The Ugly Duckling

"That is one no good dog, boy I am so relief after dropping him off". (a text message from my ex-boyfriend after giving Happy away). That was the last that I heard of Happy, my beagle. I adopted Happy last August, when a friend rescued him on a highway in Kajang. He had a long heavy chain soldered to his thick collar and he stunk!
I fell in love to him 3 days later and told my friend I will keep him. Throughout his stay with my ex-boyfriend and I he has run away about 8 times. The first time that I lost him for 4 hours, he returned with a very large bloated tummy and a limp, swollen hind leg. I had to give him tummy rubs and his stomach was belching. I named him Happy because of his easy going, cheerful personality. The first time that he ran away, it caused me so much pain and anxiety. Eventually I got used to it. As I reflect I wonder if Happy's lesson to me, is that attachment to anything or anyone causes pain. That eventually I may have to learn to let go. I was not able to take care of Happy anymore, after breaking up with my boyfriend and renting a room. It saddens me not to be able to afford him the life that I've initially promised, a happy and secure one.
I pray that his new owner is able to give him a good home.