Bye Bye Love!

The pain of losing a pet is something that’s new to me. Now, a lot of people who haven’t had the good fortune of having one would never be able to relate. And without any offence to those who are scared of pets or have formed some kind of aversion to them, I must say that you are missing out on a wonderful experience.
These little creatures just storm into our lives and create a place of their own. Trust me when I say that you don’t have to be an animal lover to have one. They just teach you to love in a whole new way that is alien to our species.
Like my dog Rocky did. He just marched into our lives with severe resistance from most around. And even though I didn’t have a pet before, his beautiful eyes made me fall in love. And in true filmy style I argued, I fought, even I cried in front of the whole neighbourhood till the opposition softened and allowed me to keep him.
Now, it wasn’t a smooth ride. Especially when Rocky had a taste for only the finer things in life. Like he refused food without Chilly Chicken on the menu followed by a bowl of rice and milk with a generous sprinkle of the super rich cream. Or say, when he would just go hungry for days wanting only Vanilla Ice Cream to savour. Even he needed his own bed with a pillow to rest along with a thick blanket and hip coats for trendy winters. Obviously, a handsome fellow like him wouldn't like to be left behind. Yet all the effort was worthwhile for the hearty welcome he gave every time I came back is the best by far, even better than any man would have. And even before realization daunted us, Rocky became the centre of our world. Our life revolved around him and he earned many nicknames to which he responded with the ever friendly wag.
Times changed and marriage took me to a different city where I howled for my beloved Rocky for long. Finally the hubby who never had a dog before with a fetish for cleanliness took pity on me. And bought me my second pet, a Labrador named Buddy. He eased my separation pangs yet Rocky gave me the best welcome each year when I went visiting my folks.
Today when Rocky is gone, the void in my heart is too great to be filled. I meet him in my dreams more often than before. I hold my second one tighter than before hoping that the pain would ease. Life is going on yet I miss Rocky terribly for it’s him who taught me the meaning of “love”. May you rest in peace and solace!