I got my chance to say my final goodbyes to Diesel earlier. The cremation officer, Osman was very nice and sensitive. It certainly helped and I sent a thank you note to the hospital on behalf of all of us, including Diesel.
She was just lying there, other then the fact that she wasn’t breathing she just looked like she was sleeping. An eternal slumber. Although I have said it before, but every dog has its own unique character. Diesel wasn’t a dog who could run. I don’t know why, but it was bad enough till the vet recommended that we don’t even take her for long walks. You can tell when she misses you when she sees you she’ll come immediately and lick your toes. When I sit by the door with her on the outside (she isn’t allowed in the house) she would lie next to me and put one of her paws on my leg to show her affection.
She is hardly old, with only one white whisker so far. I remember Whiskey had all her whiskers almost white when she passed away. In chinese, we say “shen lao bing shi”, translated to birth,aged, ill, death. They believe it is forever a cycle. I have different beliefs but that’s a different story. Diesel has served us well though till today, I still carry a scar of a bite she once gave me. Perhaps it is a good thing, to be always reminded of her. And each dog has its own characteristic smell, no two dogs share the same smell, as with no two dogs are ever the same. I’m glad I found her and took that skinny dog known as lydia back then at SPCA home and hopefully gave her all she needed. Defined as a very large class B breed, I would say she is very different from the other rottweilers out there.
It was fate that I saw her and brought her home. In a way I am glad it was destiny she died at home and not at some hospital. I was running my second last day and when I win the title, I’ll dedicate it to Diesel. She, like her owner, isn’t born to run, but this run, and it will be the only running competition I will ever participate in, will be in her honour.
People, don’t buy pets. I can’t bear to. Fishes and all that are different but generally, warm blooded animals have the sort of emotions that we share. Don’t put a price tag on a pet. I don’t intend to get pedigrees or anything from a reputable breeder and stuff. What I look for is a pet that is suited to live in my environment and has chemistry with me. How do you tell? Trust me, you will be able to if you play with the animal for a while, just like how I went into Diesel’s cell back then. They told me she is a very affectionate dog and although she was having a barking war with the german shepard (I hear the two breeds are not good friends?) she was very good with people and I just knew, yes she and I can click. It was just like that. Ah the beauty of fate.
And now my time with Diesel on earth has ended. We both have to move on. One day when you see me at an adoption centre, you’ll know I am ready to take in another pet again. Meantime, goodbye Diesel! I love ya lots. Thank you for everything you have given us..
