Before we continue on your journey, let’s take some time to think about what makes up a Family. There are grandparents, then there’s mummy and daddy, followed by the children and, if like us, you consider your domestic helper as family, then them too. Fringing the family, you have grand-aunts and grand-uncles, aunts and uncles and ofcourse, cousins. But what exactly defines this unity? Is it blood? Or is it something else? I believe its something other than blood that creates these ties… Something way more powerful… Love. It would explain perfectly why adopted children are still family… Or why step-brothers and step-sisters are siblings. Domestic helpers and nannies brought into the family fold are still loved, just in a different manner. So if, like me, you are of the opinion that family is love… Then aren’t we forgetting one other type of family members. Don’t we also love our pets?

It was 2008 when your daddy adopted a beautiful 10 months old Siberian husky. From that day forth, daddy had a new family member. The bond between Keanu and your daddy was apparent from the very start and grew stronger as the years rolled by.

Huskies can be challenging. They are definately not for first time owners. They are strong willed and have a mind of their own. Training a husky can sometimes be a nightmare. They are intelligent and easily manipulate their owners into getting their way. Be that as it may, if they are brought up with property guidance and taught the rules of the home, they can make excellent pets.

Under your daddy’s strict hand, keanu grew up well. Their shared bond matured into love, trust and understanding. Where your daddy went, Keanu wouldn’t be left behind. So when your mummy married your daddy, she also inherited Keanu and the bond between them soon flourished.

Keanu has been present though every one of our family’s milestones. He was there when your mummy and daddy first met… He was there when we started dating… He was there when we got married and he was there when you were conceived… He was present through your mummy’s first, second and third trimester and was present to greet you when we first took you home.

Long before this, keanu had already met many toddlers and babies. Gentle lamb that he is, he would always be careful around them. Not once has he ever hurt or knocked over a child. Your mummy and myself were confident that he could be trusted around you.

As you grew inside your mummy’s tummy, I’m certain that Keanu knew that another family member was on the way. How do I know this? His behavior changed. Previously, he would often sleep on my end of the bed. As your mummy’s tummy changed so did his preferred sleeping spot… He now began to sleep on your mummy’s side more often. His acute sense of smell, I believe, revealed the growing baby inside. I am convinced that he, as much as your mummy and myself, was eagerly awaiting your arrival…