After much delay, I finally went to watch "10 Promises To My Dog" yesterday. I have been waiting to see this show ever since I saw its "Coming Soon" billboard advertisement when I went to watch "Chocolate" at Plaza Singapura. Coincidentally, I watched the show yesterday at PS too. The show is very touching and some of the parts are very sad. The ones I remembered were when Akari and her father had to move into the University hostel and she had to leave Socks behind with her friend. The parting scene between dog and owner where the train began to move and the dog chased after them is heart-wrenching.
Another sad part is when Akari grew older, fell in love and started to neglect Socks. She even said that she felt very confined as she can't go anywhere because she had to take care of Socks. She said that she felt as if she was the one wearing the collar and sort of vented her frustrations on Socks. I felt so sorry for Socks. How easily people forget when things don't go their way. She had forgotten how Socks had faithfully been by her side all those years and made her happy. Luckily she remembered in the end. Of course, the saddest part was during Socks final moments when she lay helpless waiting for Akari to return from work and say her last goodbye. There were also many other parts that made me sad, like when Socks couldn't leap at the rainbow like she used to anymore because she was getting old and Akari realised that.
Inevitably, the show made me cry and I was thankful that the cinema was dark enough. However, my eyes were red after the show as I could see in my reflection in the toilet's mirror. Shows about dogs always make me sad as I will relate them to myself and Chippy. As I watched Socks grow old and eventually pass away, I know that one day the same thing will happen to Chippy too and being 7 years old, she's not young anymore. I have to constantly remind myself to treasure every moment I have with her and shows like these serve as good reminders.
When Akari first had Socks, her mother made her promise 10 things to Socks. I can't remember the 10 promises exactly but I know that they are based on "The Ten Commandments of Dog Ownership" which are as follows (from a dog's point of view):
I
My life is likely to last ten to fifteen years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you aquire me.
II
Give me time to understand what you want from me.
III
Place your trust in me. Remember that before you aquire me.
IV
Don't be angry at me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, and your entertainment. I ONLY HAVE YOU!
V
Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words. I understand your voice when it is speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget.
VI
Remember before you hit me that I have teeth than can easily crush the bones in your hand,but I choose NOT TO BITE YOU.
VII
Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I don't understand what you ask of me or perhaps I am not feeling well, not getting the right food, been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak.
VIII
Take care of me when I get old, you too will grow old.
IX
Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say "I can't bear to watch" or "let it happen in my absence". EVERYTHING IS EASIER IF YOU ARE THERE.
X
REMEMBER I LOVE YOU!
Among the 10 commandments, IV made the deepest impression on me as a dog-owner. Sometimes we are too preoccupied with our own life that we forget that we mean the world to our dogs. Their work is to accompany us, their entertainment is playing with us and their friends are also us. So what do they have if we neglect them? Thus, I will like to make my 10 promises to my dog and tell her: "Thank you for being by my side."
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