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Journalism of Courage
The moment the black beauty entered our house, she fascinated us all. A high breed dachshund, she was tiny, with long, dangling ears extending all the way down to her legs. When she ate, her long ears found their way into the pan of milk she slurped with such pleasure!
It was after constant pleas from my little son that we 8212; my husband and I 8212; were forced to keep a pet dog in the house. It was a gift from a friend. The first day it came, we all fussed over it like a baby, making her drink from a bottle and taking great care of her. I felt like mothering her because she was a new-born, although I had to admit I was no animal lover.
Then came the teething phase. The little one would bite anything and everything she came across, without discrimination. I couldn8217;t bring myself to scold her. I mollycoddled her instead and she reciprocated my affection in full measure but with such sharp teeth! My son would always reach out to caress her. One day, out of sheer affection, she clawed at his leg. He escaped with a few minor scratches. But, in anger, he threw a stone at her and hurt her a little.
I decided at that point that Blackie somehow didn8217;t fit into our household. She needed a new home. Yet, I kept resisting the idea. The last straw, however, was when Blackie, in her endless nosing and clawing around, attacked one of the electrical points and gave herself a shock. I felt so guilty at not having protected her enough as she whimpered in pain and surprise.
We then looked for a loving home for our Blackie. Fortunately, we found a couple. Without children themselves, they were on the look out for just such a pet. They offered us a payment but we refused it, telling them that the very fact that they were prepared to lavish love on our Blackie was payment enough. The day Blackie left, I did experience a twinge of relief and decided that keeping pets was not our strong point as a family.
I am reminded of all this today because history now looks set to repeat itself. I have two sons now and they have managed to persuade me to accept a labrador pup that one of their friends had gifted them. The minute it landed at my doorstep, I thought of little Blackie and wondered whether this was the end8230;or just another beginning!
