a pair of west highland white terrier pubs

It was said that a few good friends is more than enough for a person in his life. I say, in perspective of recent events, I rather have nobody but man's best friend.

Having the companionship of a dog would certainly seemed the most wonderful dream come true for me. You would say keeping a dog needs time and commitment, it's not easy, you need to make scarifices, having one is easy but maintaining one is difficult. Hold, hold, hold. Hold your tongues. Whatever you have to say, I certainly know it too; I've said the same to other homo sapiens. And that's why I've been putting off plans to get a canine these years. I understand my current lifestyle, spending power and other restraints. But geez, thinking it through, these restraints have become an excuse for me to continue doing what I'm doing. Now, I want my dream to become a motivation for me to turn restraints into opportunities.

I want to ditch reading books and articles about dogs and caring for them. I want hands-on practical. I want to prove that I am capable of taking care of dogs. And perhaps I will also prove to myself that I'm ready to own one.

These days, everything I do, say, think or decide seems like a joke to almost everyone. Or has it all along been like this? I'm being seen as this immature three-year-old kid who cannot do anything right without first getting into deep shite. Nobody seems to be taking my word seriously; they all think they know better than me. Keeping a dog is not as easy as you think yada yada yada. Thanks, but do you have less cliche statements to make? These I already know (shall I spell them right to left to prove my point?). What I need are practical sensible advice on how to go about finding out whether I'm up to it!

An animal clinic opened along Upper Serangoon Road not too long ago. I stood outside the clinic for some time, pondering about my long-time ambition of being a vet. I withdrew from the plan four years ago. I'm not sure how I want/can make it happen again.

*thinking aloud*
Change lifestyle, handle a dog, make time, more money, health concerns, in-depth knowledge

I picked up my mobile and keyed in the clinic's number. On my way home, i dialled the number and immediately asked if the clinic needs extra help on weekends. Shorten the story, I am granted an interview this coming Saturday. I don't know what went on my mind when I dialled the number. But I'm glad I did it.

I'm not sure how others would think of this. Another of her crazy ideas, she won't last

I don't expect any support or words of encouragement these days. Homo sapiens are being very frank (or just plain tactless). I'm just another mental to many. At least Queen Bee was supportive (the last person I thought would show me such support).

"Really? You want to do it?", Queen Bee smiled and started sharing all she knows about dogs and what I should take note of when handling one. She didn't, at any one point of time, questioned my ability to burn my weekends away. I appreciate that. She knows I love dogs and I have broached the idea of getting one many times over the years. Each time, we agreed it may not be possible to due certain restraints. This time, I want to make that change.

I wouldn't say I'll definitely come out a more qualified potential dog owner. Maybe I'll change my mind after seeing so many sick and dead dogs. Maybe I'll be just as contented watching the happy creatures exit the clinic with their owners, healthier than before. Maybe I'll be more mindful of the various factors to be taken into considerations before getting a dog. Maybe I'll grow to hate dogs after all! There are lots of possibilities. But right now, I need to learn whether I am willing to learn to make changes for another breathing creature in my crib.

This is the kind of encouragement I needed from my love ones. I found none from them, instead I get put down each time. Dreams are just dreams, fantasize for now lah. If friends are supposed to provide such frank (or tactless I would call them) opinions, then I don't need enemies. Why shouldn't honest and tactful opinions co-exist?

Am I one step closer to fulfilling a long-lost ambition? I'm not so sure now. I could list you a tonne of jobs I've been wanting to do since young: jockey, zoo keeper, nature photographer, even stable girl at turf club! I just know I love being with animals, dogs especially. Probably you can say I find dogs more adorable than babies (that's another story).