~In loving memory of my previous loving dog~ You will always be remembered by all of us at home. Having struggled with heart problem for a couple of years, my dog passed away, peacefully today -> 27 Jan 2010. He lived till a ripe old age of 15 years old. Considered old for a dog? Yes it is..I remembered vividly that at the age of 15, my mum asked me 1 day if I would like to have a dog and I remembered i showed my interest. So on a Sat, we went over to the distant relative house to view the dog. Initially, we didn't like him cause he was barking at the top of his voice and he seemed unfriendly and fierce. But we got into the house and while we were talking to the relatives, he came to lick us. :) Since then I liked him and told my mum, "Yes its him that I want."

The following week, the ex owners of my dear bruce sent him over. Bruce came to our house at the age of 2. He loved our house because he was no longer constraint to a small space. He could run about in the garden and of course he had all the attention he wanted cause we had a helper at home. Bruce was a companion to all of us. Everyone in the family loved him. In his hay days, whenever the postman comes, Bruce will bark his lungs off. Even when there were construction workers walking past the house, he will also bark. The best part is, he can't be left alone at home because he will bark the whole day until someone is back (and i really mean he has such stamina). Bruce ain't toilet trained, so he pees everywhere but eventually somehow he knew where he's suppose to do his business. But occassionally, when he gets naughty, he just does it anywhere. We were angry with him, but just can't to hit him. My Dad pampers him like crazy, just like a little kid. He's the life of our family.

However, due to his age, his health have also been deteriorating. Bruce had been suffering from heart problem for a couple of years and his skin is also getting very sensitive. The worst was a couple of months back, he had maggots attacking him and we had to operate on him. He suffered, yet we wanted to keep him alive as long as we can. Visits to the vet was getting more frequent. Our family reached a consensus that no matter what happens we will not put him to sleep. That's the last thing on our mind. So it was a constant struggle seeing him suffer and also whether to put him to sleep. In these few weeks, he showed signs that his heart was about to give way. It was just 2 Sundays ago that he was panting very hard. I came home early the following day and brought him to the vet. The vet told me "You have to be mentally prepare, coz his heart is really very weak." They just gave him an injection. Surprisingly, after a few days, he seems well again coz he could eat, climb the stairs and also bark at his maximum volume. Though, often he looks lethargic. Then just last Sunday, he seem unusual again, but subsequently, on Monday and yesterday, he was back to his normal self.

This morning, while I was having my breakfast, Bruce was chasing after me for his share. Then when I was about to leave hom, I said "bye Bruce." Never have i expected that while I just knocked off from home, to receive a call from my Dad "Bruce have passed away peacefully." Yes he had some struggles. My dad said he showed serious difficulty in breathing and then in less than 10 mins, his heartbeat stopped. I cried. I got home as quick as I can and saw his lifeless body. I cried as I touched him.. My Bruce is gone and I miss him..I do and I know I always will. He had been the best company. The best gatekeeper. The most fun loving dog...

and we often make fun that it's called the "cone of shame". But who cares if it really is, as long as it prevents him from injuring himself, we will put it on.

Bruce just came out from the hospital. Weak...

This resting chair which was meant for us is 1 of his favourite resting places.