Good Bye, Buddy

"The dogs were fighting at home this morning"
"Why??"
"I don't know. They were not even eating at that time."

I got out of my mum's car to greet my two little buddies who were tied up. They had just had their dinner and were sitting quietly. As soon as they saw me, they woke up, barked and started wagging their tails, waiting for me to pat and play with them. As soon as I pat them, my maid took the dogs out for a walk.

After they were back, I wanted to see if any of them was hurt as I heard that the fight was quite ferocious. I couldn't see any scratches or marks so I assumed that they were fine. Then, when Rocky started to try and play with Rusky, everything went wrong.

Rusky became really fierce and another fight was about to break out. I knew the sound the dogs make if they were angry and I quickly puled them apart just in time. I asked my maid to tie rocky while I tied Rusky. Then, as I inspected the dogs, I realized that Rusky's left eye was slightly red. However, Rocky leg was already fine as the maid told me that rocky had injured his leg during the fight.

After some time, I released Rocky to see whether there were any changes. Everything was fine until he started to walk near Rusky. Rusky gave that growl that he usually does when he's angry and I knew immediately that the they were still not calmed down.

After some time, I released Rusky. He was fine right until he got near Rusky. I went in between them as soon as I released Rusky. Rocky didn't like him coming near me and he started to growl, prompting Rusky to bark as well. Before things got any worse, I pulled Rusky away.

I didn't know what to do. I just stared at them. They were fighting over me and each didn't want the other coming near me. Usually, it was Rocky who would be overprotective of me but then this time Rusky thought he should have his say in his owner as well.

I knew that this cannot be going on for long. I just can't leave it like this. And I knew what the only option was. Tears started rolling down my face. I've cried before when my parents suggested it to me. I couldn't choose between them. I loved them equally. I went up to my room and just sat in silence there, wiping tears off my face.

I know it had to be done. I was looking for the guts to tell my parents. All this while, my parents were keeping quiet because of me. As I thought about my decision over and over again, I kept on thinking what it would be like without one of them.

I went downstairs and tried to produce some words out of my mouth. Tears preceded the tears and somehow I managed to stutter out what I wanted to tell my dad. I told him to return one of the dogs to the shelter home and to do it as soon as possible so that I won't have to go through this pain in me longer. I didn't finish the sentence as my crying just intensified at the thought of letting go of one of them.

I took the keys and went to the porch just to be with my puppies. I knew which one they were going to give away. When this topic propped up the last time, they already decided whom to give away. I sat by him as he nibbled my finger and licked my arm. he sat there under the bench quietly and I patted him.

After some time, my father came down all dressed up to take the dog out. I couldn't control my tears anymore. I told my mum to go with my dad because I would be able to let go off him at the shelter home. I said goodbye as my dad walked him out of the house.

Just before my dad put him in the car, I told him to hold on as I wanted to to pat my dog one more time. As I went near the dog, he started running towards me just to lick me. I gave him a long meaningful hug, with tears rolling onto him. I knew I had to let go off him.

I watched as my father drove away taking my buddy with him. I had to pick up my sister from her tuition class. As I drove, the only image that kept hitting my mind was the moment when he ran to me before I gave him my last hug. That image didn't leave my mind as I kept my sister in suspense by being quiet throughout the journey back home.

When I reached home, the first thing I did was pat my other puppy. Then, when my sister asked where's the other one, I couldn't hold back my tears. She understood and went in. I just sat there on the bench outside, crying and recalling the memories I had with my puppy who was gone.

One of his favourite things to do was to jump and rest on my lap whenever I sat on the bench I was sitting on. He'll usually be the first one to do so. He was very protective of me. He always wanted me to stroke his body when he lies down upwards.

He was the most obedient among the 2. He used to wait patiently for food and never had a problem when we tie him. He hated medicines for some reason. I still remember trying to give him his immune booster after his first visit to the veterinarian. It took him some time to get used to it.

As I sat by the sofa gulping down some hot chocolate drink, I thought of times when he would sit by the grill and seek my attention. Sometimes, I would stroke his body from inside my house (he would sleep right by the grill). I remember that he used to eat his treats slowly as his teeth wasn't as strong as the other.

He was the more energetic of the 2. He always jumped to get his toy when I held it high. He also used to be very excited when my brother kicked the ball around on some evenings. He would try to get the ball but I would steal it away and throw it for him to run and get it again.

I realized that after this, I can't say "hello boys" when I get back home from college, "come here boys" when I want to take them for walks, "good morning boys" when I wake up, "good night boys" when I close the front door at night.   I'll have to remove the plural sounds.

I know if I go to the shelter home and call "come here boy", he'll run towards me, jump on me and lick me. I built a very strong bond with him as with my other puppy. The good times with him have gone but the memories will always be with me. I hope you're doing well. I'll miss you. Good Bye, Rocky.............