That has got to be the craziest one hour. I discovered Rambo, our dachshund, was missing when Noah and I were about to leave the house. The dog was able to get out of the gate because it was so tiny. I never expected he’d be able to move the wood blocking the way.

It’s only been a week since we transferred Rambo from my parents’ house to our place and I think I’ve grown to love the dog more. I was really scared and was on the verge of crying but I had to keep my composure because Noah was with me.

I asked around the neighborhood and good thing a few people noticed a tiny dog wandering the streets. Some said they noticed a little black dog at around 4pm. It was already 5pm when we went out. So it’s been an hour! It was Noah who noticed there was no Rambo in our garage. I got scared. How am I gonna explain this to my mom and brother?

I was asking the establishments along Shaw Blvd. (in front of JRU) if they’ve seen a little dog. And then somebody said they got the dog. I went inside the Internet cafe and heaved a big sigh of relief when I saw Rambo on top of a table, very quiet and unusually well-behaved. I already wanted to cry but I was just too grateful then. I asked the guy’s name and told him I’d come back. I’m thinking of giving him something as a reward for his kindness.

I hugged the dog and went on to finish our errands. I carried the dog while paying the bills with a toddler on my side.

I found Rambo. He’s home now.

I don’t want this to happen again. Because if he gets lost for the second time, it would feel like losing my dad again. You see, my siblings and I got my dad this dachshund not knowing it would be his last birthday with us.

One of my last memories of him, the last time I saw him, he was playing with Rambo. I saw him stroking Rambo’s head and I asked myself, “Anong ginagawa nito dito? Late na ah.” My dad would usually sleep early even when we’re visiting but that night, he stayed and he was playing with the dog. The last time I saw him.

I can still vividly remember that evening. My last night with him.

So yes, I don’t want to lose Rambo. Never again.

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“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Luke 19:10