For as long as I can remember, I have always had a strong fascination towards animals. I recall several moments in my lifetime where all I ever wanted for Christmas, birthdays, and valentines was a puppy, a turtle, or for an early while a koala bear. Unfortunately, my mom could only tolerate one pet at a time so my childhood dreams of opening up a zoo never met its chance.
However, I have had both the best and worst sides to raising a pet. We once had a dog-named Rocky. He was a very smart and stubborn dog. He never learned to sit without the expectation of a treat and he only barked at you whenever you would kill a bug in front of him. He obtained a puppies personality throughout is whole nine years with the family; however, we couldn’t of loved him more. One day he ran out and came back after a fight with a random dog. He got infected and gave out symptoms of hair loss, foaming of the mouth, and wounds easy created around his skin. We had no money for a vet but desperate times call for desperate measures. We took him in and they instantly thought about neglect. We had provided over the counter medicen but it was not enough. They told us the price they were willing to charge and it came up to five hundred dollars just to figure out what was wrong. With our hearts crushed and empty pockets, wet faces and desperate souls, we had to put him down to sleep.
About two or three years after we lost Rocky, we decided to give it another shot and we adopted a puppy named Mhika from the shelter in which I volunteer. She was irresistible and I had a feeling she was exactly what my family needed. We got her at two months of age. She was an adorable little brown shepherd mix, with the biggest eyes ever. She filled my family up with love, and I do not remember the last time I ever saw my family so happy. At three months, she got sick by worms. We paid money we knew we did not have and fortunately, she survived. At five months, she got parvo. A deadly puppy disease that can easily be spread amongst the dogs. We did not have money and the doctor felt sorry so he offered me the IV’s and the medicen in order for me to perform the vaccinations. It was very difficult but with patience and love, she managed to recuperate. Then again at 7 seven months she swallowed a stapler and had to have surgery. Times got hard but we never gave up. Finally, at 11 months, she got a rare dog disease which made her lose her vision on the right eye and throw up blood several times. I watched the only ounce of happiness I ever had slipped away.
Along with three turtles that got sick and no money, praying simply did not work anymore. Its outrages the prices to save someone you love. Than again, an experience showed me my reason in life. I one day will open up a non-profit clinic for all families that are low income. Money will never stop them from happiness the way it stopped me.
