Huskee & Hershey

We are in a somber mood this Friday because Mama got a call from an old friend (Aunty W), who asked if she is able to adopt her dog or knew of anyone who could take in the dog. This made mom very sad because she knows the dog and was the one who gave him his name (Benjy). She had also taken care of Benjy for a period of time when he was a wee pup and he was in a way the very first dog in her life. Benjy is a Maltese X Shih-Tzu like me and he is 3 months older. (yes, I know we do look alike but I swear it is NOT ME!!)

Mama felt that Benjy had a pretty sad story and life… it’s not that he had been mistreated or anything, but mama felt that he had never enjoyed much ‘quality life’ in terms of the lack of attention and love, and she always felt that she had a part to play.

Had mama been successful in convincing Aunty W to let her adopt Benjy 8 years ago, mama and papa would not have gotten me. So for me, it’s a blessing in disguise, but for Benjy, it’s just the opposite. Imagine this – Now I am leading the life that could’ve been Benjy’s!! He could’ve been the one who has a blog, who gets to make so many new friends, who gets to eat home-cooked food, who gets to receive so many presents on his barkday, who gets spoiled-rotten, who gets all the attention from the family, who is the ‘Prince of the House’, who gets a new toy ever so often, who gets all the unconditional love, …. So in a way, mama had always felt guilty towards Benjy. She is not sure if he ever got any toys after he left her care.. or if he ever had a barkday celebration in his life...

Benjy is confined to a small garden outside the house most of the time. He does get his food and water, but very minimal attention and interaction with the family. (Hey, we deserve more than just that right?!!) Anyway, Aunty W got married and moved out of the family home. She now has another dog living with her and her family does not want to care for Benjy anymore. So the poor guy is now looking for a new home. Mom is pretty upset with Aunty W, but there's not much she can say because it's not that Benjy had been mistreated. We know that it will not be easy trying to find someone to take Benjy because he is not exactly a young pup anymore.. we only hope that Benjy can find a family who deserves his love and will love him in return for the rest of his life.

This also serves as a reminder to people out there who wants to buy a pet at the spur of the moment... a pet is a long term commitment! If you are not prepared to give it all the love and attention that it deserves, then do not bring it home!

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Name: Benjy
Breed: Maltese X Shih-Tzu

Gender: Male
Barkday: May 1999

Character: Playful, loves food, sweet and loving nature

(pics. taken in 1999)