My 2009 starts badly with a news from my family. It was about Tsu Tsu Tou. He was hit and injury badly. Unfortunately died at about 7 am, January 3rd, 2009, and it was a Saturday. While I was sleeping, i got 2 missing calls from my brother and my father. So I was finnally informed at 10:30 am. Surely, I was heart-broken and in denial and anger.
After sobbing, I made a decision. I want to publish a book in the memory of him, the very important member of our wicked family. His story goes way back. His Mom, Shirley, was a beautiful Maltese poodle from my cousin’s neighbour. We had her for such a long time. It could be a decade easily. Then one day my mom took home other 2 dogs, one is a tiny Maltese, who doesn’t look that appealing, called Lai-Fu. And the other one is a Pomeranian, not friendly, but a royal dog. I am still trying to recall his mane, but so far, it doesn’t ring any bell yet.
Shirley and Lai-fu had 5 babies, we named them and too care of them. We were very happy until one day, a stranger came by during one early morning, took all of the dogs, what was left behind is Tsu-tsu tou. He is not the cutest of them and had bad teeth. We didn’t get along that well at first. Partly because of I spent not that much time at home. At the same time, I was in a relationship with Grant. We had a Yorkshire as our daughter. I pay more attention on her than on him. We really grown a bond to each other is when I was in the army. He was always there when I came back home, and always very excited to welcome me home. He tried his best to be passionate, after all these years we kept him in the cage. The typical Taiwanese way to keep family dogs or even cats. I don’t like to keep them in cages, but in the paternal society, we dare not to rebel to free them. So we just walk him as much as we can.
They used to have a garden to run away from the traffic, but unfortunately, Father thinks that his car is more valuable than dogs, what the rest of us consider our family. For the sake of your safety, we kept them in cages so are the tiny puppies. Anyways, we finally win my dad. So Tsu-tsu tou not only live in the house but also sleep with us, and eat with us. We starts to took him everywhere, to see friends, relatives, to grandparents. He rides with us on a scooter, in a car. We know how to read each other. When mom got towel, he knew it’s time for a bath. When I gott the lead and collar, he knew it’s time for a walk. And he will get all jumpy. He would bite the lead as if he was trying to tell you “hurry up” or “I don’t like the collar.” But little does he know that the lead and collar is the way we show our care and affection. It keeps you from the traffic. I wish I could tell you in your language, or if you can just read my mind that will be a long more easier. When mom was leaving for work, you just sit there and never complained. Maybe you did, we just didn’t know how to read them.
Several years ago, the winter got so cold, father still didn’t want to keep you in the warm living room. Mom tried to convince him, but we all know how stubborn he is. So I am so sorry we had to keep you in the cage, and all you can do is circle yourself on the corner. Mom even gave you a old cooking pot. And you love to hind in there, I am sure it keeps you warm. I am so sorry for that.
You should know when I call you Tsu-tsu tou, it is just a way to tease you. you know how lovely you are. It is just a typical way to hind our feelings toward each other. I have to say it on the record ”We, the Pengs, love you as we love each other. I am so sorry, I cannot tell you what is on the other side waiting. But if there is any one who bully you, I will kick their ass so hard! I Miss you so much, Tsu-tsu!!! I want to call you name and take you for a walk. I want to see you in the eyes, and not let your head turn to the other side. I want to tell you that you are so smelly, but I am still so in love with you. You don’t know how much joy you have brought to our life!!