From the Diary of Barnabas the (Filipino) Belgian Shepherd Dog

Truth is my friend requires no introductions, but they say first impressions matter. And if I can convey through words what I feel in my heart, and in the end leave you with an image deserved and true, then I have fulfilled my purpose.

Time flows too slowly for my kind. Our moments apart are an eternity measured with every car that passes through the street. Countless thousands go by before a familiar sound - a familiar scent - sends me running for the entrance, urgent barks begging the others inside to open the door. Such is how my days are spent. A seemingly endless cycle of heartbreaking goodbyes and blissful, frantic welcomes.

And so every minute together is cherished and not taken for granted. For inevitably the time comes when he has to leave. He goes before the sun is up, always with a long, white coat and a heavy bag. I count the days, and upon his return there is always something apparent: the unmistakable smell of sickness and death. This is not intrinsic, but disquieting still as the scent tends to linger. I often wonder how someone can be around so much pain and suffering, and hope this does not affect him in any negative way. Deep inside I know it probably does.

He comes home drained, in fact, but relieved, and usually goes straight to the shower after settling down with his things. When he is clean and the sickly stench washed off, I would come close to him prodding for our requisite hug. He concedes without hesitation, laying down on the bed where I curl up snuggling next to him. I often fall asleep, and as I awake I would find him already at the desk enjoying his favorite game.

You see, much of our time is spent in the quiet comfort of home. Most often there is no other place we would rather be. However, such is our nature that we like to go on adventures. The outside world is full of wonders, and my excitement is difficult to contain whenever we prepare to go out. Out there the world is a blur, the smells are overpowering and intoxicating. So many things are happening at any given moment and there is almost always too much to take in at once. Still there are occasions of gaiety in all this tumult: when people, fearful of my size and appearance, jump away in panic as we pass by.

I catch glimpses of a bigger world out there, hints of places I have never been to, and much different from what I have ever experienced. These scents he carries with him, not too often. They describe a place of soil and sand baked for an eternity by the sun, and blown by a wind heavy with salt, and the smell of trees I have never seen and can only try to imagine. I dream of a time when he will take me there, to these places distant and alien. Perhaps you can be part of that journey too (through these pages as the odyssey is recounted), and to any endeavor we might deem to share. Will you join us then?

For now I remain content. After all there is no greater goal than to spend your time with those you love the most. That is his measure of success. And that is the greatest lesson I have learnt from my friend the human.

From the Diary of Barnabas the Belgian Malinois. 7:25PM, March 3rd, 2018. Manila, Philippines.

Hello there!

My name is Alejandro Villamil and most people call me Kookie. I thought I'd put a creative twist on my introductory post and try to describe my interests through the mind of my dear friend Barnabas (or Barney) who is a four year old Belgian Malinois. Please don't forget to upvote, follow, and resteem if you liked it. Peace!

Kookie Villamil @imaginarium