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.
