Oct 20 2010

ADOPTING A CAT

When Janina was a lot younger, she would often pick up stray kittens around our village and take care of them in our house. She did this quite a number of times until she was scratched by a kitten and had to be given rabies shots. Since then, I banned all kittens from the house.

Over the years, Janina’s love for cats hasn’t waned. She never failed to let us know how much she would love to have her own cat. I never thought the day would come when we would finally own a cat. Well, that day came. Last week, we went to PAWS to have the kids adopt a cat. All cats from PAWS have been neutered, and litter b0x-trained, and have been given their shots. The process was simple: just fill out an application form, come for an interview, choose your cat and pay the P500 fee. In just less than an hour, we were on our way home with our very own cat, Raisin.

It’s been almost a week with Raisin and I haven’t touched her. I probably never will. But I’m hoping that having her will provide my children a pleasurable and educational experience.

Kids looking at the cat cage

Janina inside the cage to choose a cat

Janina chose Raisin, a tricolor cat

Joaquin petting Raisin

Oct 4 2010

PUPPY LOVE

Our kids have been asking us for a puppy ever since they learned to talk. Paolo and I are not really big fans of dogs and pets in general so we told them maybe when they’re older, when they’re big enough to walk the dog, bath it and take care of its needs. Well, they’re older and bigger now and we’ve run out of excuses.

A few months ago, Janina and Ryan gave their dad a letter explaining the reasons why they should get a puppy. They wrote that they will even use their allowance to buy dog food. And the best reason they wrote was “because you’re a nice daddy!”

Last week, our neighbor brought her puppy to the house and the kids were so thrilled to play with it, especially Joaquin. I think we are just about ready to give in.

Now, that's what I call puppy love.

Jun 1 2010

HAMSTERS AND SALAMANDERS

I already lost count of the pets in our house that have come and gone over the years. Our kids have been incessantly asking us for a puppy but Paolo and I are not really big dog lovers, (and knowing the commitment and cost of taking care of a dog), so we’ve compromised by allowing them to bring home rabbits, turtles, birds, guinea pigs and hamsters, to name a few.

Most kids want pets because they’re fun to play with, to watch, to take care of and love. Kids learn a lot too by taking care of pets. They learn to be responsible over another creature’s life. They learn to be gentle, caring and dependable. They learn that it is a serious business to take care of somebody else, as they clean cages and make sure the food trays are filled.

If I had my way, I really wouldn’t want any hairy or slimy creature inside our house. But given all the things my kids can gain from the experience, well, the “torture” is worth it.