"HAPPIER"

I’m very fond of golden retrievers. They’re one of the cutest, friendliest and most playful dog breeds ever. We had a dog more than twenty years ago whom papa named “Shadow”, because she resembled the golden retriever protagonist (with the same name) in the movie “Homeward Bound”. She was a gift from our cousins, given to us when she was just a few weeks old. She also resembled the puppy, so adorable with a faint cute bark (at the end of the video). She was one of our first dogs. I wasn’t really that excited to have her at first, because I was sure she’ll always make a mess around the house— a constant “added” mess that we had to clean up ourselves every time. She did. But we later didn’t mind because we’ve grown to love her; she made it her routine to amuse us. She even gave us “stolen” kisses; jumping and licking our noses whenever we talked while leaning towards her.

We eventually got three more dogs running around our backyard. We never gave them leashes; the four of them were free to roam around. They never bit anyone and were definitely just pets and noise makers, not guard dogs. A curious bunch. Whenever we opened our gates, Shadow was always the brave one to go out into the neighborhood, sometimes even up to several blocks away, only to return an hour later (or as soon as she got tired) and sit in front of the same gates waiting for attention and re-entry.

When we moved to a smaller residence (an apartment), we gave her away, along with the other three. Now, more than twenty years later, we find ourselves missing our dogs. We just can’t presently adopt because of the space constraints where we currently live in. And our landlord doesn’t permit even lap dogs. I guess we just want the stress relievers and need the “therapy”.

(I DO NOT OWN THE VIDEO)

“HAPPIER” by Marshmello feat. Bastille

Lately, I've been, I've been thinking

I want you to be happier, I want you to be happier

When the morning comes

When we see what we've become

In the cold light of day we're a flame in the wind

Not the fire that we've begun

Every argument, every word we can't take back

'Cause with the all that has happened

I think that we both know the way that the story ends

Then only for a minute

I want to change my mind 'cause

This just don't feel right to me

I wanna raise your spirits

I want to see you smile but

Know that means I'll have to leave

Know that means I'll have to leave

Lately, I've been, I've been thinking

I want you to be happier, I want you to be happier

When the evening falls

And I'm left there with my thoughts

And the image of you being with someone else

Well, that's eating me up inside

But we run our course, we pretend that we're okay

Now if we jump together at least we can swim

Far away from the wreck we made

Then only for a minute

I want to change my mind 'cause

This just don't feel right to me

I wanna raise your spirits

I want to see you smile but

Know that means I'll have to leave

Know that means I'll have to leave

Lately, I've been, I've been thinking

I want you to be happier, I want you to be happier

So I'll go, I'll go

I will go, go, go

So I'll go, I'll go

I will go, go, go

Lately, I've been, I've been thinking

I want you to be happier, I want you to be happier

Even though I might not like this

I think that you'll be happier, I want you to be happier

Then only for a minute (only for a minute)

I want to change my mind 'cause

This just don't feel right to me

I wanna raise your spirits (wanna raise your spirits)

I want to see you smile but

Know that means I'll have to leave

Know that means I'll have to leave

Lately, I've been, I've been thinking

I want you to be happier, I want you to be happier

So I'll go, I'll go

I will go, go, go…