However, I
flawed as many people will come to flaw. Why? Cos we all have the perception of
having the ideal companion and many, many of us forget that "with love,
comes responsibility".
 |
| Simba and Whisky watching our worker preparing food. "Yummy". |
I had the
privilege of having 2 Golden Retrievers as my companions and I brought them
home the day they were 3 months old. Chubby and cute... they were simply
adorable. I fed them and spent some time once every few days to play with them.
The first few years were easy going or was it as easy going as I thought it
was.
I fell into
difficult times and it was then that I failed to be the master who was to take
care of them. Yes, I fed them and I showered them and when they needed medical
attention, I brought them to the vet. Read my words and to many, they will say
I have done my part. In actuality, I have truly failed because ask yourself
this, "How would I want my life companion to do for me as I would do for
them?"
I am sure many
would find such a question silly and ridiculous with the notion of a man
talking about commitment to a dog?! My answer to everyone out there is this
notion is very real.
Mohammad Gandhi
made a statement saying, "How far has man progressed can be witnessed by
the way he treats an animal." Your pet is a companion for life, not just a
temporary past time.
I failed my
companions and when my companions fell sick due to age such as skin problems,
having tick fever, etc...I came to understand that my dogs are creatures of
flesh, blood and emotions but what have I treated them as...? Have I been fair
to them? I always tell people that I own these dogs but in what fashion can I
be called a master? If I reflect on Gandhi's statement, the question is what
progression have I witness in myself as man, with education and a mind to
think!
In my time of
difficulty, I was fortunate to find a place where they can call home and 2
people made 2 statements that made me reflect upon myself...
"... there
is a lot of sadness in their eyes."
"... you owe them."
You know what? These statements are very true...
 |
| Whisky looking gorgeous each day after receiving TLC (tender loving care) from Uncle Raymund and the caregivers. |
In their new
home, even though I see them only once in a while, they have grown to be so
much healthier and the joy they display is something that puts me to shame;
nevertheless, I am happy for them. Today both are close to 10 years of age.
I share the
story here with people who may choose to read this because I wish to let you
know that Goldens are not ornaments or trophies; they are creatures of passion
and companionship... crossing our paths to bring us joy and teaching us a
lesson on humanity.
I challenge you
to think what our humanity is worth? Is it just the cost of purchasing a pet
that we deemed them to be or is it valued on how much we learn from them as our
life companions?
 |
| Since Simba arrived at the sanctuary, he has gained some weight and looking good. |
I am well aware
that many, many of us want a Golden Retriever as a companion but before you
jump into this relationship - ask
yourself whether you are willing to commit your life with this companion for
the next decade.
I assure you
that they are wonderful and beautiful companions but how far they progress as a
companion will also depend how much education you impart with them. As their
master, will you handle your responsibility to the fullest? It is not about
feeding them and bathing them only; it is about how much quality time you spend
with them. At each phase of their lives,
are you willing to find out more about what they need?
This
companionship is one of time and mutual understanding and this will last 12 to 15
years. Are you willing to commit to this, through thick and thin?
Answer yourself
truthfully about this before you embark on a wonderful journey with a Golden.
If you can, you
will have a journey that will bring you wonderful memories. If you cannot, then
I suggest you do not begin the journey and you will have nothing to lose.
Written by David
.
