For my 100th hub, I would like to focus on the 12th Birthday of my dog Mario Peso

Celebrating Peso's birthday is my way of expressing my gratitude to our Dear Lord. First for sending me my angel in disguise, and second for the extension of Peso's life when he survived perineal hernia. We are still dealing with the complications of his ailment but at least Peso is still a very active dog who loves to eat, play and stroll.

My previous years with Peso was not always the happiest, in fact in the first seven years of his life with me, I was in a struggle in almost all aspects. Mother was sickly and eventually died, my personal affairs was the roller coaster kind, I guess I had my years when my self esteem was low, but the only one that gave me flicker in the dark then was Peso. That's why I considered him as God's gift to me that guided me through those years of loneliness, that keep me hold on to life even just because of them (Peso and my other dog Piseta Danica). This experience led me to write a hub about them http://maria-cecilia.hubpages.com/hub/The-Story-of-the-Portrait.

I am a witness of a truth in life that things will go back to its proper places and you'll realize you can be happier. 2008 I can say that Peso paved a way for me to fulfill my other dream and that is to submit and see my article in a magazine. My first story ever published in a magazine was about his ailment and I consider that as the start of everything. The break almost brought back what I have thought I lost already. Writing just give me this kind of high that only fellow writers can understand. Not much in financial gain but the joy it provided made me feel I am rich to the point of having everything. Similar to my feeling whenever I see Peso waking up, a few hours after his surgery.

For 12 years now Peso has always been a joy to me. When he was less than a year old, I knew then that he is already a smart dog, and I didn't know why I wanted his existence in this world to be different from my previous dogs... I just want him to be popular, not to the point of forcing his entry to movieworld (of course not! we are just simple family). I just want more people to know him I didn't know how or when, but it started to happen when I joined pet websites, so aside from me, family and friends, there are other people who knew Peso.

In 2007 he won the "Cutest Dog for July 2007" at Worldwidefido.com which earned him a bowl in a crown, a tennis ball, Cutest Dog dog tag, T-shirt for me that I still treasure, and his $30. plus collar by Monami. In 2010 he won the 'Pet of the Year" Award at Passion-for-pets website, which won him lots of treats and gifts from members.

Aside from those netizens in the dog community, there are other people who approached me and asked me about Peso's condition, they usually found about him in a Magazine where I regularly contribute my article.

But above all, because of Peso I came to know people who have the same passion, people who understand why I can exceed boundaries just to survive Peso's needs especially during his struggle with perineal hernia. People who also love their dogs unconditionally and willing to show responsible pet ownership to everyone.

For a Dog like Peso, it is really worth to bother just to celebrate his birthday... We just celebrated at home because it was raining and quite uncomfortable for us to stroll and visit places that allowed a big dog.

I still dream of hosting a birthday party for Peso, where all love ones and doglover friends will be invited. People who helped him in his surgeries will be invited too. There will be programs and charities, and dogs of friends will attend to enjoy the day... Wish I can really do that someday..and of course I wish Mario Peso a healthier and longer life.