Goodbye, gentle soul

THEME DAY: CHANGES • Siopao was a mixed breed and a gift to my father the year after my mom died in 1993. Daddy named him after the Chinese steamed bun popular in the Philippines because when he was a puppy and could fit in one hand when curled up, he looked exactly like one, including the dot on his back. When dad died in 1996 and his housekeeper left, care for Siopao fell on me since I'm the only one among my siblings still in the country. Siopao was the gentlest of dogs. Days could go by without a single bark from him; about the only things he barked at were strange dogs out in the street and stray cats crossing our yard (which he loved to chase though he never really tried to catch). He was perfect with our nieces and nephews, quietly tolerating unsure hands from the most fearful of them and ungentle caresses from the most daring. During the colder months, we kept his hair naturally long.



But when he starts shedding just before the summer months, we would get him shaved. And long into the rainy season, we kept him short-haired until the days started getting cool again.



At 15 years old, Siopao had a lot of health problems (liver, gall bladder) and was easily prone to infections. His eyesight, hearing and sense of smell had all weakened—except when we had chicken, his favorite (that one he didn't have any difficulty smelling!). In the early morning of November 24, 2009 Siopao passed away while he was at the pet hospital. I still miss his greeting when I get home, and his constant, quiet presence by my side, but I am thankful for the many years that were given to us to be able to love him. And to Jilly and Rob, thank you for your sympathy and comforting words the week after he left us. (ALL PHOTOS BY DOGBERRY)



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