my Valentines

This will be a dedication to my pets who had bought a bit of their life into mine...and mine, into theirs.

Auski, thank you for your patience and a big soft heart you have hidden under that fluffy body size. Considering I was quite a little girl when we first met -and you, a little puppy - I matured much more slower than you which, was quite a disadvantage to you as I still needed someone to annoy. However, you were always there when I needed you, even though I may not have realised it until now. I am sorry I wasn't there while you had your last breath...but if the gods may, to share a part of my life with you again, would be more than I can ask for.

Cheesecake, thank you for your adorable little face. Being the sterotyped rat of such 'scientific' nature, you had proven me wrong in believing that you had no long-term memory. In fact, your memory is so superb you still respond to your name, my mood swings, my annoying belly scratches whilst you are trying to burrow in your sleep and many more stupid little things that I cherish. Although your overly-cautious nature had earned you hostility points, you will always have a place in my heart.

The other day, mum was chatting with a lady who was walking a beautiful Japanese dog with amber fur. Afterwards I was informed that the dog was still a puppy, but blind after a terrible disease it commonly gets. The lady found the puppy behind a pile of trash by the road a few months ago, and she nursed it back to health.

Some people purchase animals with a "Honeymoon" attitude that is fuelled by the natural cute looks of a needy, dependent baby animal. Once they realise this animal is not as what they believed in the first place, they will throw it away -piece of trash, or decide to use them for other purposes. What hurts me the most, is that it is these animals that are sick, or disabled, or dependent for care -that needs the most love above all. To throw away something you have responsibility in, is a lack of human nature. But that's not all...to abuse them, torture them, gain a bit of 'cheap thrill' through their pain, all in the knowledge that you would not like such actions upon yourself...then I curse you die in more painful ways.

Valentine's day -what is the meaning of this when Hallmark has stocked all dollars and anticipating a rise in their market? Is it just purely an exchange of chocolates and cards between couples, or can we break away from this commercial cycle and elaborate its meaning? Do something you never had done for someone you truely cherish -whether or not it is your partner, your friends, your family or your pet - the difference will be there. I sure did something I never had done before...which , although is trespassing my cautiousness, I believe in all its worth.

We are all like pets in need -to love and be loved. Remember: love is not a stock market.




Wish you all to love, and be loved in return.

-Linda