My Dog, My friend, My Doo

It was a fine Saturday morning. I woke up, went straight and looked at the sky. Sun was just about to shine and the sky is clear, how beautiful I muttered. I can hear the birds getting on with their morning business. I went back into the room and saw Doo my Dalmatian, curled up and still fast asleep. pillow. when I drift into sleep myself. She I noticed she is now lying on my was

sleeping by the foot part of the bed last night Dooday I whispered. Come on, we have somewhere to go Doo woke up with her sleepy eyes and looked at me as if she was smiling. I gave her a kiss. Quick, come on. I am just going to She grab a cushion for you to lie on later. stretch.

quickly jumped out of the bed and did a good Wagging her tail, she patiently waited while I got ready and grabbed the car key. She ran downstairs ahead of me looking so excited. Another day for an adventure Doo I said. Today, we are beach bound! How about that? She just looked at me like a child full of excitement all over her expressions. We quietly closed the door and the gate behind us and off we went. First, grab some water, some doggie treats, and fruits from the grocery. Check. tank. Check. Find a restroom for me and Doo. Check. Destination: Moalboal, Subangdaku Got some good CDs in the player and Id occasionally hear myself singing along while driving. Doo on the other hand is enjoying herself sticking out her head by the opening of the window just enough for her to enjoy the feel of the breeze. She looks to be in ecstasy as her ears flap in the wind. I would notice she would glance at me once in a while Fill the

as if checking and I would just give her a smile.

Her spot is the front seat

beside me whenever we are driving alone. She likes that. She would sometimes go near me and give me a good lick. As if reassuring that everything is great and we are having fun. We would stop at certain towns to buy favorite homemade treats or fruits sold along the road. We would get Chicharrn (a dish We made of fried pork rinds) to nibble and filling Bibingka (rice cake) as well. love those. She would quickly take my seat whenever I had to get down to deal or talk to the vendors. I liked it when she does that. It is as if shes saying go on Mom, Ill watch over the wheel while youre gone. We enjoy our two hour drive every time. Doo in fact is used to riding in the car with me and Moalboal beach is our favorite place. After looking for a secured parking, I grabbed my stuff and let Doo out. She would jump around and get so perky. I would give her water and off we stroll along the shore. It is mid-day and the sun is up and hot. Doo does not mind. She would stroll ahead, and seeing that she enjoys herself, I would let her explore on her own. She would look back to make sure that I am just behind and I would wave at her gesturing my approval. She would happy bark back at me. We would have this hide and seek game to play. Poor thing I would make her so anxious at times. When I am sure that shes a little bit far and is not turning her head back yet, I would look for a good place to hide and stay there until she would notice that I am gone. When shed realize this, she would run around whining at the same time as if something has gone horribly wrong. Maybe I was very good at hiding since shed never really have an idea where to find me even if I was calling her name. Doos sense of smell I thought was not quite good that she would rely on her sight for validation. I learned later on that its her (or all dogs) sense of smell, the reason why she (they) stick/s her

head out of the car window - to investigate her environment. Dalmatians are known prone to deafness but I think Doo hears me alright. Shes a special Dog, I almost lost her when she was a puppy but I nursed her back to life. Although her mom (Bridgette the beautiful) was still around while she was getting stronger and bigger, Doo is more attuned with me and I would let her sleep on my bed at night. I adopted her, and she was my baby. When I would notice that she is in real distress for not finding me, I would come out and reassure her. She would then jump for joy as if she hasnt seen me the whole morning and relieved that I am back, with her again. I would tease her and would slowly get into the water. She does not really prefer swimming but she would follow me, for which I am not sure if it is because she is worried I wont come back or if she enjoys it if I am in the water too. Either way, she would become anxious if we stayed in the water for so long that I would just sit and play with her in the shallow. When shes sure that I am safe, and at ease, only then she would go back to exploring the place. This beach is our favorite because there arent a lot of people or tourists loitering around. To us it seemed Paradise, a beach where we could play, swim and run around. It is so calm even private that we would really enjoy ourselves as if the whole place was ours. Afternoon came and it was time for us to drive back to the city. My skin is a little bit darker this time and Doos hair has gone dry. I nibbled more rice cake and Drank our fill then Doo had her food.

prepared to hit the road. Sun was still a bit high but I did not want to reach home late night. Plus we get to enjoy the sunset on our way home.

Doo at this point is obviously exhausted from all the jumping and running around, however always a good dog. She feels my happiness and the sense of adventure. She feels when I am sad just by looking into my eyes and minding my facial expressions. She would give me that look as if saying I understand your pain Mom. When I was still in Cebu and living the island life, I would just drive, whenever happy, or sad, or weary. I would drive to either end of the island and Doo is the one constantly with me. I on the other hand, enjoy and cherish my dogs company and most of all, empathy. Somehow, I felt like, she understood my thoughts even without uttering a word, however weary about anything that bothers or frustrates or disappoints me or even if just having a bad day. As well as, she would equally enjoy a good and a bright day with me. She is a good friend and I love her for that and I miss those times. Driving our way back to the city, I would notice her doing her usual thing, in front seat, her head out a bit to smell the breeze. Then she would slowly creep into the back seat and make herself comfortable and lay her head on the cushion (I brought for her to nap on). Somehow, looking at her asleep, at peace and contented about the world gives me solace in my solitude. I would then enjoy the view of the sun setting along the corner of my windshield while listening to my favorite tracks. It was a great day Doo, it was I mumbled. This was just one of those days - Me and my dog, on our adventures. Those were great days I will always cherish and keep safe in my memories. Dog, you are loved and always will be. I am sorry I had to leave. Its been four years, you must have been waiting and looking for me. Thank you for your company and your unconditional love. I miss you so much though you are with me in my thoughts, forever and always.

In Memoriam Nov 19, 2006 ~Dec 16, 2012

Doo