Saying Goodbye to the Puppies

A few months ago, Booboo (my dog) got Sushi (my cousin’s dog) pregnant. It wasn’t planned, and even as they were puppies we already agreed that we didn’t want Booboo and Sushi mating because to date we already have five dogs: Chewey (the Chihuahua and our guard dog), Tomtom (the Poodle and our other guard dog), Booboo (my Shih Tzu), Sushi (my cousin’s Shih Tzu), and Motchi (my brother’s Pomeranian). The latter three stay inside the house, so imagine the daily chaos that ensues when all dogs start running around and playing with each other, peeing and pooping all over the living room despite trying to train them, and using endless amounts of recycled newspapers just to clean up their pee and poop. There are downsides to owning a lot of dogs, but the fulfillment and unconditional love they give are what make it worth it.

Sushi and her puppies when we first brought them home

During the pregnancy, of course we made sure Sushi was a healthy mother-to-be. She visited her vet regularly, who prescribed her with food and medication meant for pregnant dogs. Both my mom and Tita were briefed on what to do should she give birth at home. But on the day of the puppies’ birth (July 26, 2013), she seemed to be having a hard time so she was rushed to the vet. On the way to the vet, the female’s head popped out but got stuck. Good thing they reached the vet in time, because when they did, they thought the female wasn’t breathing anymore. Thankfully, she still survived and turned out to be healthy. The male popped out just a few seconds later. There were originally three puppies, but the very first one was apparently born in the house which no one noticed. My Ninong only discovered the first pup in a hidden corner in their bathroom hours later, already lifeless. Not wanting Sushi to see her dead pup, we buried him quietly in our small garden patch.

The puppies only a few days old

When the two puppies came home, we fell in love with them instantly. My cousins decided to name the male, Bacon, and the female, Taco. At first, we wanted to name Taco, Vanessa, as she was “born” inside the van on the way to the vet. But Taco was a cuter name, and went better with Bacon.

Taco and Bacon

Family Picture

Top: Booboo and Sushi when they were puppies

Bottom: Taco and Bacon who are spitting images of their parents

Booboo watching over his family

For the longest time, we weren’t sure whether we were going to sell the puppies or not. It was hard to decide with them being that tiny and adorable. We wanted to give them the loving home that they deserved, much like what we were giving our other dogs. But to take care of seven dogs? It was going to be difficult for sure.

The puppies loooove their sleep.

The two months were exhausting especially on my Tita who was very hands-on in taking care of Sushi and the puppies. The puppies were always hungry, but Sushi couldn’t supply enough milk. So sometimes, they had to be fed by the bottle.

Almost two months and they still loved drinking milk from their mommy.

Bacon wearing Booboo’s Spiderman costume. (Top left pic was Booboo when he was a puppy.)

Like father, like son.

Just a week before they turned two months, it was then that my Tita and cousins decided to sell the puppies. It was a heartbreaking decision. As much as we wanted to continue taking care of them, having seven dogs was just too much.

The night before Bacon got picked up, we threw the puppies a despedida dinner at Mr. Kurosawa in Eastwood

We were very lucky to find new owners who were more than willing to take care of them: my good friend Dennis and his girlfriend Dim, and Patchi, a friend from the ultimate community.

Saying Goodbye to the Puppies

Even though it’s only been a few days, we all miss the puppies like crazy. Dennis and Dim decided to keep Bacon’s name because they liked the history of it. (When Sushi was pregnant, she always craved for these doggie treats called Bacon Strips). While Patchi now calls Taco, Yuki, which means “good fortune and happiness.” We’re so sure both puppies will be spoiled silly, as Dennis and Patchi update me frequently.

Despite missing them, it’s a relief to know that they’ll always be in good hands. And we’re very thankful.