Have you ever wondered what it feels like to lose a beloved pet. I did, but not like this recent experience when I can truly say I loved my pet dog like my own best friend and companion. I have lost many pets before back home in the Philippines, but I never experienced a deep remorse and sadness like I have felt when I lost my pet dog, “Simba.”
I have been those people that said, “Its okay, I understand…I have been there done that!” When you say you lost a pet before and understand my situation. My next question to you is, have you had a pet here in the west like in Canada or United States. Why did I ask you that? Well, I believe that it is the different love that I received and that reciprocation of love between pet and master and different culture when it comes to tending to beloved pets.
People in the Philippines back in my province, have pet dogs to be their guard dog from burglars and thieves. They are not usually vaccinated and they can suffer from diseases or ticks and fleas. I could never hug them or pet them at all because they would always be aggressive. I thought to myself that it was normal to have dogs as guard dogs, but when I arrived in Canada, everything in my life changed for the better because I had Simba.
The Rescue and Life of Simba
We rescued Simba from a neighbor that had two jobs and couldn’t take care of Simba. He offered us Simba, a Border Collie-German shepherd mix, with the colors of black and white. I and my brother convinced my parents to have him in our home. We walked him as much as we can everyday, Simba ate kibbles and most of the time ate my mom’s cooking too! I and my brother would always cuddle with him and play catch with him. We would teach him tricks and we laughed as he performed them. He played with my niece(3) and nephew (1) lived with us until that time that we would see him on his last day. He stopped eating and his knees were getting weaker until he couldn’t stand up anymore that was when I knew that he was going away and never coming back. He may be gone on this earth, but Simba will always stay in our hearts.
I dedicate this song called Black and White to Simba. Rest In Peace my friend. (September 11 – November 21, 2022)
I choose to be joyful in spite of the experiences and emotions that I feel. I have witnessed the faithfulness of God and I will always remember His goodness and promises in my life. Thank you Lord for the gift and the life of Simba.
“I am thankful for the life of Simba and the smiles and laughter he has given our family. I would always remember the good times we have with him.” – Rosette Ann, 2022
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17
