I still remember the night when Uncle Jim brought you to our home somewhere in 2004. You were such a busybody, sniffing around and looking curious, so keen to find out about this new environment. You must be around 3 to 4 years old then. Uncle Jim said you were not toilet trained but you adapted to our home like you have always been here, going straight to the toilet to pee. We wanted to keep you in the kitchen for the first night, but mother decided that you could roam freely in the flat without my knowledge. I was pleasantly surprised to see you roaming in the living room when I woke up in the middle of the night to go to the toilet. I will never forget the day when you came, because you brought with you so much joy and happiness and you changed our lives. You took to us immediately and we liked you very much. Though Sarah was not at home when you arrived, you immediately became the best of friends when you met.
You were so greedy and wanted a piece of whatever everyone is eating, and earned yourself a big tummy. We brought you for walks, taught you how to shake paws and fetch your bear bear. That was your favourite game. You will always place the bear near our feet, retreat a few steps back, and wait for us to kick the bear bear as far as possible. You will then grab the bear with your teeth and fling it around with might, like a hunting dog who has caught her prey. Bear after bear were destroyed by you, you were so ferocious!
Unlike many other dogs, you like your baths and whenever mother said : "冲凉“, you will be so excited. You loved your walks (gai-gai) too, and I will always prompt you to get ready by saying: "Let's go!", which never failed to make you jump to your feet and wag your tail excitedly. We loved you so much we couldn't bear to leave you alone at home. So everywhere we go, we will bring you along. Be it the weekly visits to grandma's home or the occasional visit to ah gong's, visits to the airport, and even meals at the restaurants. Everybody loved you, and why wouldn't they? You are such a lovely and energetic dog. Ah gong even fed you abalone during reunion dinner!
Life wasn't without its mishaps, and we were always very upset whenever something bad happened to you. First, you sneaked out of home through the grills of the gate during your first year with us. You were missing for one whole day and we were so worried about you. Luckily, you ended up in a construction site where some kind security guard took care of you before father found you. We immediately reduced the size of the gaps in the metal gate with wire so that you won't run away!
The second unfortunate incident was when you were ran over by a car while we crossed the road. That was the first time I cried for you. I'm sorry. I should have replaced your leash earlier when I realised it was not functioning well. If I had done that you wouldn't have broke free of the leash. You fractured your hip and couldn't use your right hind leg properly as a result. After a week's stay at the hospital, you returned home but was unable to walk and had to move by dragging your body around with your front leg. It was so heartbreaking to see you like that. But you are a strong girl, you never gave up and in a month or so, you were up on your feet and gradually learnt to walk on your own again, albeit with a limp. We were so happy for you!
Then came the dreaded phone call half past midnight. When I saw that the number was from the hospital, I knew something was wrong. And indeed, the nurse called to inform me that they have failed to resuscitate you after you collapsed and have passed away. I was shattered, and so were my parents after I informed them. Why did it happen so suddenly? If I knew it, I would have brought you home instead of leaving you in the hospital. We didn't even have a chance to say the final goodbye. Are you afraid that we will be too upset to see you go? Was that why you left when we were gone? Or was the pain too much for you to bear? My dear Chippy, my poor Chippy. You don't deserve all these suffering! I am already missing you, very much. I feel a sense of emptiness inside me. It is impossible to replace the void that you have left in my heart.Chippy, I know that you are in heaven right now because all dogs go to heaven. Please take care of yourself when we are not around. Have fun with the other dogs there and socialise with them okay? They will keep you company until the day we are reunited. Can you hear us from there or read our thoughts? I have so many things to tell you. Thank you very much for bringing so much joy and laughter to our lives. Even though you couldn't speak, you taught us how to love. I will always remember you, Chippy. Remember how you used to wait for us at the door, wagging your tail excitedly when we come home. Remember how you jumped in excitement in your younger days. Remember the routes that we used to take for our walks. Remember how you barked at us when you wanted us to feed you what we were eating. Remember how you liked to challenge the stray cats but hide behind us when they confronted you. Remember you lying on my chest. Remember the smell of you. Remember the pillow, the blanket and the kennel that you slept in. Remember how you kept your snacks all over the house. Remember how you snorted to ask us to open the doors to our room. Remember how I kiss your forehead. Remember how you ate from my hand. Remember those bright innocent eyes that cheer me up.
Chippy, I used to shake your paw and tell you that 我们永远在一起。Why did you leave me so early? I look forward to the day when we are reunited again. Rest in peace and take care, Chippy. I love you. We love you. You will forever be part of our family. You are the best dog ever. Hugs and kisses.
With love,
Papa, Mama, Sarah, Takeshi, Watson and Wan Ching
