There’s No Such Thing As The “Purrfect Pet”

Ever since I was a little girl, I always wanted a puppy. Unfortunately, I was asthmatic so my mom wouldn’t let me have one. It was only when she went abroad that my dad, brother and I went behind her back to buy a half Shih Tzu-half Labrador puppy from my brother’s friend. I named her Zicalyne, ‘cause that’s a mix of me and my girlfriends’ names. Zippy+Micah+Lylybell+Raine=Zicalyne. Clever, right? Anyway, you could only imagine the shock on my mother’s face when she saw Zica on my lap as I answered her video call. She squeaked – like literally – and said, “What the heck is that?!” I laughed at her and said, “Mom? Seriously?” She glared at me while saying, “Where did you get that thing from?” Mind you, emphasis on the word THING. She is the perfect example of an animal hater – well, not really an animal hater but you get what I mean. LOL. I understand where my mom’s coming from, though. She got bitten by a dog when she was my age, I think? She’s developed an intense disdain for animals ever since.

A dream come true

Let’s get to the soppy bits of having a pet… Well, for instance, have you ever felt like your heart could blow up with pure joy? Besides feeling it when you’re in love or achieving your goals… This is what it feels like to have a pet of your own. This will give you a sense of responsibility which will earn you brownie points from your parents. Why? Because being responsible of taking care of another living thing would make you more trustworthy and reliable. This could be your chance to avoid the constant badgering of your parents about going out or chilling. Isn’t that what every one of us wants? To have independence and freedom. Of course, thanks to the help of our furry little friends.

To mend a broken heart

I bet all of us have gone through heartbreak once, twice or even more. Those moments where we had no one else, but the silent beating of our broken hearts… Oh gosh! I’m starting to sound like a T-Swift song. Anyway, you could avoid that, you know? Our friends can’t always be there for us when we need them, but our pets can. We have that special bond that no one could ever understand, unless they have a pet of their own. They’re good company and they make you laugh and giggle just for being cute. Dogs, for example, are loyal to a fault. Just like Hachiko, he waited for his deceased master every day at the train station the same time he always did when his master was still alive. Doesn’t that just make you wanna get a dog, just like Hachiko? :')

Don’t cramp the style

I did a survey at my college a year ago for my English class and I asked this guy, “What do you think are the advantages of having a pet?” Then he said, “Credibility and style.” I rolled my eyes and laughed. Although... if you think about it, these things do happen where a guy or a girl has a cute dog with him/her and they use the dog to attract gullible people, flirt with them, ask for their number and then finally go on a date with them. LOL. Kudos to your creativity! If you’re one of those people and it works for you, go for it! But make sure you treat your dog a big juicy bone for getting you a date. Cough – pathetic – cough. Sorry, I think I’ve got a scratch in my throat.

Who let the dogs out?

Okay, so we’re done with the upsides of having a pet. It’s time to think about the ramifications. As I said before, my mom was bitten by a dog – which sucked BIG TIME, to be honest. That made her wary of buying any pet, even a cute bunny rabbit! Every time I give compliment to a dog or I see a cute puppy running around in the park, she always says “What’s cute about that? They pee, they poop and they sleep. They’re not ALL THAT!” Then I answer with a catch of bitterness in my voice, “Animal hater.” My mom doesn’t get mad. In fact, she laughs every time I call her that. There’s no good in guilt tripping her, is there? Sigh. Moving on… When you’ve got a pet you’ll be responsible for training them when to behave and when to attack. If ever they get out of your house and bite someone, you’d be held responsible and all the reliability that you’ve earned will be thrown into the bin. Better tighten the leash and check the gates, mate!

Money, money, money

Put your paws up if you think buying a pet and having them are expensive! When I had Zica, I was always asking my mom and dad some money for medical bills ‘cause she needed her shots. I also had to buy her medicine, since she had an ear infection then. Taking care of her was hard work and cost a lot as well – like A LOT. There were so many things that I had to buy for her, like an anti-flea shampoo, soap, dog food, dog leash, dog collar, etc. And yes, I pampered her. She was my first pet ever and I was so happy when I got her! But then my mom and dad decided to get some money off my allowance, since I always bought Zica some toys and my parents thought it wasn’t necessary. I just couldn’t help it! Ugh. Eventually, I stopped ‘cause a girl has to eat. LOL. So, if ever you wanna get a pet… Think about if you’re willing to give up SHOPPING and FOOD. I don’t think there’s anything more important than shopping and food, but a girl’s gotta do what she’s gotta do to make her dream come true. Right?

Oh please, just kill me now!

How I wish this would never happen to you, guys. Like seriously. Me and my mates went to my house, since they wanted to spend my last days in the Philippines with me. So, after a quick picture with them, Zica went to my guy friend and peed on him. I repeat, PEED ON HIM! Gosh! I was so mortified, I could have died. Good thing my mate wasn’t pissed off or anything, he just laughed and dried it up with a tissue paper. I said sorry a million times and it got to the point where he got annoyed and threw the tissue paper at me. Ewww! It didn’t hit me or anything, thank the heavens! But you know, dogs are dogs. I couldn’t be mean to her, so my aunt was the one who ended up scolding her. I knew Zica felt guilty, ‘cause she was hiding under the sofa after that never-to-be-repeated-ever-again-in-the-future incident. Just remember, when you’ve got a pet… There’s bound to be some embarrassing moments coming along the way. Good luck!

DOuGlas MacArthur once said, “I shall return!”

So basically, we’ve come to an end. LOLJK. I won’t end it with just that. I know there are a lot of downsides to having a pet like cleaning up their mess, bathing them every week, getting them to the vet and everything else that comes with having a pet, but the upsides outweigh the downsides. For me, at least. I’ve always been the type of person that takes responsibility head on and enjoys doing it. I love taking care of both people and animals, because that’s just how I am. If ever you think of having a pet, you better think of him/her as well as yourself. Don’t buy them and only have them hanging high and dry for your attention. All the moments I had with Zica were cherished, but my most favourite one of all was when she slept outside of my bedroom door even when I’m not at home. I know, because my aunt told me she’s waiting there when I was away at school. There’s no love like theirs and I’ll forever have her in my heart and that’s a fact.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog! For further updates about my oh-so-far-from-boring life, check me out on IG: @rynorshine. See you guys, soon!

Raine xxx

#CreativeWriting #Pets #Dogs