For the love of Cha-Cha

In September 2005, I wrote a rather emotional blog post about my beloved pet dog Cha-Cha, already deceased, for a community blogsite designed for animal lovers and pet owners.

Now, after almost five years since I declared in that post that I could never own a dog again after Cha-Cha's unexpected demise in June 2003, here I am now, taking care -- and loving intensely -- another dog. His name is Polky, a five-month-old native Filipino pup I "rescued" from a life of neglect in his former owner's hands (see photo above). I took him under my wing in April 2010.

This does not mean that I have forgotten Cha-Cha altogether. Far from it (Cha-Cha will always have a special place in my heart). It only means that I'm ready to love another bundle of joy again the way I loved Cha-Cha. Who would have expected it? Not me, for sure. Life is truly full of surprises.

Cha-Cha, I love and miss you so much it hurts. Wish you were here with Polky and me. I've been telling him all about you, you know; about how special you were and how your cute smile, cheerful presence, and unconditional love never failed to brighten my otherwise dark days. Polky is special, too. If you were here, I'm sure you would agree with me -- paws down. But you know what? I think I'm able to love him because I loved you first. For that, I'm forever grateful to you.