Speaking on the matter of hypersensitive reactions from an over-exposure to these canine companions, I used to be allergic to dogs when I was younger, but I guess my love for these animals overrode my imperfect immune system and I eventually out-grew from the allergy.
My family's had it's fair share of pets over the years, ranging from yabbies to chickens, but dogs have always been the undisputed favourite amongst them all. I'd like to pay tribute to some previous pooches that have been part of our family:
Bruno - Though I may have not actually been born when my Father befriended Bruno, I've heard many fond stories of the Border Collie. He was a jolly dog that my Dad and his adoptive brothers played with in the Presbytery garden belonging to my Grand Pa, an Irish Roman Catholic Priest (perhaps another story I'll tell in another post). Unfortunately, Bruno ran away one day and was never found.
Loyola - Named after Ignatius of Loyola, a Spanish knight, theologian, hermit, priest and founder of the Jesuits (yes, my Grand Pa liked his historical Christian figures), she was a quiet and serious brown dachshund (AKA sausage dog) that used to give me death stares when I woke her from her private bed, which was located behind my Grand Pa's T.V. When I was 6 or 7, I saw her waddling about the courtyard innocently enough, but when she turned around, I noticed a large gash in her side that spanned the majority of her torso. After telling my Grand Pa that there was something wrong with Loyola, she was rushed to the vet, but died shortly after. Apparently the poor thing was struck by lightning.
Capistrano "Cappy" - Another Religious-themed name, this time from Saint John of Capistrano (a Franciscan friar and Catholic priest), Cappy was another sausage dog that was very close to Loyola. The two were practically brother and sister. He was a fatter dog compared to his friend, but much livelier and more energetic. He was never quite his upbeat self after Loyola passed on, but he still kept my Grand Pa company as he moved to various other houses. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on a beach near my Grand Pa's house when I was about 10. We buried him in a box near the shore.
And now, I'd like to introduce our current dog; a little bundle of joy, Milo.
Milo - Named after no particular saint or priest, but after a clever Jack Russell we met at the RSPCA pound we got him from, he's the most recent canine addition to our family. His mother was pregnant when she was received by the pound, and so had a whole litter of tiny little Maltese cross Terriers there. When I was 12, our family picked Milo out of the lot, still with soft black and cream-coloured fur. Being a very gentle, shy and playful pup, he's provided our family with much love over the years. Soft black and cream fur now thinning grey and white, he's a little slower than he was in his youth, but he's still lively as ever at heart.
