In Loving Memory of July (2004 - 2009)

26th July 2004, is the day when July first joined our family. His exact birthday is unknown, but judging by his size then (less than 1 feet long) he should be about 1 month old. He was a cute and active puppy. I still remember throwing him a ball, and he'll fetch it back to me. However, it was also heavily infested by parasites; ticks and worms. So, we took him to the vet, vaccinate him and bath him with chemicals to get rid of his ticks.

After I left my hometown for my degree in UPM in July, 2005, the time I spent with July is only during semester breaks. When I started working in May, 2008, I only go back to my hometown once every month, most of the time, only for a weekend.

Time flies, it has been almost 6 years since July came. Without realizing it, July had aged. He lost weight. He became less active. Barks less. Eats less. Occasionally, he vomits.

On 21st July 2009, July collapsed. He couldn't even drink on his own. Mom sent him to the vet.

When I was told about this, I became worried. The vet is not optimistic about July's condition.

We were told that July may die. The first thing that crossed my mind was; How can this happen? I was expecting July to live for at least 8 years or so. And I realised that I couldn't even remember when was the last time I actually see July.

I prayed. I prayed that July will survive. I prayed that I'll still see him at least one last time. I wanted to rush back to BP. But I can't. The department is seriously short-handed. I couldn't sleep at night. I was worried that July didn't make it through the night. It was miserable.

On 23rd July 2009, July's blood test reveals that his kidneys had failed. It was then, we know that we have to let him go. As much as I wanted to see him for one last time, the thought of him suffering every second made me just want to end his pain. We agreed to put him to sleep. 1 injections. 2 minutes. And he slept. Forever.

Thanks Kevin, for this picture. It meant alot to me.

I guess my mom definately felt more than me. July was her company when everyone else is away from home.

It is 1 of my greatest regrets that I couldn't be there for him during his last moments. I just hope he felt my guilt for neglecting him all these years, that he still remembers me and the moments we shared. July, I'm sorry.

Even so you might not remember me, but you'll always be remembered. July, thanks for the memories.