Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Things I Miss About Samuel


It has been six weeks since Samuel breathed his last. I never thought that the family visit we made that night was going to be the last time we will be able to see him try to please us. I was pretty sure that with the sound he made, he was in deep pain. True enough, not just Google but friends who have medicine background can attest how Leptospirosis hurts so much. And for a lively Labrador Retriever, which never ran out of happiness and energy to exude, it was odd to see. There we were, helpless as to what we can do to alleviate the throbbing pain. He tried to communicate, at least by opening his mouth, but his former deep voice did not echo the clinic as he usually does in the neighborhood.

He is a beloved part of the family. He was my first personal pet. Out of the three dogs of the family, I can say that he always stood out as the main attraction to visitors and the smartest companion. We often say that if only he could speak, he would have told us exciting and romantic stories from a dog’s point of view. But he didn’t have to. He had his own language and that was enough to miss him so much. For more than just a pet, he was a friend who showed affection, patience, understanding and a whole lot more that most humans forget.


Morning Jogs and Workouts

I have always wanted to have a dog who can level with my leg stamina. Dog lovers know how a Labrador Retriever is such a pleaser. He always wanted to run with me –  not behind me – even when you know it is going to be a struggle for him. And whenever I notice he’s already tired, we would take the public transport – jeepney – going home. Telling him “upo” (sit) and caressing his brisket would keep him relaxed from the uneasy noise of the vehicle. Tongue’s out with drooping saliva, Samuel would wait till I say “tara” (let’s go!) to get off the jeep. When we don’t jog, and I wanted to do some quick pushups at home, I don’t know why but he always climbs on my back, balancing himself and giving me a hard time with the routine.

Going to Work

There was a time when I had trouble going out of the village because he keeps on following me. Why would I not secure the gate before leaving? I actually always did. For some reasons he had his way to open it with his snout. Then I would just notice someone following me. I would talk to him so he would go home. The busy C-5 road can be dangerous if he walk with me further. In the neighborhood, I always see dog owners shouting at their pets to send them home. Samuel taught me that dogs can understand if you try to convey your message just as how you talk to a close friend.

The Broken Faucet

There was always a dipper where he could drank but when it runs out of water, he had to open the faucet himself. The downside of this cool wisdom is the fact that he obviously leaves the water running in the middle of the night. So I tried teaching him how to turn it off. I knew it was possible. And it was. Little did I know that he would play with it. At last he turned it on to drink, then turned it off. The next morning, the faucet was broken. Perhaps the Filipino word “gigil” could best describe what happened. Whenever he learned new things and tricks, he would get addicted to it.

Basketball

The youth in our church are pretty much accustomed to Samuel. It was not a surprise that he was named after the first recorded altar server in the history of Christianity. Samuel loves people especially my churchmates to whom I could entrust my pet for a jog. One time the boys were playing basketball and my dog wanted to join. He was able to unleash himself and run after the ball. Apparently, we had to go home. I bought him his own ball and left him in the garage to play with his new toy. After an hour, he brought me the deflated toy.


Beach Swimming

If I could pick one moment that was his happiest, it would be the family outing we did last year to celebrate my sisters’ birthdays. It was his first time to have the feel of being a natural swimmer, a waterdog as they say. A few months ago, a pug was added to our family who became his best friend and they were wading through and splashing the water out of so much fun. Samuel was ecstatic that when we were already home, while everyone else was tired, we noticed his legs twitching as if he was dreaming of still propelling in the waves.

Lost and Found

I moved to a smaller place and had a taste of independence. I only visited my parents’ house every weekend. I couldn’t accommodate Sam in my place and that means bonding sessions were only limited during my Saturdays and Sunday and on occasional weekday sleepovers. I understood why he would go out and look for some adventure for himself. After all, dogs are creatures of routine. You break their schedule, you break their heart. That is why he couldn’t help but jump for joy whenever I have his leash in my hands. That big smile was also contagious during bath time. I knew he was looking for me one day. He slipped out of the gate one afternoon, just after I left. He didn’t come home that night. So I came back to find him. The next morning, as I was ready to glue posters around the village, we heard a tip that a black dog was found several blocks away. There were kids that kept him while he was running away from some guys. It was really traumatic for him that when we were reunited, he jumped so high and barked at the top of his lungs. After that, we were more cautious regarding his security. The night he was gone, my mom couldn’t sleep crying.

His Birthday Present

Before taking a weeklong travel abroad as a celebration for my birthday this year, I planned to cook as an early celebration for my family. I did the grocery before visiting my family. When I arrived, there were two big food containers in the refrigerator with nicely made “Igado” and “Caldereta”. It was from Sam they said. Here’s the story: He went out that morning and came home with a big plastic bag. Inside the bag was the two food containers, probably belonging to a family bound for a picnic. He gave it to my mom. He could have just opened it and ate it by himself but he brought it home – untouched, sealed, freshly cooked, and tasty smelling. My mom didn’t open it until I came in case someone claims it, but no one did. I’m not sure if Samuel knew it was my birthday and that something should go with my version of Adobo and Sweet Spaghetti. Anyway, who would not be delighted by the fact that your pet gives you something on your special day? Sam was happy that day not only because he had a sumptuous table food as much as we had but also because he could sense how people appreciated him, even the guests.

When I was terribly sick, he would stay under my bed and couldn’t eat a lot. When I was driving and could feel some danger on the road, he would get sick. And it happened not only once but twice. I don’t believe in superstitions but when he died, I was driving in the middle of Typhoon Glenda, along the zigzag roads of North Luzon along with two travel companions. Some say that he took the bad luck. After all, it’s an Asian thing to think about it.

I know how I lack with taking care of him. I know I could have considered him before leaving my parents’ place. He was in my close watch during his first two years as if I had a son. But when I had to leave, it was a sorry for both of us.

He changed my family. My dad became a better person and our house was always safe and guarded. Whenever my sister had to stay awake for nights for a project, he would never leave her side. He was gentle to girls and playful to boys. He knew if someone is weak, afraid, or strong enough to handle his playfulness. How I wish my future children have known him. How I wish he grew old just as a normal dog.

When he died, it was just after a week of vaccine and anti-pest update. Some vets say that underdosage could have caused it. I never wanted to argue about it anymore. Much pain had been felt by my family since his passing. I wept so hard for a couple of days. Our pug still leaves something for his friend on his food bowl just as how he used to do when Sam was alive. The former would look out of the door whenever the word “Sam” was mentioned in conversations. Still, our home could not get over the loss. He was a friend, a family, a companion. And sometime, he does more than what humans can do: to love without conditions.



If your pet is still with you, hug him/her today for me.

Sam, you know how much you are loved. You are deeply missed.

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