First of The Many to Come

 Last night, after 15 years, I was finally able to sleep again in the bedroom on a comfortable bed. Today, after 15 years, the first day of the many days to come without my beloved fur baby, Toby.

Toby was the first dog I personally took care of and looked after. He’s a Zuchon ~ Bichon x Zhi Shu. He’s very fluffy and so nice to cuddle. 

Toby doesn’t know any dog tricks. It took him seven years to master how to sit. But if you asked him “where is mummy” he will start looking for me or if he’s being carried and I am near him, he will extend his paw and tap my arms.

He also has an excellent sense of smell. This is one of the senses he hasn’t lost until his last minute with us. He knows where we keep his treats and if you placed it somewhere accessible to him, he’ll definitely steal it.

Toby also likes music. Most probably he acquired that passion from me. If he is restless at night, I will play some songs and he will go back to sleep.

I am happy that I have so many wonderful memories of my fur baby, and I will forever be keeping those memories of him in my heart. I told him yesterday, before he breathed his last breath, that I love him so much and no one can ever take his place in my heart.

My Toby, thank you for being such a wonderful fur baby. For being a good dog, son,  friend, companion, confidant. Thank you for taking good care and protecting me, daddy, your kuyas and ate. I know that no matter where you are, you will always be watching me and my family.

Run free now my Toby until we meet again.

16.10.2009 ~ 12.11.2024

Man's Best Friend

I never consider myself a dog lover. I find dogs cute and adorable, but to really like and love them is another thing. In fact, I am SCARED of dogs - little, medium, big - the size does not really matter, I'm scared of them period.

My daughter, however, is my opposite. She loves animals especially dogs -  all breeds and sizes of dogs! She always begging me if she can have one. And because I love my daughter so much, I gave in to her non-stop pleas.

February 11, 2010 when my family of five became six! But the sixth member has four legs and so fluffy like a teddy bear 😍. Toby...that's what we named this gorgeous lad.

I vividly remember his first night at home, it was a nightmare. It was like having a newborn baby again! My kids, my mother-in-law and I tried to make him stay at the back yard so that he can be trained as an outside dog. But that's way far from possible. All night he was howling. The kids sang songs to settle him, my mother-in-law placed a hot water bag underneath his bed and then wrapped him in a blanket.  All those tactics failed. In the end, I cuddled him and let him sleep on my chest for  three long nights! Gradually, I trained him to sleep in the laundry room and on his bed. In short, I became his Mom.

Eight years later, I still can't believe that I have this capacity to love another creature - a dog. Toby made me realised that dogs know how to love unconditionally and they do know what loyalty means. Toby will do everything and anything to protect me and my family.

Now, I fully understand why dogs are called man's best friend and why this four legged fluffy lad is called a dog. DOG spelled backwards is GOD 💓.

Who wants to play with me?

Toby's first lesson - Sit

When behaving well

Playing Dress-up

A music lover

Copying Panda

Peek-a-boo

When not in the mood to share his toy

Smiling Toby