22 October 2008 will be a day that I would never forget. It was the day that my best friend departed from this world. My best pal, Jobi, passed away. He has been my dog for 12 years. I had him since he was an impish puppy. He recently contracted cancer and his cancer had spread. He left us on 22/10/08 in the morning. I am really inconsolable. I feel so much pain.
The last 3 days before his demise, he didn't really have much appetite. However, when offered a juciy piece of pork, he readily ate it. He also couldn't walk much. I knew he was growing weaker but I didn't pay much attention to it.. too caught up with my own world. I didn't expect him to go so quickly. He still looked alert and would wag his tail when he saw us. On 21/10/08, his tumour on his body burst. It bled profusely and he was running a fever. I rushed him to the hospital. Thank God.. I actually spend quality time at the bench in the void deck with him just before we went to the hospital.. just him and me like how it was many years ago. I just sat there, stroking him while he lay peacefully by my side. I cried. I knew he didn't have much time left on earth but I didn't know he would leave me the next day.
Anyway after rushing him to the emergency vet, we took him home. The vet assured us that there was nothing much that we could do. We felt sad but comforted that there was nothing 'serious'.
The next morning, my mum went to feed him like how she normally would. She called him but he did not respond. He was sleeping in his favourite position- with his head resting on his paws. She lifted his head and saw that there was a strange look in his eyes. She let go off his head and it just fell to the side. She knew immediately something was very wrong. She screamed in agony and that woke my sis who called me immediately. I was driving our publicity team back to school so I didn't pick up the phone. When I reached school, I checked my phone and just then my sis called me. She told me between sobs that Jobi had passed away. I was in shock. I didn't believe her. As I drove home, I told myself that it can't be true. He was fine yesterday.
When I got home, I knelt down beside him. His feet and gums were cold. His body was turning cold too. I called out his name in agony and anguish. I tried to wake him. I shook him but he just lay there motionlessly. I knew my best friend had left me. The pain I felt was indescrible.
After I calmed down a bit, I told my sis to contact my hubby who apparently couldn't be contacted as he had switched off his phone. I called my friend to get the number of a mobile pet cremation service. They offer individual cremation where there will only be one body in the furnace and we can witness the cremation and get back the ashes.
The man was very kind and he told me to take my time and to call him when I was ready. I put down the phone, numbed and in so much pain. I couldn't believe it. My Jobi boy gone.... I spent the remaining time stroking Jobi, smelling and hugging him. In an hour or two, I wouldn't even be able to do it anymore.
When the man(Sam) from 'Tengoku' came, he stroked Jobi and uttered something to him. Just then, Russell, Jobi's bro for 11 years came forward. He kissed Jobi gently on his snout. It was so sweet and poignant. At first,I though Russell in his usual boisterous manner will disturb Jobi but all he wanted to do was to kiss his Gor gor gently goodbye. The man wrapped Jobi in a white cloth and covered his face with it. Russell went forward again and tried to kiss his gor gor again. It was so painful to watch.
Sam then took Jobi and placed him in his van. When we reached the void deck, it started to drizzle and slowly it poured even heavier as we drove in a convoy to Pasir Ris Farmway. It is as if Jobi was telling me that he also couldn't bear to leave us. He was crying. He knew I was crying.
When we reached the place, we couldn't conduct the cremation because it was raining heavily. so reflective of the mood we were in... I think Jobi is trying to stall his own cremation. He can't bear to bid goodbye to us. When the rain stopped to a drizzle, we started the ceremony. Sam lifted Jobi out of his 'coffin' and placed him on a tray that would be loaded into the furnace. He gave us some time to say our final goodbyes. I hugged and kissed Jobi. I love him so much. It was like attending my own son's funeral. My family also broke down in tears. When we were ready, Jobi's body was slowly pushed into the furnace. My Jobi was gone... just like that... I could never hold him in my arms. I could never enjoy his quiet but comforting company. I could never have him comfort me whenever I am sad. I miss him already... How am I going to go on without him in my life. It is going to be so hard.
The one thing I learn about this experience is this: Treasure your loved ones now. Spend time with time. Cherish them. Once they are gone, we will never get them back.
To drop 15kg