Why So Like That One?

Again, I am in a dilemma! Shall I have a pet dog or not? One weekend, we went to Carrefour Kepong and we purposely went to the petshop first before going to Carrefour or else we can’t both go in to see the pet there. Just look see only. A little surprised that babe want to go see pets also because he was saying that we shouldn’t have pets. Although he loves dogs and cats too, he feels that it would be too much responsibility for the both of us. Before going to the petshop that day, I agree with him 100%. But I can only say that it was a big mistake of his to bring me to the petshop.

We went into the petshop and immediately we walk to the puppies section. There have a few puppies such as shih tzu, cocker spaniel, mini pinscher, chow chow and so on for sale. NONE of the price tag is below RM1000! Even for the shih tzu, it was on sale for RM1050! I was looking at puppy breed called chow chow, and trying to get its attention the usual way, i.e. gently tapping on the screen separating us. Then suddenly, the petshop owner opens the cage and take out the puppy! And then she hands the puppy to me!

Sufficient to say that I was in love with the puppy after that. If it were not for the out-of-reach price tag (RM3,200), I would have taken the puppy home that very moment. But like all good things, it all had to come to and end. After a few minutes of holding and hugging the puppy, I gave it back. And then I proceed to stand there, looking at the puppy for the long time after she is back in her cage! I must have look pretty upset and sad not to mention WEIRD! There I was, standing and staring at the puppies with tears swimming in my eyes! I am so glad that I manage to get a control of myself and not shed any! Gosh, that would have been embarrassing.

I went home with a sad and heavy heart that night, thinking about my own little doggies that I had to give away when I relocated to KL. I wonder how are those little babies are now. I know those that are with my cousin (2 of them) are doing well and are very happy. They still remember me in fact and jump all over me when they saw me at my cousin house before I came to KL. Another two, I gave away to a friend of a friend of a friend. I was told that they are dog lovers too and have a few of their own. I am more worried about this two because one of them is 12 years old and has cataract. He has been with me since I was in college and almost all my college mate knew and remembers him.

I actually went online to search for more information about chow chow the next day. And the cheapest that I can find online is RM1,800 for locally breed chow chow without MKC (Malaysia Kernel Cert), no microchip or vaccination. WOW! I never knew dogs here are so expensive. Even the shih tzu is sold at around RM600 and again without MKC or vaccination! I do not really mind about the MKC but the puppy must at least be vaccinated! After all, you never know what kind of people owns the puppies. Some unscrupulous people just keep dogs for breeding and profits! They do not care about the health of their dogs. So, it is better to be careful than getting upset if the dog didn’t survive after purchase.

So, I actually almost gave up hope again because of the price tag. But I stumble upon a website (www.adpost.com.my) which allows people to advertise whatever things they want to sell or buy, including pets for adoption. I was actually looking for used furniture online and saw that there is a category for pets. Of course, I cannot resist just having a peek! And I saw a few advert with dogs for adoption! WOW! One is a 7 year old shih tzu but I was too late. Another was a 1+ year old mini pinscher. The dog is really tiny and is only about 2 or 2 half palm size at adulthood. It looks like a miniature Doberman actually.

So, this lady advertised that she is looking for someone to adopt the dog. Upon more conversation, found that she actually moving from a condo to renting just a room near where I work. And since she is renting room, she simply can’t keep any dogs no matter how tiny they are since the owner doesn’t allow it. Yes, I am very excited at the prospect but can’t make up my mind whether to keep or not. On one hand, I miss having a dog in my life. I feel as if something is missing and listening to my friends with dogs tell me how their dogs greet them when they came home from work, how their stress all gone the moment they see their happy eager pet. I would have preferred something bigger and meatier so that I can hug and hold the dog without fear that I will break it. But big dogs mean bigger maintenance and responsibilities. So, a tiny dog such as the mini pinscher would be perfect. Furthermore, it is FREE! A dog like that at the pet shop will cost around RM600-1000.

On the other hand, would I be able to handle the added responsibility? Will I have the time for the little fella? Will giving it bath, food, cleaning up and so forth equal the benefits and happiness I get from it? Later, when we decide to have a baby of our own, will we be able to handle having a kid and a dog? Do I have time for both and the big panda???? Also, the little fella need to be house broken, where will I be able to find the time? So many questions, no answer. I think those with a dog or cat will be able to understand what I am trying to say.

I actually asked 2 friends for their opinion. One strongly disagreed that I adopt the dog but one suggested that a dog will help to train for future heavy responsibility of having a kid. Then again, when I actually have a kid of my own, will this craving for a pet go away? The feeling that something cuddly and lovable is missing go away? I seriously don’t know. I guess I will let babe decides? At least if he say yes, then he will also be responsible to help me with the dog?! Hahaha…