Tập 8. Chú Chó Của Tôi / My Little Best Friend

A Twist of Fate

In the past two weeks, my life has taken a major turn, and I believe it was all destined to happen. I landed a job at a big company, which, although not my dream company, aligns well with my aspirations in terms of scale and what I've always wanted in my career. However, within the first week of starting my job, I had to bid farewell to a dear friend whom I had shared my life with for 16 or 17 years.

This friend was no ordinary friend; it was a chubby, white dog named Be. As a cat, I have always found it fascinating how Be and I formed a close bond despite our differences. My significant other at the time had two dogs, and when they had a litter of puppies, I took one in that happened to be black in color. Little did I know that this decision would change my life forever.

Unfortunately, my friend Be had a longing for adventure, which led it to meet some unfortunate circumstances. I had to use all my savings to take both Be and my new puppy, Bo, to the veterinary hospital in District 3 for treatment and care. It was a challenging time, but eventually, both of them recovered. However, Bo suffered from anxiety and fear due to the incidents with Be.

A Tale of Unconditional Love

Be was a shy and timid dog, always hesitant due to the dominant behavior of Bo, my large Phu Quoc dog. Although Bo had an older sister, Bo could never protect itself from being dominated and bullied by her. It broke my heart to see Bo being mistreated, even though her sister, named Bo, tried her best to protect her.

To ensure their safety and well-being, I decided not to leave them alone anymore. I stayed at home, taking care of them, cleaning the house, and even taking up gardening. I was no longer the social cat who used to roam around freely. Instead, I focused on creating a peaceful and loving environment for Bo to thrive in.

Reflections on Life and Loss

During this time, I began to realize the significance of love, patience, and nurturing in our lives. I started valuing relationships more than ever, especially during times of illness or distress. The feeling of not being able to provide enough care for Bo made me shed many tears. I felt guilty for not giving her the attention she deserved.

But amidst the pain, I found solace in the fact that I had learned important life lessons. I discovered that my capacity for love had grown exponentially, and my ability to handle various situations had improved. I also learned that love and attention are essential for complete healing. Bo's presence made me more compassionate, more understanding, and more patient.

The Bittersweet Farewell

Recently, Bo's condition started deteriorating. Her health worsened day by day, and she began to lose her sight and mobility. It was a heartbreaking experience to witness her struggle. Eventually, I made the difficult decision to let her go, to end her pain and suffering.

After Bo passed away, my house felt emptier. But somehow, life seemed more peaceful. I no longer had the constant worry and emotional burden. I cherished the memories we had together, the moments of joy, and the love we shared. Bo taught me the importance of cherishing loved ones while they are still with us and the power of letting go when it is the best decision for their well-being.

Embracing the Lessons Learned

Now, as I reflect on Bo's journey, I realize that I have become a better version of myself. I have grown in my career, thanks to the time I spent at home with Bo. I have developed stronger bonds with the people around me, and I have learned to appreciate the value of love and affection.

I want to share these lessons with you and, more importantly, honor the memory of my beloved dog. Embrace love, give the care and attention that our loved ones deserve, and learn to treasure every moment with them. Let go of fear and pain when it becomes necessary, knowing that you have given your all.

Life is a beautiful journey, filled with both joy and sorrow. It is up to us to embrace every experience, learn from them, and grow into better versions of ourselves. So, let us spread love and kindness, share our experiences, and make the most of the time we have with our loved ones.

Remember, life is about embracing the bittersweet moments and finding peace in the lessons they teach us.