -- I saw how my mother took care of Bash, preparing for his meals, milk, vitamins, and medications. With all my mother's efforts of caring for Bash, eventually, he was able to recover and become healthier. And although Bash was not a friendly dog as he gets angry when touched and cuddled -- my mother would still prefer to give him a cold bath.
Bash also got lost twice. He would love to stroll alone, very independent. When he was nowhere to be found, my mom spends the rest of her day roaming around their village calling "Bash," tearful. But God is so good, my mother finds Bash inside a tricycle. I cannot forget when my mother said as she cries and laughs "Anak, I already found my Bash," a mix of emotions.
So, every day of my mother's life, Bash was a part of it. And so, as her daughter, I just do not know how to ease my mother's pain when I heard about the sad news about Bash's deaths. If only I can just do magic, I would use my power for Bash to live again. So, when our phone conversation ended, I called my children and told them the distressing news. Immediately, they told me "Mama, please let us give Lola another Bash." And honestly, I can also sense the pain in their hearts.
Instantaneously, we tried to find a new dog for my mother. And on Facebook, there were several but there were many things we should consider. But thank God, we were able to find one and we decided to visit the owner and negotiated. We got the new pet, and we were very excited to surprise their grandmother. As soon, as we arrived at my mother's home, she cried as she was telling us about "Bash." "Bago pumikit si Bash, inantay niya ako na magising anak", as she was sharing while crying. But as we gave her the new pet, we felt her joy, although the pain due to Bash's death was still there. What makes us happy is when she finally said, "Thank you and I will call this new pet, Orange."
It is true that dogs are man's best friend. Dogs are our connection to paradise. They taught us to appreciate simple things in life such as a walk in the street, a nap in the rising sun, and being optimistic while growing old despite the hard times. Indeed, dogs protect their friends up to the end. And they love those who take care of them more than themselves. How selfless dogs are! They are the only creatures that convey pure love and unwavering loyalty - so heavenly!
I agree that dogs are not our whole life, but undeniably they make our lives whole! So, run fast Bash and welcome Orange to our family!