We learnt that Bella was rescued in a state infested by mites, ticks and fleas, roaming as a motherless puppy, from a Bukit Panjang carpark. As the rescuers had too many on their hands and their vet predicted that Bella would be a huge dog judging from the size of her paws, she was put up for adoption. And Y adopted her. Surprisingly, Bella never grew to be as big as we all anticipated -- a small-to-medium sized dog, instead.
Bella, Junior and Y at the dog run. Those were fun times.
Harmony: Kangkang (the cat) lazed about as he confidently watched Junior and Bella at mild play.
25 March 07, Bella to be hospitalised at the vet's.
Today, Bella passed away at the vet's as a result of renal failure. The vet informed renal problems are uncommon among young dogs. We will never know the true cause of Bella's renal failure -- it could be attributed to her diet, stress, dehydration or even poisoning. But if anything, I would like to stress the importance of dogcare, of constant monitoring and interaction with your pet dog, of (making the effort) to know your dog. A dog that refuses to eat or drink in a day or two should raise the red flag and alert you to immediate action. Bella was found with traces of blood on her gums that smelled of creatine and blood urea nitrogen.
I remember going to Y's house and coaxing Bella to move without my carrying her and remember how she did not resist but warmly stayed in my embrace as I held her in the car and carried her to the vet. How she was a calm fighter against the ravages of her illness and how she touched my life during those brief moments as a serene girl, a soulful being, her heartbeat warm against my body.
After six days of struggle, Bella was finally free from pain. She left us with wonderful memories as a sentient being capable of so much inspiration and sweetness, and a joyful family companion in Y's life.
Rest in peace, girl. You are in our hearts.
No comments:
Post a Comment