IC the “Snow White”

The fairy tale of Snow White is filled with challenges and happiness, so is the life of IC, the matriarch of the woof family. Who would have forgotten the happy ending of the story? Will IC, the Snow White of our household, found her prince charming and live happily ever after?

Young IC, white as snow.

The Unexpected Guest

If I’m one of the seven dwarfs, my name would be “Sleepy” yet I was just as startled as any of the dwarfs when the unexpected guest arrived in our home—a small white puppy peeping from inside the plastic bag carried by my uncle. The puppy is now known as IC whose mother was born in our house and was later adopted by my uncle, who is a seafarer.

So IC was born and grew up not in a castle but in a barge that guides the immense ship docking in the pier. My uncle told us that she loves to go swimming, a hobby she can’t pursue. Because they are no longer allowed to keep dogs, my uncle decided to give her to us—rather to me. (Wondering why? So do I.)

It happened almost three years ago in the month of January, the time of the year we celebrate IC’s birthday since my uncle can’t recall how old is she when she left the barge and embarked on the journey to land.

A New Family

Didn’t I say that IC was given to me? At that time Pino is the only dog of our family and he was owned, and therefore, the responsibility of my sister. I was happy in taking part in caring for Pino, yet I wasn’t eager to have one.

So when IC came as though delivered by a huge bird like in cartoon, I’m the most eligible candidate—according to my sister and parents. (They used to encourage us before we have 5 dogs.) Though she’s all white, she’s not as shaggy as Pino. But the thought of her ending up on a plate, as “azocena” or dog meat, is too bothersome that I accepted the responsibility.

Indeed, life is full of surprises; in just a day, I had accepted a duty—of a lifetime—that I wasn’t asking for.

The first task, I had to accomplish other than nurturing her is to give a name. Inspired by her all-throughout-white coat, I thought of “Snow White” yet somehow I settled for IC derived from the cold, clear ice. But there’s no ”cold treatment,” maybe at first.

As days went by, she became part of our family. She thought me many things as she was growing up. In fact, everything I know in taking care of dogs, apart from what my sister taught me, is the result of “trial and error” methods I had to go through as a newbie dog owner.

Unlike Pino who you wouldn’t notice if he’s been out all day or haven’t taken a bath in a week, IC looks as if her coat is used in dusting. My mom reprimands me if IC appears shabby. But when she has taken a bath, everybody in the house notices her spick-and-span look and touches her all day, even the next, as long as she’s white as a snow.

When I accepted the job, I wasn’t fully aware or unmindful of what I get myself into. Having her is not a joke. Patience and diligence are among the values I have reaped till this day. Time went fast, my puppy has entered another journey—motherhood.

Affairs of the Heart
IC found her prince charming: Pino. Together, they have a family of their own.

First litter:
We’re all excited. Chuckie stayed with us. (2 dogs + 1 = 3 dogs)

•  Bungy, female
•  Chuckie, male
•  Santi, female

Second litter:
We hope that there will be another Chuckie, and it did come true, as Dyna was born. Kermit stayed with us because of the unusual condition of her hind feet. (3 + 1 = 4 dogs) My parents were complaining, yet still loving the growing woof family.

• Cotto, male
• Dyna, female
• Kermit, female

Third litter:
4 – 1 (a dear puppy has gone to heaven) = 3 dogs. A number that can make my mom celebrate—or not.

We had planned, not to have more puppies, but our failure gave birth to Buchie and Chuchie (3 + 2 = 5 dogs). My parents are on strike. Perhaps, it’s their fate to walk on earth, to see the sun rise, and to make us busy all the more.

None is a copycat of IC: white coat and liver nose. If there was, I’ll name him Rudolph, the pink nose doggie.

Fourth litter: its not going to happen, for the next five years or not anymore. No more puppies.

Happy Ending?

IC is taking a break from motherhood. Perhaps she should resign because we also need a grand vacation from our work in what I like to call “puppy all-day care center.” All our relatives, neighbors, and friends wanting to adopt puppies of IC and Pino will have to look somewhere else.

IC is single again and receiving a regal treatment. Occasionally she sleeps in our room. It’s evident that she’s recovering from three consecutive litters: she’s getting bigger; she’s looking better. (Her hair that dwindles every time she gave birth has grown.)

I don’t want to imagine anymore what would have happened to her if she weren’t adopted in our family. Instead, like a storyteller, I’d like to say just as in the story “Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs,” and they live happily ever after.