My Puppy: In Gratitude

He’s a pain and he knows it. I’ve held him since he was little until he became too big. He has the eyes of an innocent that you can’t say no to. I see him and all I can remember is the very first time I held him and didn’t want to let go. Deep down he was scared and I knew it. He’d cry when he was lonely and I’d come to the rescue. He knows every time it’s me coming to the door. He’ll be right there, ready to wag his tail and put on a big smile. He’s still a puppy in my eyes and no one can tell me otherwise.

He knows when I’m having my bad days. He knows it without a doubt. Although he isn’t  crying, he’s there waiting for me. He presses his hairy body on the door, staring off towards the street. When I go outside and sit on the stairs with him, he rubs his body against my leg, letting me know to pet him. Then he sits in front of me, facing the street, and turns his head towards me slightly, smiling, letting me know he’s happy.

He protects and he cares. He stays there and guards the house, making sure nothing will head our way. He’s quick on his feet and alert. He barks at the people who head towards the house that he doesn’t know, warning them not to come in. He waits for my “It’s okay, Tobi” to insure it’s fine for them to pass by and continues to wag his tail.

He knows what time I get home. Before I show my face, his face is over the fence, peeking through. He knows it’s me walking his way. It’s either him on top of the stairs searching for me or him waiting for me to scream his name. Either way he is always there, more than excited to see me come home to him.

He’s a good boy, but he also has his tough days too. When he feels he’s not given attention, he cries. When no one is being playful with him, he prevents us from going in the house by biting our shoes. He may be two, but he sure acts like a puppy. He’s chewed up more blankets than I have ever owned and more beds than I can count. His energy can be stressful from time to time, but he always manages to trick us into believing he’s innocent. Who could blame him? He’s adorable. He gets so spoiled by everyone in the family, obviously I get a little jealous. Like c'mon, he has his own big house, he wears fashionable sweaters, he gets belly rubs, gets told he’s a good boy, gets numerous treats, gets to be lazy at home all day everyday, and doesn’t has to stress about anything. He loves the attention.

One time my mom was coming from work but she went straight to the garage, distracted.  She passed Tobi who was on the balcony, sticking his head out through the stair rail, excited to see her. But when she came back and called his name, he turned his back on her, ignoring her. My mom told me that day about it and showed me a video. I laughed and was surprised when she showed me because I have never seen him do that. It was as if he was mad that she didn't greet him and felt ignored. He can be very human, which amuses us all.

One time, he didn’t know that I was trying to save his life. He had been chewing up a piece of chocolate that my cousin had accidentally dropped on the floor. I was alerted by my cousin of what he was eating and ran towards him. Of course he knew I was coming. I was beside him and he stayed still knowing I was going to surprise him by yanking it out from his mouth. He looked at the ground and stopped chewing still glancing over his shoulder. I leaned closer, careful not to cause him to run and chug the whole chocolate. I saw the opportunity to take it out of his mouth, at that point. I thought I’d be fast, but apparently I was not fast enough. The next thing I knew, blood was running down my hand. I couldn’t feel or move my hand. I felt a sharp pain running through my veins. My vision became blurry, tears filled my eyes. I cried for help. I looked at my hand and made sure it held the piece of chocolate. It was there along with his slimy saliva running down with my blood dripping down to my elbow. Everything went quiet. Somehow I felt as if I gained powers as I felt the cold wind pass through me so softly feeling every small push. I don’t remember getting to the emergency room. But I was there, sitting and feeling the time go by slowly. But my brain was going insane. I was in pain scared for losing function in my hand, but all I could think about is the many bad things that could happen to Tobi. What if someone found out and told on him? What if he has to get put down? Is he going to get taken away from me? I knew what happens to dogs who are aggressive, but it wasn’t his fault, right? He’s just a puppy. Tobi will aways be my Tobi no matter what.

He is three now. Its been two years now since the accident, I’ve been suffereing from hand pain ever since, but it hasn’t affected how much I love and care for Tobi. He’ll always be my Tobi.