Chewy, 19 July 2011 – 4 October 2022.

It has been rather depressing the past few weeks. I’ve been reminded time and again to cherish each day with my loved ones.

My aunt passed away last month and less than two weeks later, our beloved golden retriever passed away on 4 October.

Chewy, named after the hairy Wookiee he resembled, was 11 years and two months old. The last time I saw him was in February 2020 when I was last in Malaysia before the pandemic hit. I didn’t think that would be the last time I saw him.

Who knew back then that I won’t be able to travel back home for over two years, probably even three given the current situation. The question that kept appearing in my mind in the past few days has been, why didn’t I spend more time with him? Why didn’t the moments we had.

The casual thought back then was, see you again next time, boy.

I have friends who lost their loved ones to the pandemic and weren’t able to say the final goodbye in person due to lockdown measures. But this still hit home hard.

Chewy had been having problems with his hips, either a hereditary condition or one that was caused by playing excessive football with us when he was younger. It seemed rather mild when I last saw him.

The condition deteriorated and he could hardly stand up the past few months. There was mention of euthanasia to ease his suffering. If it came down to that, I was hoping to be able to return home and see him one last time.

I guess Chewy has more pressing matters to deal with in doggy heaven. His sudden passing caught us off guard. My brother had even planned for a visit to see him.

Chewy showered my family with love, and will be missed dearly by all of us. It felt like it was just yesterday when we first welcomed the tiny ball of joy into our home back in 2011.

A reminder that time waits for no one.

As I write this, my poodle Xiaobao is leaning against my lap snoring in his usual post-dinner nap. He’s the anchor in my life. My sidekick. A constant in my life for the past five years.

He is with me all day for most of the days. The only times he has to stay home is when I go to places or occasions where dogs aren’t allowed. I cannot imagine life without him.

Yet it is inevitable and the only thing I can do is to cherish each day like it were the last.

Chewy will forever be that playful but obedient boy. The protector who watches over us, and will continue to do so from wherever he is with his brother, our beloved Husky.

In loving memory.