Mustard

Growing up as an asthmatic, I knew it was not a good idea to go near pets, much more keep one at home. It all started with you Mustard, when mom's patient, asked her to adopt you since she was having difficulty keeping you and your siblings at home. I remember mom telling me how you were brought to her clinic inside an SM blue shopping bag and that I hurriedly picked you up at her clinic. I can vividly remember seeing you under mom's examining table, with biscuit crumbs all over. You were so tiny, and very delicate. I brought you home inside a shoebox, for fear of crushing you with your tiny limbs. Excited, I dropped by the community petshop, and got you a floral collar (with bell) and a plastic bowl. I know how scared you were the first time I held you and how you missed your mom back home. It took about a week before you got used to our house, you taking refuge under my bed. I was scared having you and all the responsibilities, feeding, cleaning and just taking the blame when you did something wrong.

When people get mad at you for peeing everywhere and just munching on anything within your reach, I get hurt. Remember how we even ran away from home after fighting with ate because you did something and we took refuge at a friend's house for 3 days? I can never forget the time when I was crying and you just stood beside me and you made a sound and you licked my tears away. I knew I had a friend in you.

I was very happy when mom allowed me to bring you out of town with us.I happily packed your things, and even bought you a shirt at Shopwise for that trip. I almost had a heart attack when after stopping at a gas station at the expressway, you escaped while I was walking you and saw you coming down the highway! I got frantic and kept shouting at you and begging you to come back, which you did. I was so scared that as soon as I got you, I kissed you nonstop and made you swear not to do that again. The whole trip I had to eat my meals in the car while the whole family dine inside restaurants so as to accompany you. Things I would do for you.

Going out of the country was the hardest. Even with people to look after you, we know it's not going to be the same. The whole time we were out, we always think about you and would call a friend just to check on you at home. My luggage going back always include treats and eating bowls which I painstakingly handcarry in the plane. Oh how good it felt whenever we would go home and see how you missed us, your mouth shaking and profuse tail wagging.

After some time, there came Denise and the rest. I had to take responsibility for the others while Ate Lei and Chris took care of you. They too was charmed by you. I think the hardest thing for Chris when she left for the States was leaving you behind. Now, it's Lei who's taking care of you and for one thing she adores you. I cannot forget that time when you got confined to the hospital, and I saw how ate cried whenever we came to visit you, and how she got mad at the maids for leaving things within your reach.

You were our first baby and everyone learned to love you, more than a pet, but as part of the family. You are now the tita of the smaller ones and unfortunately the enemy of Denise (haha!). I want to thank you for showing me how great it is to have known this kind of friendship and love. If not for you, I wouldn't know how much the family is missing for not having you guys as part of the family. Be well and live long, because I cannot imagine not having you around. I Love you Mita!

Love,

Ate Kat