A Mind of My Own

I’ve always wanted to own a pet. However, parents being parents, absolutely refused to get me one by stating that pets die and it’ll be heartbreaking. I thought it’s to teach children about death and the acceptance of death? Maybe my parents feel differently but animals like cats and dogs have been known for being therapeutic just by being there.

I had the fortune of having a guinea pig after my friend mentioned that they are easier and more responsive to hugs and pets than hamsters. I loved him. His instant responses to someone passing by and wheeking out of food was definitely endearing.

In the past, my parents prefer rearing goldfishes, just feed and change water regularly. I was bored to tears. Goldfishes don’t do tricks and they aren’t the easiest to train either. I prefer pets that are trainable. Like guinea pigs and dogs. Hamsters have the worse attention span since they scurry away before you can even pet them.

Perhaps there is something about furry stuff that makes me all warm and fuzzy. I like cats but they don’t do tricks because they have too much of a lord’s air than wanting to please anyone. Dogs love to please while guinea pigs tend to do the tricks because of the expected treats.

The only thing that I dislike about owning any pets is that the prices for the pet food and other pet related stuff are at exhorbitant prices. There is no way you can even use cheap stuff because they are rather sensitive once domesticated.

Whatever the dog’s size is, as long as it is cute and stays where it is, it is a chick magnet. Even kids love to pet dogs. That’s why some guys have dogs. I was with this chick magnet from morning till afternoon. One cute girl even asked to take a photo of the dog except that she had to take multiple shots because the dog was truly turning the head way too much to be still for one shot.

Knows how to beg, roll over, come, heel and will do tricks for treats.

Family of cow where a long queue formed just to take photos with them.

Cow lovers hugging each other for dear life.

Rainbow with leprechaun and a definitely repulsive looking maid.

Definitely a male was posing for the making of this statue.

All photos taken at Sentosa Flowers 2009. A pity that the flowers didn’t look enough to fill up the place. It was also a pity that they looked wilted for most of them. In addition, more dogs are now seen in Sentosa. For those scared of dogs, avoid the beach during the peak periods such as on weekends. Unfortunately, that’s when most people are free to visit Sentosa.

10 Promises to My Dog is a family movie that teaches about a dog’s unconditional love and support to his owner. Socks, the Golden Retriever, wandered into Akari’s house as a young puppy when she was 14 years old. His presence in the family brought about some relief when Akari’s mother passed away due to an illness.

I like this touching movie because of its simple message. Animals have only us for companionship when they are our pets. Be it dogs, cats or guinea pigs. They depend on us for food as they can’t hunt on their own. They remember what was done to them even if they can talk.

Dogs have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years and neglecting them over the years or even abusing them will make them be afraid of you and even hate you. Don’t forget, dogs are natural hunters and their sharp teeth do hurt. 10 Promises teaches about Socks being a therapy dog; there is a few scenes about how he does it simply by being there and playing the “See There” game.

I feel this is a touching movie as it reminds me of my lost pet. The tears refused to stop! I feel that it is a pity that people adopt just any pet thinking it’s cute or “KAWAII” and then abandon them on the streets after a few years. When a pet has been domesticated for a few years, the hunting skills don’t just magically appear so that they will survive in the cold streets.

Just like if you have been used to being served with food at home without cooking, you can’t just magically cook a great meal when you are living on your own, do you?