From Puppyhood to Pawfect Companionship: Mochi, Our Furever Love

“Money can buy you a fine dog, but only love can make him wag his tail.”

– Kinky Friedman

MOCHI, OUR FUREVER LOVE

December 24, 2023, the day before Christmas, marked the first barkday of our furbaby. He was born on December 24, 2022, and we have had this furbaby with us since February 12, 2023. Ever since he came into our lives, it has made our home happier and livelier. To us, he's not just a pet; he's a family member. His name is Mochi. He is a mixed breed, half Shihtzu and half Japanese. He was given to us by my sister's friend before she returned home to Davao.

MEET AND GREET WITH OUR LOVE

These pictures were taken on February 12, 2023, when we got home after picking him up from my sister's friend's residence in Liloan. He's still a cutie pie this time. His arrival made us very happy. The moment I saw him, I just called him Mochi. I don't know where I got that name, it's just the first name that sprang into my mind the moment we saw each other.

He probably wondered where he was at this time. I just constantly talked to him so that he'd know that he was in good hands. Right at this time, I'm already searching for the dos and don'ts for Mochi.

He was already playing this time. He's actually looking like a stuff toy whenever he doesn't move. He's so cute! One thing I've noticed about Mochi from the start is that he's hyperactive. He loves to play.

Drinking Yakult

I let him drink Yakult after doing some careful research online and getting advice from the experts and other furmoms who said that Yakult is good for the digestive system, a natural dewormer, brings good bacteria, and it's a host of other benefits. By the way, he loves it.

Meeting Papa

He is meeting my father for the first time here. Just like a baby, he enjoys being coddled.

Playing and Learning

He's super active, and he constantly plays. I also taught him the basic commands like up, sit, and lay. I teach him when he has not yet eaten and give him rewards after doing a great job. He's a fast learner, but initially he was sometimes confused between sit and lay. He even learned high fives quickly. Mochi is such a good boy.

A Teether for Mochi

Every time we buy something for ourselves, we also buy something for him. He always gets excited the moment we open his presents. We also bought him chewing treats for his teething.

My Sweet Boy

Mochi is an active type of dog. He's so sweet at the same time, and unfortunately, hahahahaha, his love language is biting our hands Unlike other dogs, he's more into biting hands than licking. Even so, he's still so cautious when I say that it hurts already. Additionally, he's a papa's boy. Whenever my father's getting ready to work, he always bites his jeans, trying to stop him from going outside, and whenever he gets home from work, Mochi will always come to him because he wants Papa to carry him since he is already used to it.

I also take it as a blessing in disguise that he is naughty, because it'll be easier for me to figure out whenever he's not feeling well. I remember this time when he had this upset stomach and didn't eat at all. I was so worried at that time, and I couldn't afford to see him just lying. What I immediately did first was search for animal doctors online and follow their tips. Also, in order to make sure, I bought him that specific oral medicine for treatment. Thankfully, he went all fine within the day after doing all those helpful tips. There's also a time when he had these rashes and little red dots all over his skin. I immediately sent him to the animal clinic nearby, and he got some shots. He also had these rashes and little red dots all over his skin. I immediately sent him to the animal clinic nearby, and he got some shots. The moment he's totally fine, we proceed with his vaccination.

Mango time!

Carrot time!

He also loves bananas! However, I just give him these treats occasionally, not everyday.

I always take him out when I don't have classes and constantly on weekends. I love spending quality time together with this furbest friend of mine. Mochi has been my crying shoulder every time I'm feeling down, and he's totally one of the sweetest things that came to us. He constantly takes away our stress. He brings huge smiles to our faces, and he's one of the most genuine beings ever.

Mochi has been with us in the city. I am going to school, and simultaneously, my sister's at work. I asked my cousins in the neighborhood to check on him from time to time when I'm not around. After classes, I directly go home to my Mochi. But I feel very sorry, thinking that he's always left at home alone. I know that every time we leave the house, he will feel that we have abandoned him and that we will not be coming back. I believe it won't be healthy for my furbaby. That's why we decided to take him to our home in the province and let my parents take good care of him. I just went home every weekend to spend time with my family and with Mochi. Sometimes, I'll take him with me in the city, as per my sister's request.

OUR MOCHI GROWING UP AT THE PROVINCE

After all, it's the best decision to bring Mochi to the province because he always has company there. He is surrounded by kids, which he loves the most. He constantly has someone to play with; he's been taken care of all the time; there's someone who could look after him every time; and he receives so much from my family and everyone around him. He also has other dog friends. With that, I am so happy, and I can say that Mochi's already in a healthy environment. My parents love him so much, and we treat him as the youngest baby in the family.