I am new to this world. I am helpless and tiny. I am half the size of a newborn human baby. I am light brown. I have a little button nose. I have four siblings. I am the smallest of all.
When I first opened my eyes three days ago, I saw my mother, then a hut, then a lake. My home. I live among many other litters, but I am glad to be part of mine, right where I am. On a levee. With a family. In Cambodia.
I am a child of a loving mother. I am a sibling of loving sisters and brothers. I am a loving sister.
I squeal when I get taken from my mother. She runs at the feet of the human who took me. She doesn’t attack. She is tired. I look down at her, willing her to save me.
But now I am noticing this calm girl’s arms. I can sense her feelings. This girl loves me. I am being taken back to my mom. I am put down, back with her.
I see the girl walk away as sorrow creeps into her. I bark a little, and make her smile.
I am new to this world. I am helpless and tiny. I am the little thing that brings you a lot of joy. I am a puppy.
Precious.