24 Mar 08 - my darling Jobi boy is now 12-years-old! I am so proud of him. He is really my favourite. Sagacious, calm and mild-tempered, Jobi is my pride and joy. I still vividly remember the day that I bought him. It has been a few months since my pomerian, pom pom passed away. I was mopping about in the house and begged my dad to buy me another dog. I have always had dogs in my life but they sort of belonged to my parents, even the pom. I actually feel sorry for her. My neighbour gave her to me but I was young then and I didn't know how to care for it properly. I took it out occasionally for walks but I hardly spentd time with her. I never loved her the way I love my 3 dogs now.

Anyway, after my dad agreed to get me a pup, I did thorough research on the dog I wanted to own- my very own dog which I would love and care for. I remember dreaming of what it would be like to have a dog follow you wherever you went, sleep with you and just be your best friend. It has always been my dream to rear a dog from young where I could train it and make it my very best friend. And my dream did come true.

I bought Jobi, a sable-white sheltie. I remember picking him out from the litter. I connected with him immediately. He was the cutest and also the one of the fatter ones. He looked so adorable. I conducted the pupppy test that I had read from guide books because I didn't want a domineering first born. Jobi failed the 'attention' test but passed all the rest with flying colours.. That's why he is such a joe cool.. and so stubborn. He doesn't take orders well.

Soon, he was in my carton box and we proceeded to the car. I remember calling out to him and touching his soft,delightful fur. He had such a cute smile one that could light up the world. I brought him home and toilet train by putting him in his play pen. He was rather easy to toilet train and within months, he was given the freedom to roam about the house whenever there was someone at home to supervise him. When he was young, he would get into all sorts of mischief.. like playing hide-and-seek with my maid, stealing my bras from the wash basin and snuggling up with them. I guess he loved my smell. haha. He also liked to steal my socks after I have worn them. He was really active and such a bundle of joy. He was very bright and learnt all the commands quickly.

Jobi has skin problems and we often have to bring him to the vet. Also he tends to get tummy upset easily. Initially, we used to take him to the vet whenever he vomited but then we realised if we gave him a few days, he wouldl recover on his own. Whenever he was at the vet, he never whine or struggle. He was stoic and took it like a man or should I say dog. I was so proud of him. The vets all said he was a very good 'boy'. I guess he knew that the docs were only trying to help him.

Everyone who gets to know my Jobi better will agree with me that he is very smart. In fact, he understands us so much; it's like talking to a 13- year-old. Sometimes I feel he is older than me and whenever I am upset he would be my side and gaze at me as if giving me advice. Sometimes, he is also very grouchy like an old man.. so sometimes we call him 'grouchy old man' because he hates noise and would protest angrily if people in the void deck were making too much noise.

Jobi I love you!