Meet Mamon, the Newest Member of Our Family

It was love at first sight. We didn't plan on getting a puppy as our daughter, Jordana, is still too young to take care of one but when we saw this little guy, Jordana giggled in delight, tried to hug him, held his face in both hands, and said "So cute!" Just like that, we knew we're taking him home. We asked our little girl, "Do you want to buy the puppy?" and she said, "Yes!" Well, she always says yes to a lot of things, but she looked so excited seeing the puppy so we decided to get him.

Meet Mamon, our two-month old Chow-chow. Our little girl's nickname is Monay because she has chubby cheeks that look like monays (bread rolls or buns) so to match her name we thought it's only fitting to name our puppy Mamon (sponge cake) as he also looks like a fluffy mamon.

Mamon and Monay, together, they're Mamonay! They're both so playful but we still need to have a really close watch when they play as Mamon would still bite and scratch when playing, a typical behavior for a young puppy.

We always had dogs, from toy dogs to large breeds, as my brother had a dog buy and sell business and it was hard to get too close to the dogs because they always get sold after a while. The last dog I had, which was really mine, was named Buffy, a Japanese Spitz. I got her when she was only one month old, I was still in college and a friend gave her to me. I had to leave her with my brother after a few years when I was already working because I had to move closer to work and the place I got didn't allow pets. Then after a while my brother for some reason couldn't take care of her anymore and told me that he gave Buffy to a kind couple who treated her like a baby. It was a sad story, until now when I get to think about it, I regret not being able to take better care of her, I feel sad and sorry for her, having to move to a different home twice, but I'm just happy that she found her loving humans. She died of old age, I guess she was 10 or 11 years old then.

I then promised to myself that I will never get another dog until I'm sure that I'll be able to take good care of her or him. I will not move to a place where my pet wouldn't be allowed to stay with me. Now, I'm ready and with my husband who's a dog lover himself, and our little girl Jordana, I'm sure that Mamon will always be loved and well taken care of.

Owning a dog is a big responsibility, I hope everyone knows that. Dogs need vaccines and if you don't want them  to accidentally multiply, have them spayed or neutered. It's heartbreaking to see sick and homeless dogs in the streets. This also goes to cat owners. There's actually a couple of stray cats lurking about in our parking lot, Mamon likes to chase them.

Being a responsible dog owner also means being mindful of the people in your area. You wouldn't want to be awaken by a loud barking or whining, or have your neighbor's dog leaving presents in front of your house, would you? Your neighbors feel the same way so you need to know the reason why your dog is barking or whining and do something about it and when you're walking your dog make sure to bring disposable bags with you for picking up your dog's poop.

Mamon had his second vaccine a few days before we got him and his next one won't be until next month so no vet visit for now. We just took him shopping for a few supplies, his dog food, collar, retractable leash so Jordana can also walk him, potty training spray, potty mat, diapers for when we need to travel, disposable poop bags with dispenser, brushes, shampoo, hair dryer, treats, and chew toy. We got most of them from Pet Express. Good thing we didn't buy him a bed because the temporary one that we prepared for him, a floor pillow, wasn't used at all, he prefers sleeping on the floor instead.

Here he is enjoying his new chew toy. We also gave him another one, a rubber whale from one of Jordana's bath toys, but he would still occasionally nibble on other stuff and when he does, we just distract him and wave his chew toy in front of him until he goes for it.

Look at that, Mamon's first family picture. We already went to Baguio with him and I think he enjoyed the place. We needed to stay in a hotel where pets are allowed and there are only quite a few pet friendly hotels in the city and most were already fully booked as we only decided to go on this trip that same week, luckily there was still an available room at Lindi Hotel where pets are allowed to stay in the room.

Here's another picture, with Ate Manel this time, a relative of mine from the province who stays with us to help around the house. Mamon is close to Ate Manel because he sleeps in her room at night.

When we were strolling in Baguio, a lot of people commented on how cute Mamon is and patted him and at least five people took his pictures.

A lot of things have changed in the house since Mamon's arrival, it's like we have another toddler to take care of and run after. I hope that with Mamon, Jordana will grow up to be a responsible, caring, and loving kid to animals and to everyone else.

"Whoever said that diamonds are a girl's best friend... never had a dog."