My fur is thick and glistening for now it is the cold season in this land. We have only two seasons, the rainy and the cold although it sometimes rains during the latter also. This means that another cycle of 365 days has already begun. Around this time, canines like other animals also resolve to give up, or at least minimize certain negative habits and become more industrious and prosperous in terms of meat and bones for which they are capable of tolerating any number of kicks and whacks. For, a better dog does not necessarily lead a better life.
Whether they remain steadfast in their resolutions is another matter. Some have not the will to see it through or conveniently forget things while a few succeed through sheer determination and will power. Thus, I too make a New Year’s resolution.
I am now five years old. This is considered a mature age among us since one human year is said to be equal to eight canine ones. Indeed, by human standards, I would be on the verge of middle-age. There are few saints in the canine world and I am no exception. A life of loyalty and devotion to my masters and by extension to my meat and bones was but a natural consequence of my heritage. A life of celibacy was not so.
True, I have been unable to accept any humans other than my immediate family members and so could not tender affection to mankind in general and canines also. I do not apologize for it --- we are what we are, the products of our heritage and these terrible times. Abstinence was not entirely my choice. It was enforced with chains although I cannot deny the value of my chains. Nevertheless, looking back on one’s life, one is mortal enough not to be content with the way things have been. One would like to leave paw prints.
The thought of death often occupies the mind after you cross a certain age and the desire to be remembered well after having left this world increases with the passage of time even if one has not been anything special in this life. Were it possible, one would wish to have lived a better life, a more exemplary one but I suppose we all have our limitations. I do not fear death as an impending doom. All creatures great and small must one day or the other pass through the gateway to eternity. Nothing is more definite than that. So, one may as well go in style. It is obvious that human beings have been given dominion over the earth and all other creatures but surely, it is not too much to assume that among the “many mansions” in the house of the Almighty Creator, there is also one for us animals too?
Yes, I feel that my days are numbered. Before trotting into the world beyond, I am seriously contemplating to sire a few puppies myself and perpetuate my unique lineage. How I shall accomplish this I know not but hopefully it will not be impossible. For, death is only sad when some possible things are left undone. Accordingly, each day I pray to the One Who alone sees fit to guide the destiny of all creatures, that I will be a fitting mate to a gentler canine being.
It would be contrary to the laws of nature if there were a shadow without light; so also a male without a female would be incomplete. What I pine for is not unreasonable and I look forward to such a day. It means, of course, giving up some of my fierce and independent nature and becoming more acceptable to one and all. A habit of a lifetime may be difficult to change overnight but it is not impossible and ‘tis but a small price to pay for all the joys in the years ahead. I have faith and I believe that this New Year will dawn on such a day. And to all creatures on Planet Earth, may you be steadfast in your resolutions and that this New Year will be the happiest in your life so far.
And yet, not mine but His will be done.
I am now five years old. This is considered a mature age among us since one human year is said to be equal to eight canine ones. Indeed, by human standards, I would be on the verge of middle-age. There are few saints in the canine world and I am no exception. A life of loyalty and devotion to my masters and by extension to my meat and bones was but a natural consequence of my heritage. A life of celibacy was not so.
True, I have been unable to accept any humans other than my immediate family members and so could not tender affection to mankind in general and canines also. I do not apologize for it --- we are what we are, the products of our heritage and these terrible times. Abstinence was not entirely my choice. It was enforced with chains although I cannot deny the value of my chains. Nevertheless, looking back on one’s life, one is mortal enough not to be content with the way things have been. One would like to leave paw prints.
The thought of death often occupies the mind after you cross a certain age and the desire to be remembered well after having left this world increases with the passage of time even if one has not been anything special in this life. Were it possible, one would wish to have lived a better life, a more exemplary one but I suppose we all have our limitations. I do not fear death as an impending doom. All creatures great and small must one day or the other pass through the gateway to eternity. Nothing is more definite than that. So, one may as well go in style. It is obvious that human beings have been given dominion over the earth and all other creatures but surely, it is not too much to assume that among the “many mansions” in the house of the Almighty Creator, there is also one for us animals too?
Yes, I feel that my days are numbered. Before trotting into the world beyond, I am seriously contemplating to sire a few puppies myself and perpetuate my unique lineage. How I shall accomplish this I know not but hopefully it will not be impossible. For, death is only sad when some possible things are left undone. Accordingly, each day I pray to the One Who alone sees fit to guide the destiny of all creatures, that I will be a fitting mate to a gentler canine being.
It would be contrary to the laws of nature if there were a shadow without light; so also a male without a female would be incomplete. What I pine for is not unreasonable and I look forward to such a day. It means, of course, giving up some of my fierce and independent nature and becoming more acceptable to one and all. A habit of a lifetime may be difficult to change overnight but it is not impossible and ‘tis but a small price to pay for all the joys in the years ahead. I have faith and I believe that this New Year will dawn on such a day. And to all creatures on Planet Earth, may you be steadfast in your resolutions and that this New Year will be the happiest in your life so far.
And yet, not mine but His will be done.
