On a sunny afternoon, the clouds were gray.

This picture was taken minutes before I left bebe
at Ian's house. It was a Sunday, April 10th.

That is what I felt...for today, two of the loveliest dogs I've loved died.

Eros, Ian's baby and Misty, my supposed to be future baby. :(

Eros is a half Shitzu, half Maltese cutie that I gave Ian, my beloved almost four months ago as a graduation gift. I personally named him Eros, for three reasons:

1. It is the Greek word for "Love". And though I   absolutely don't believe in mythologies, I like the story of "Eros and Psyche" (Love and Soul).

2. Due to the heart-shaped colored hair on his forehead (which he even eventually loses after two months). 

3. I love Ian and giving him a dog which name depicts love is just fitting.

Eros (I also call him bebe) just turned three months then. Though I was a bit sad of letting him go, I was also happy at the same time knowing that he'll be more taken care of with his new family.

Sleepy Misty, about one month.

Misty, on the other hand is a half dachshund, half greyhound sweetheart. Though I didn't request for any in return when I gave Eros, Ian promised me Misty as a special gift. I was hesitant at first but since I love dogs, I thankfully accepted the idea. She already turned three months almost a month ago, and I was supposed to get her already last week but the inevitable happened---she, together with her sister, Nita and Eros got sick.

Nita, Misty's only litter sibling died first, out of  what they thought as a mere diarrhea. On the night of Nita's death, Misty started to vomit and excreted bloody diarrhea late that night..she was confined at the vet the following morning. Eros exhibited the same signs two days after, and he followed Misty at the community vet.

Observations were done and the result took us by surprise. The culprit was Parvovirus, a potentially lethal virus that causes infection in dogs and puppies that indeed causes bloody diarrhea and vomiting. The said virus is asymptomatic (meaning no visible symptoms can be observed) until it is fully blown in the system. Among other organ defects, it causes extreme damage to the intestinal tract, explaining the bloody diarrhea. For more complete info, visit link: http://vetmedicine.about.com/cs/dognz/a/parvodog.htm . To how the virus reached my boyfriend's residence is unknown but what is known is that Parvo is epidemic at their baranggay.

The two dogs were left in the care of their trusted veterinarians and since the diagnosis, we could only hope for the best. Learning how serious the condition is, Ian repeatedly told me to pray for their recovery and I did ( I'd do it anyway even if he didn't tell me to). Those two dogs were special, they are our babies and we hoped and prayed hard until this day. This day when our prayers have been answered differently.

Eros drew his last breath between 9:42-10:20 in the morning. Ian called me just before my second class start and at his first word, I already knew what he's about to say due to the urgency and agony in the tone of his voice. I left the room for awhile and started to cry. Bebe seemed to be well this morning, he even had the strength to stand and wag his tail when he saw Ian. Ian was about to carry him when all of a sudden he cried from pain and his muscles contracted. Eros died a painful death, from a seizure attack- aside from Parvo, he also had another virus in his system, known as distemper. http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/dogdiseasesconditions/a/CW-Distemper.htm

Misty followed him some time later in the afternoon, between 5:30-6:30pm. She was a tough soul, being  younger and fragile than Eros but has managed to survive hours longer. I could imagine how hard she fought there as she was in the incubator, seeing how Eros died and how Ian cried, she must have tried hard to live to not suffer the same fate. Unfortunately, the virus was stronger than the antibiotics and other medications; the virus was stronger than her will. This news is so disheartening, two deaths in a day is just too much. Guilt also overtook me for technically, Misty is already mine. I was supposed to take care of her but I wasn't even able to hold her 'til her last moment. The chance of doing so is forever lost.

Ian was and is still inconsolable. The pain that he's feeling pains me as well..it's like a deja vu for me, I lost two dogs in a day too; [Pretty, my irreplaceable anak and her baby.. It was so painful, I didn't had the heart to blog its details up to this day.] I knew that words are not enough but I just told him what I told myself when the same experience happened to me: that wherever the passed dogs are, they are happy together with our other deceased pets and that at least there, they are not suffering anymore. Though they will no longer be visible or physically seen, they'll forever stay with him, in his heart..and they will look after him. 

After this dire incident, I can only think of these two important conclusions:

NEVER OVERLOOK THE IMPORTANCE OF VACCINE and DO NOT DELAY.

