Two 4 legs

That gives you 8 legs. 2 dogs to be exact.

I have always wanted a dog but growing up in Hong Kong it was not the best idea because we lived in very small apartments. My mom, my younger brother,  and I shared this dream for a long long time.

Met boyfriend and moved to Malaysia because we felt we could take this relationship further. We agreed on not having kids before we started dating and we kept that pact all the way to marriage. But after the wedding ring slipped on the finger, hormones kicked in and I crave for a baby when I ovulate. I kept quiet because I did not want to scare the new husband but that desire to be pregnant was intense though it only lasted for as long as I ovulated. "This too shall pass" I kept reminding myself and went on with my day. If only I was this good with snacks.

I forgot who brought it up and soon conversations of getting a dog began. Given the size of my place (small places seem to be my God given lifestyle), we agreed on a small dog. A Frenchie, maybe. We found a breeder by accident and it was expensive. I knew I had to save up for a long time and so I kinda just sit on it and see how things unfold themselves.

A few months later, the Husband took a photo of a dog. I saw it and I knew it's my dog. It's the dog God has chosen for me. It's MY dog. The mechanic's dogs mated and gave birth to a litter. Dog and her sister were the only ones left. Husband asked if I would like to have it and of course YASSSSSSS. She was so easy to remember because her face was divided into black and white. Chinese who saw her often called her Chung Mou Yim, a very intelligent but ugly as f--- queen. She had a huge birth mark on her face. It felt right. This dog felt right. Husband took her home.

Named her Sasa. 

Throughout my life, the numbers 9 and 11 often followed me and so when I found out that Sasa's birthday was November 9, I was even more certain that this IS my dog.

Sasa changed my life. Brought so much joy and for the first time I smiled while cleaning up poop and urine. Poop did not even smell bad. I spent so much money buying her toys and treats and later, special dog food because she is allergic to chicken, beef, duck, turkey, almost all animals on Old MacDonald's farm. I did not even know I have that much love in me until I have Sasa. 

Then that urge to have children slowly crept back in. There were days when I looked at Sasa and visualized her playing with a human child. Oh dear here we go again. Having to battle again the urge to have a child. Meanwhile I began to wonder if Sasa was bored at home because she had no friends. Should she get a sibling?

Started telling the Husband that maybe Sasa needed a sibling. Husband panicked like I got pregnant or something. Kept avoiding the topic. Finally he agreed to foster dogs so that I could get what I want but not permanently. I was overjoyed. Starting look at dogs that needed a short term home.

One day we saw a mini schnauzer that looked like a damp mop. Husband saw her and they made eye contact for 30 seconds. I looked at my Husband starting at her and I knew in my heart that this is Sasa's sibling. Asked around and it's a girl, 2 months old! The person said the little damp mop did not have documents to prove that she was of pure breed so she was cheap. I said I did not care if she's pure or mixed as long as she is a dog. Person was happy I wanted her. Husband and I were worried though if Sasa would kill her, accidentally or not. But we decided to take her home. Just made sure Sasa was civil.

Named her Salei, which meant Pear in Cantonese, (you can call her Sally also). 

Sasa liked her immediately. We placed Salei in the bathroom with a gate at the entrance and Sasa just sat there watching Salei sleep. She was so gentle with Salei when we placed her next to Sasa. 

At that moment I felt that the family was complete. I have 2 furkids and no more urge to have human children anymore. I have 2 girls to love unconditionally. My life is complete. 

These two brought so much joy and laughter to the house. So many reasons to look forward to each day, so much bliss at home being with them. Salei turns out to be very bold and smart (Sasa is timid and a bit slow cognitively, but very loyal and protective). Salei has captured the Husband's heart and so she can get away with everything. Sasa would watch her do illegal things and get worried, only to realize she could get away with it. Sasa was smart enough to learn that only Salei could do that. The two of them get on very well at home. A sunshine and a rainbow in my life. 

Here is a group photo of them taken a few months after Salei joined us in 2017. They stood well because I placed their snack next to the camera lens. They would do anything to get snack. 

And here is a group photo taken a few hours before I typed this post. Again, I had their snack next to the camera. They still would do anything for snack. 3 years have passed and some things never change.