FITS AND STARTS

Sunday, January 25, 2009

It's been awhile

Dear Buddyboy,

G and I were just talking about our pets, and I was suddenly reminded of you. We were all created by the same Hand, so it is strange that humans can debate the merits of euthanasia to no end but put our own pets to sleep with less forceful objections. What really moved me was the way you accepted the destiny we decided for you with such willingness. You passed on in the same way you came into our lives as a scrawny pup, with a big beautiful smile on your face.

You were always so eager to make new acquaintances. I remember the day my classmates came over to practice our Rentap skit (i think). You bounded in happily through the front door, and I can imagine that if you could speak you'd have said, "Hello I'm Buddy! Let's be friends!" And when Cheah and Puteri panicked, screamed their lungs out and huddled in a corner (and broke a vase), I just didn't have the heart to tell you to "go to the back" because you looked so sad and bewildered as if you couldn't believe that they were afraid of you. You couldn't even hurt a fly!

I pray everyday that you are in a better place with lots of great friends and open spaces to run around and pee without getting scolded. You might have been a terrible guard dog, but for the amount of love and trust that you so freely gave away, I hope you are now receiving twice as much in return. When it is my turn to go, I have a feeling that the first thing I will see at those pearly gates waiting, wagging, smiling! ushering my return home, is you.

We all miss you. Daddy especially.

Love, Xian.

Buddy Ong, RIP 2007