Where, oh where, has my little Cola gone?

I recently lost my baby doggie, Cola.

From what I understood, her system could not take the post-operation stress, so after the vet had closed her up she began slipping away. “She tried to wait for you,” said vet Mayem to me. “But, she couldn’t hold on any longer.”

I was stuck on Quezon Ave. near where the construction on Araneta Avenue is ongoing. It was a rainy Thursday night and the traffic was terrible.

“When we told Cola you were coming to get her — her pulse rate went up,” added Vet Mayem. “We knew she was waiting for you.”

On my way to get Cola I had prayed to the God of all doggies to keep Cola safe — and free from pain.

There is still a sharp pain in my heart today as I write this. It’s been a week since I lost Cola, but habits are hard to break, as I call her name every day when I get home.

Cola was never sick, or at least by the time she showed signs of being sick, it may have been too late.

Cola and I shared a bed with her mom Tasha, the Poodle. Cola is a Schnoodle — a mix between Tasha and Nik, the Mini Schnauzer.We watched as Cola grew in the tummy of Tasha to the day she was born, till the day she died.

I remember even bottle-feeding her because Tasha did not have enough milk. There were five puppies in the litter and Cola was the runt. She was small, but she was spunky and full of life.When the time had come for the pups to be given to their new humans, Cola was among them.

She was to be given to a family of five — but, that day never came as my mom didn’t want to let her go.

So, we kept Cola.

I know that every human who loves a pet believes that they have the best pet in the world. I am no different.Cola was special. I say this even if I have been made guardian of, and continue to be the guardian of, lots of pets.I guess it has lots to do with the fact that she was my little baby that I raised from the time she was born. I have told people often enough that she is the baby I never had. I guess that is why her loss is the hardest for me.

Maybe I have become silly in my middle age — but the love I had for Cola was special.She was overly protective of me, even if she was just a small-size doggie. She would guard me from anyone who she thought might harm me — by giving her best warning bark when strangers would enter our room.But her bark was all that she would warn strangers with. Cola never bit anyone, the loving doggie she was.

There is an ache in my heart that doesn’t want to go away. I try to push it aside, but I haven’t been very successful.

Life goes on for us humans, and not everyone understands how pet lovers mourn the passing of a beloved pet. But believe me, it is no different from mourning the loss of a close relative — and in my life I have lost lots of close relatives.

All good doggies go to heaven: Cola at three weeks (left). And the day before she died.

We buried Cola that rainy night in the garden, under the shade of a tree.

* * *

‘Rainbow bridge’

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.

The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together .... — Anonymous