I haven’t visited Bobby for ages. The last time I stroked his soft fur was 5 years ago when I had loads of time to spare. Bobby is the doggie companion of my neighbour in the opposite block. Yes, Bobby was the one that chased me from the living room to the kitchen, leaving me with no other choice but to seek refuge in the toilet. He was the one that pounced on my shoulders and glared at me face-to-face. He scratched my ankle, but I think he did that by accident---he was just too excited. Nevertheless, Bobby was also the one that laid his head on my lap to watch tv and eat ice cream (vanilla flavour, hello kitty brand) with me. We played games like hide and seek and “shake my paw paw” game. Bobby seriously enjoyed belly rubs.
Now, the once active and playful Bobby is ill and reduced to a bag of bones. His hind leg has lost its function. He can’t even limp around, let alone relieve itself without support.
Today, I watched Bobby’s two owners jointly lifting him up to bring him to the park (carpark I mean, that’s the nearest park) to pee. Once he was done, he was scooped up and carried home immediately. Imagine no more games, no more walks, and after half a lifetime of tailing people from room to room (his favourite hobby), he could only let his eyes follow his owners around the house and let out an occasional, feeble bark.
Rainbow had already lost his battle against bone cancer---he was put to sleep. Nicole, Rainbow’s son, is gone too. I hope that Bobby wouldn’t have to suffer too much. May he live with dignity until it’s his time to go.
