My Own Theory of Pets

My Own Theory of Pets

In Stephen King’s short story, “L.T’s Theory of Pets,” the separation of husband and wife is attributed to the never-ending quarrel about their pets--- a dog and a cat. What struck me to the plot was the affection of the dog to the wife and his hatred to the husband. What kind of brain their pet has--- Peeing in the husband’s clothing, blocking the door so the husband can’t enter the master’s bedroom and reject the food if served by his guy master.

Dogs are known to be smart and loyal to their masters. So what makes them smart? What makes them create their own choices? What makes them choose between right and wrong?

My parents have their two dogs—Girlie and Blackie. Each of them behaves differently. But, both of them love and are afraid of my dad. My dad is a strict and loving parent. I guess that’s how he is with the dogs. He is the one to feed and bath them. Oftentimes, he talks to them. He asks questions, says endearing words and states the dos and don’ts. Yes, the dogs are expected to follow the house rules.

Somehow, my dad is successful in training his pets. The last thing they want is to piss my dad. So, they don’t fight over dog food. They immediately come to my dad whenever they are called. They don’t complain when taking a bath. They play with my dad. They stop barking when told.

However, these dogs know how to anger my dad in other ways. They have the hobby to chew clothes, slippers and shoes that are lying around. A new Nike rubber shoes by my dad was heartily chewed by Girlie. If you can just see my dad’s face, he can kill that time. Anyway, as a punishment, my dad will not allow the dog to enter the house for a while and will not give him dinner for some nights. Well, it’s not really effective. For a while, the dogs will avoid chewing items in their sight. Maybe, it’s the urge and they will do it again. Like humans, they never learn.

So, in my own theory, dogs still make their own choices. Deprivation, pain or coldness are not really effective in correcting their unwanted behavior. They know how to be lovable and how to be a mess at the same time. Thus, dog owners can’t just simply get rid of them. They’re like us, humans--- repeating mistakes, loving and getting afraid sometimes.

Tales of Mistresses

I met Trixie a special friend of Congressman XXX. She has her own condominium in Makati, a brand new car, two maids and a driver. This coming December 25 her maids and drive will celebrate their Christmas with their respective families. Trixie, on the other hand, will sleep the Christmas day away. Congressman XXX did not allow her to visit her family in Cebu these holidays. He wants her to be around when he suddenly misses her. But, he can’t join her on Christmas eve or on Christmas day because he has to celebrate it with his wife, children and grandchildren. Anyway, he gave Trixie a jewelry set and $2000 cash to buy gift for herself and to her family.

My roommate Lyn doesn’t want to go home this Christmas. The bump in her stomach is obvious. She’s four months pregnant with her boyfriend who’s also her co-worker in the department store. But, her boyfriend had not talk to her since he found out she’s pregnant. His boyfriend is married and she knows it. Thus, she is blamed with the pregnancy. How can she tell her family about this? How can her boyfriend leave her and their baby?

My aunt and uncle are happily living together for the past 25 years. My aunt is never married. My uncle is married to another living woman. This Christmas, my cousin who is their son will be coming home from US. They’ll be following soon to US and stay there for good with their son.

They are all mistresses.

Trixie has to turn to material things to celebrate Christmas. She may be Santa’s gift to Congressman XXX… an expensive and high maintenance gift. I often wonder if she’s happy with her life. As far as I know, she can’t give up the life she has at present. She doesn’t want to go back to her old life--- a massager in an exclusive spa in Paranaque. She can provide all the needs of her family and this year her family will have a bounty Noche Buena.

Lyn, on the other hand, is so miserable. I don’t know which words to comfort her and how I can help her. She and her baby have been abandoned. She feels shame with her present status. She can’t face her family and tell the truth. The rejection and broken promises are so painful that the world has stopped in her perspective.

My aunt is a happy person. She always smiles. She takes good care of my uncle. It seems that the family from both sides had forgotten the scandal two decades ago. She serves my uncle like a king and Uncle treats her like a fragile princess. Technically, she is a mistress too like Trixie and Lyn.

My aunt is happier and more complete than Trixie and Lyn. Why is this so? My uncle loves her and fights for that love. On the other hand, we all know that love doesn’t exist in Trixie’s and Lyn’s stories.

Love makes every mistake right.

By: Dimes