A Short Yet Wonderful Life With Lucius

Fantasia’s Luscious Lucius is the dog of my dreams. I was praying for him for so long that I was ecstatic when God answered my prayers.
 
I have first seen a Shih Tzu in our old and rusty encyclopedia encased in a bookshelf that is as old and frayed as the encyclopedia. Its very elegant appearance and stance plus the long hair and cute face totally appealed to me. I wanted to have my own Shih Tzu since I was in 3rd grade.
 
But God gave me heart’s desire after almost 10 years. I was so delighted that I did everything to make Lucius’ life the best he could have.
 
May 19, 2005 at 9 in the evening, I fetched Lucius at the airport. I asked my father, who works in the airport, to go with me so I could get Lucius easily. True enough, getting to Lucius was as easy as blinking. Lucius was a gift from a Chinese breeder. J I hugged Lucius immediately and went home to clean him up and let him rest because he had a long flight.
 
We stopped by G-Unit Net Café, an internet café that my family owns, so that I could Lucius to everyone. Lucius actually pooped in the carrier and after cleaning him up, I placed him on my lap so he could rest. My, does he smell so good. J We took pictures using a webcam and those are the only pictures of the two of us that I have.
 
I love Lucius so much! I went to a veterinarian and got all the shots that he need… That’s so no bad things could harm my beloved Lucius.
 
Quickly, he became the apple of the family’s eyes. Everyone in the family couldn’t wait to get home from school and work just to see and hug Lucius. Lucius, being a boy, is very naughty and could run so fast that I have to really run to catch him. He learns easily that’s why in less than 2 weeks he responds to his name and could also do some tricks. J He remained small… smaller than the average Shih Tzu. Nevertheless, he owned a big place in my heart.
 
I usually bring him with me when there are Dog Agility Camps, Dog Shows, etc. Though he can’t run like the other big dogs, I just let him play with them. A dog has got to have friends too, you know. J And what I really love about Lucius is that he is such a social butterfly like I am.
 
I also learned how to groom a Shih Tzu. I bought combs, shampoo, conditioners, hair bands, etc. and everyday, I comb Lucius’ hair to keep it from matting. Since Lucius is a very naughty puppy, I have a hard time removing the hair mats. Fortunately, my mom helped me groom Lucius.
 
Lucius also sleeps beside me and we have cool air around the house. Hehehe…
 
One day, Lucius was brought back to the breeder. It was a big scene and I was really hurt when they got Lucius from me. I can’t believe that people would say terrible things about me and Lucius… My mom thinks that maybe they’re just jealous because I have a wonderful Lucius. Some people are just really mean… and I do understand that.
 
Lucius is now almost 2 years old and I keep on wondering where he is right now. What does he look like? Has he grown? Is his hair long now? And does he miss me?
 
Now, I still can’t believe how short the time was when Lucius and I were together. But those few months would be cherished forever in my heart.
 
“Love is like an uncut diamond. One false stroke and it can shatter intro fragments… and all that remains is a scatter of tears.”
 
To Lucius, wherever you are, you will always be in my heart. I love you!

A Short Yet Wonderful Life With Lucius and pictures
©Copyrighted by Jean Monique N. Sanchez, Parañaque City, Metro Manila, Philippines.
Written exclusively for Terridon Shih Tzu and The Shih Tzu Chronicles volume II.