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Going back to my childhood memories, I caught a glimpse of a tiny dog whose very dear to me. Its name is Jackie, a male dog with brown and expressive eyes, thin body, brown and white fur, and a very long tail which never failed to wag every time it sees me.

Jackie was brought to us by our father who found it on his way home. My father pitied the dog and without having second thoughts brought Jackie home. At the very first sight of it, I was really overjoyed. Such cute little puppy curled in the big hands of my father. Jackie was very playful, run tirelessly around one person, and refused to get away from a person unless he played or hugged Jackie. I really don’t know how a dog brought more joy and happiness in our home.

But then one accident happened. A little boy was passing by our house when he saw Jackie and decided to make fun of it. The dog, with short patience, bit him. The little boy was sick for many days after that incident and we were obliged to pay for the little boy’s needs. Then my father angrily tied Jackie outside our house, where the kitchen and the comfort room is near. Since then, members of the family hated Jackie except me. While they were always hurting Jackie, I in opposite took very good care of it, but of course without the knowledge of my parents because for sure they would likely hate me too.

At that time, I am only a graduating elementary student. Because I hated my parents, I always rely my problems to Jackie, who listened to my cries and grievances attentively, who comforted me by being patient and joyful evenness’s he is tied, and most specially by accepting me for who I am. Such moments with Jackie I will never forget. And due to the lack of attention of my family, Jackie got thinner and thinner each day.

Then one day, my family decided to kill Jackie. Such decision really broke my heart. It really felt like hell because, your bestfriend would be killed by some selfish persons! Aaagh! I remembered before he was killed, I cried and cried unto him, gave him my soothing words, made a promise that I will never forget him, and told him that when he sees God go to Him and tell Him that I love Him very much, especially for giving Jackie unto my life. It was really a heartbreaking moment. My heart at that time is very furious and angry with my parents, my grandparents, and my other neighbours. I did not look when they killed him. I was at that time crying in the house of my neighbours. My crying got worst when I heard that Jackie is to be cooked. In my young mind, those who killed Jackie were all evils.

And so, after that heartbreaking and nervecracking moment, I vowed to myself never to be involved with a dog or any animal again. But that vow never came true, for another brown puppy named Jepoy with green eyes came. In my mind, I reasoned out that maybe it’s a consolation dog for me in exchange of Jackie.

Wherever I am, I always believed that “dogs are man’s bestfriend” because of my experience. Even if it’s just a little dog, it brings abundant joy to you and, I tell you, dogs will never leave you in times of your struggle.

To my bestfriend Jackie, I know you are enjoying right now in that beautiful garden, I hope that soon, we will have to play again just like old times. See you soon!

..in memory of my bestfriend…

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