As I was drinking my coffee, I couldn’t help but watch my two dogs as they chase the local birds. I sort of get a different kind of joy just watching them getting busy and playing with the birds and each other. I then thought, what could be going through their minds? What could they be thinking of? If they can talk, what would they tell me?
Both of my dogs are well-loved dog. Elmo is our first. He was just little when we got him, no bigger than my palm. When he was young, he always sleeps on one of my feet, and licks my feet as I went pass him. Look at him now; he covers almost their entire bed. My wife says I’m Elmo’s favourite. Well, he’s my favourite too. He was the first one that stole my heart – he’s just adorable.
King was my Christmas gift to my wife. He’s a purebred Maltese. We got him when he was 4 week’s old. I still remember when we picked him up – my wife was holding him on her lap, he was sleeping on her palm and I was holding his hand. He would occasionally lick my hand and would go back to sleep. He was so fragile then. Now he barks like a big dog. Funny how time flies.
I went out to join them. As soon as they saw me they both ran towards me and greeted me with exaggeration. I sat on the steps of the stairs and allowed King to kiss me on my ears while Elmo sat next to me and kissing my other ear. Elmo put his head under my hands asking for a scratch while king laid on the floor waiting for some tickle. I then grabbed the tennis ball at the door of their kennel and started playing ‘fetch’ – they love ‘fetch’! Elmo always gets to the ball first but King has ways of stealing it from him. It was really nice playing with them. After the game I gave them both some chicken necks and we all sat on the swing. King jumped on my left and rested on my left leg while Elmo jumped on the right and rested on my right leg. I was giving them both a good scratch.
As I was doing this I couldn’t help contemplate on how wonderful dogs are – of how they can give us their 100% and not get upset if we just return 5% of it or less. How patient they are - they waited for me to get home and welcomed me just like they’ve never seen me for a very long time. They always sit next to me or on my lap even after I’ve scolded them. They never get jealous even if I went out with my friends knowing they only have me. Their love never falters even though I’ve changed. They don’t criticise my looks, colour and gender. They never walked out on me when I looked horrible and wasted. They just love me without condition.
After that, I thought of giving them a good walk to the park. So up we went and grabbed their leashes… we’re off to the park!
Photo: Nik, Mahal, King and Elmo, Feb. 2010