Nita, Misty and Eros were just 4-6 months old puppies and they were still unimmunized. I am not and will not blame Ian's family though, had they known about this earlier, I am sure they will take the proper measures immediately. They also did more than enough when they realized that the dogs were sick. Viruses are nonetheless opportunistic and it just so happen that it had affected and taken our dearest's lives. 

Both of our babies died this day and it will never be forgotten.

photo rama 01: KFC Tower Burger

I therefore conclude:  Parehong nakakaumay but double down is way, way better than tower burger. Will not eat KFC burgers muna.;p

since it's raining~

An old, popular nursery rhyme goes:

"Rain, rain go away,  come again another day;

little Johnney [or children] wants to play..."

Funny how this song reminds me of countless downpours that hindered me from playing outside when I was a little child. There were times that they let me get drenched together with the neighbors' kids (or cousins) and  those were really great times. However, when the wind is already whistling and swaying the trees hard, they didn't let me even near the gate. In my child mind it's just a rain, and rain seemed fun- all the time. I was quite desperate then, crying and sticking by the window 'til the last raindrop fall. Years later, I realized that it's just fitting to be inside the house when the rain is a storm, and I'm thankful that my parents are responsible ones and they didn't let me go no matter how stubborn I was.;p

But childhood days are over, I'm twenty-three, and I'm free. =D

By free means: I can go outside and play in the rain, even if it's a storm! (Well, provided that it's still Signal 2 and the roofs are not detaching yet). Haha. So with that, I went outside to get wet.

Dan took this picture as he watched me
play like crazy from  his bedroom window.

I tried to lure my brother, Dan (21 yrs.) to have a good soak with me since it's raining relentlessly but he was too preoccupied with his FB.:( Too bad there is no one who can join me that time in my regression attack; we were in our rented house near the school. Nevertheless, I enjoyed my time in the rain..including my shower with the water from our neighbor's bit dirty roof. LOL.

Minutes later, it came to us that I'm not the only one who's wanting to have a good time then. Behind our close door, our labradog expressed his desire to go out by watching me from the window. He was immovable. Relating to what he might be feeling, I asked our kasambahay to let him out also.;p

Brother took this also, and as he did, I felt that he was
regretting why he didn't join us. Hehe.

Much to my surprise: though he's afraid of thunders, he absolutely loves rain. Bruce was so playful and I bathed him as a reward for being a fine company. He definitely added another to my cherished rain memories, and I was thankful.

Thankful not only because of him, but also for the fact that though I'm not a child anymore, I can still enjoy the rain like one.:)

In my own little way: An attempt to save the animals in Manila Zoo.

It was quite interesting that my simple act of support would turn into a debate premise.;p Never a fan of such. I consider myself as a peace keeper so when I realized that the thread has the potential to go into politics (which I'm less interested in and is absolutely more debatable), I immediately ended it. Hehe. Nevertheless, it was a healthy discussion. Happy that my post served its purpose-to had others awakened and INFORMED of the issue.

Planning to visit Manila Zoo soon.

i miss you.

It's been exactly one year and a day since this picture was taken.

This is still so fresh in my memory, it's as if it only happened yesterday.

But today, I have to face the fact that I can't have the same picture

with you...you're already gone.

I want to hold you, caress you.

I long for you.

And now...

With a bittersweet smile, I took this picture with you;

believing that in dog heaven, your smiling at me back too.

I MISS YOU.

RUNNR Father's Day Tribute

I've been a runner for as long as I can remember (experience-wise) but I 'officially' became one when I joined my first marathon, June of last year.

Ever since that day, I became a member and got myself involved on Takbo.ph forums (http://www.takbo.ph/), was hooked on Pinoy fitness (http://www.pinoyfitness.com/), and other selected sites that involves running and the like. To add with this craze, I became a fan of RUNNR, a store in which vast array of running paraphernalia are sold.

(http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150201726856732&set=o.280489274132&type=1&theater)

Whenever I check my FB account, it's been a routine to check out the latest in RUNNR FB page too and this week, as a celebration of Father's day, RUNNR launched its latest picture contest:

I was charmed by the entries that I saw, they are all beautiful.:) Seeing photos of fathers and their children caught in the action of running hard while genuinely enjoying themselves is just touching. It make me want to post my own too...unfortunately, my papa is not involved in running (yet). haha.

