Oscar's Valentine

Since Lindsay and I had pushed forward our Valentine's Day from Sunday to Friday, the only member of our family that was really excited about Feb. 14th was Oscar. In fact we took him to "Oscar's Park" that night to burn off some puppy chow, but on this particular night love was in the air.

I have to admit that it has been tough seeing my son grow so quickly from a white fluff ball to the grown size he now stands. I still can remember our very first game of fetch, the first time he was able to jump onto the couch (Note to future pet owners: Encouraging puppies to learn to jump on the sofa is not going to be funny within one month of them accomplishing this feat), and of course how could I forget picking him up like I was "Rafiki" and he was "Simba" from the Lion King. (See Photo) I could go on with such a list, but I never realized that even with the immeasurable amount of love I have for Oscar, how disappointed I would be with his first "Valentine".



I don't know many fathers that would be offering their blessing on their child's first love, but Oscar really didn't set his sights too high with this one. Her name is "Pushma" and she is homeless. On top of this she keeps her figure by ripping through the neighbourhood trash cans for her nutritional needs, and running away from rocks thrown at her by the locals. She is currently pregnant and expecting her second litter in as many years. Her skin condition can be referred to as "itchy" with respect to the insects that must be nibbling at her ever move.

But there he was, prancing to impress her, smiling to woo her, chasing her around the park. I did my best to yell, I did my best to scream, I did my best to get in between them, but it was no use. And then it happened...

Oscar's first kiss!!!! He kindly knelt down beside "Pushma" and proceeded to engage in what can only be described as a moment of passion.

When I finally got rid of "Pushma" and put Oscar back on his leash for the short walk home, I discussed with him the merits of looking for certain qualities in a woman that would be important for him if he was to ever meet a life partner. I looked no further then describing his mother Lindsay, and he listened intently until finally uttering a call of despair...

"Dad, I'm neutered..." he said with a frown,

and somewhere Bob Barker was smiling...