Let’s start with a prayer: “Heavenly Lord, we need Your divine intervention in our lives. We need You to empower our bodies with Your holy presence, and Your arms envelop our minds to soothe this pain. We shall not buckle under the strain and when it’s a new day, our healed body will be a representation of Your power. Thank You, Your holiness for such attention to our lives, and In Christ’s name, Amen.”
Memory escapes this ageing near-sighted Ibaloy writer as to who once surmised that humans are the so-called highest form of animals. So-called because in this day and age when humans are hurting and even killing each other over differences in beliefs, nationalities, skin color, etc., this claim of being the “highest form” seems to be less and less believable. Besides, have you ever seen dogs, cats, and smiling carabaos fight or threaten to nuke each other over differences in skin color? Just asking.
Anyway, my mag-ina and I are avowed animal lovers and proud pet owners of four dogs, one cat, Speedy the turtle, and about 30 free-range chickens. We try to give them the best care possible. Despite the added expenses for their upkeep, our pets more than make up for it with the love and loyalty they show (especially from our canines that are so obvious in their feelings).
This may sound strange to some but fellow pet lovers will immediately know what we mean. By the way, pets are also great companions and stress relievers especially in this time of Covid-19 where it is reported that many are suffering from loneliness and depression due to the pandemic with some even committing suicide. Tragic.
It goes without saying then that my family and I, including our pets, fully supports the appeal of city veterinarian, Dr. Brigit Piok, for pet owners to know their responsibilities as such. “Since it is your choice to own a pet, let your choice be a priority,” she said. Cheers!
FAQs from the World Health Organization: Can vaccines help our loved ones against Covid-19? Based on the current evidence, we know that the Covid-19 vaccines can protect individuals from the disease, severe illness, and death. But it is too early to know if the vaccines will provide long-term protection or if they prevent protection and further transmission of the virus that causes the Covid-19.
Here’s “Late Spring” by Judith Wright: “The moon drained white by day/ lifts from the hill/ where the old pear-tree fallen in storm/ springs up in blossom still./ Women believe in the moon:/ this branch I hold/ is not more white and still than she/ whose flower is ages old,/ and so I carry home/ flowers from the pear/ that makes such obstinate tokens still/ for fruit it cannot bear.”
May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continue to bless and keep us all safe.