I've scanned all of the entries, and though all were amazing, there are just some that for me, stood out above the rest. To share, the pictures are posted below together with their submitted captions:

This entry won the contest.

                                       

Jay F. Bautista a.k.a. running pastor
sometime in mid 2010, i met this guy, i didn't know he has a passion for running. he is a good father, a good husband and GOD's servant. he is aiming for his full marathon early next year.


**This one's cute. I would be glad to run with my baby in the future too.;p

Dennis Cruz aka The Best Dad


He always finds time to run and bond with us despite of his busy schedules at work.


** Simply charming. ^.^

Name: Tito Miñoza Vildosola

Title: Athletic Idol Dad

Why: He is very athletic and introduces his kids to sports activities like football and running, enjoying the sport with the whole family.

Photo by: Reyes Zyd

**It's just astonishing--how a family can literally, run together. :)

 Mr. Jonathan Lagumen 

"Health-Buff Running Dad"

A regular 5K runner in Guam, this very health conscious dad never miss to encourage his children to join fun runs during his vacation in Manila... and the latest last May, after finishing his 5K run, he went back along 3K route to join our youngest reach the finish line of her first 3K run.

**Health conscious dad begets health conscious kids. Nice!

He's 62 years old. He ran his first race event in April 2010. In 13 months he challenged himself and achieved this..

**Inspirational. Really, something to be proud of.

To sum up my personal picks from RUNNR's "Best Dads On The Run" Contest, I also would like to share a superb story. A story of a marvelous love of a dad to his handicapped son that made ALL THINGS POSSIBLE. The story of TEAM HOYT, which is now a legend.

In the spring of 1977, Rick told his father that he wanted to participate in a 5-mile benefit run for a Lacrosse player who had been paralyzed in an accident. Far from being a long-distance runner, Dick agreed to push Rick in his wheelchair and they finished all 5 miles, coming in next to last. That night, Rick told his father, "Dad, when I'm running, it feels like I'm not handicapped."


This realization was just the beginning of what would become over 1,000 races completed, including marathons, duathlons and triathlons (6 of them being Ironman competitions). Also adding to their list of achievements, Dick and Rick biked and ran across the U.S. in 1992, completing a full 3,735 miles in 45 days. 


In a triathlon, Dick will pull Rick in a boat with a bungee cord attached to a vest around his waist and to the front of the boat for the swimming stage. For the biking stage, Rick will ride a special two-seater bicycle, and then Dick will push Rick in his custom made running chair (for the running stage).


Rick was once asked, if he could give his father one thing, what would it be? Rick responded, "The thing I'd most like is for my dad to sit in the chair and I would push him for once."

Parting will always be the hardest.

It's been a week since you were gone.
And that past week is the hardest one, ever.
The word is PAIN, and I haven't gotten over it till now...
MY HEART ACHES.
I really, really miss you.

If I can forever deny that you are gone I will-
Thinking that I won't have another chance to see you and your wagging tail,
feel you, caress you and play with you..it's just too much to bear.
Why does it have to be so soon?
It's just too soon to let go. =,(

I've bargained all that I have and did all that I can
but my all was still insufficient, I lost you.
Your loss is a loss that I cannot ever (and will never) forget,
nor can I ever accept, but have to.
I beg God to help me to.
For I cannot do so on my own..I refuse to do so.
I loved you so much.
I LOVE you so much.

I now believe in a "dog heaven", 

I pray that wherever you are right now you are in peace.

"Patience" and "Love" are the two words you taught me well,

Thank you for being a part of me.

You were a blessing.

No one can ever fill your space in my heart..

though years pass you'll never be apart,

for you will forever be here, with me, I PROMISE.

Bruce misses you too,
so much like I do.
He's been less playful,
he's maybe wondrin' where you at;
He sometimes wait by the door, (where you and him used to lay)
I, at times, take your place by his side so that he'll be less lonely.

Tears, are beyond control whenever I think of you,
but I'll try my best.
They say that at the end of this all
people will see their love ones who departed;
And so, I'll be waiting for that day..
that day when we meet again..
I'll hold you baby. Tight.

While waiting, I'll just think of our happy moments together.
I can't wait to kiss you
and put my nose on yours (nose to nose),
just like the old times.

'Til, my Pretty, my baby.