this stray puppy

It has been a month since an accident cost a stray puppy her fore limb. She was crying in pain when I saw her hiding under the container office.



We (Yati, Alan & myself) called the SPCA and they advised that we send her for medical treatment. After much discussion, we sent her to Mt Pleasant. We were introduced to Dr Heng who did an x-ray on her. The x-ray showed that her bones are not fractured... but why cant she move her limb? She recommended that this puppy be put on observation for a couple of days.

Day 2 - Dr Heng called.. saying that she need to amputate her. What a shocking news to handle. Should we amputate her or put her to sleep (this is what happen when you send an injuried dog to SPCA). Dr Heng encouraged us to amputate her because the surgery will give her a lease of new life (without dragging the "useless" limb around) however we need to look for a committed care-giver. Dr Heng was helpful as she helped us to look for 1. She introduced "Noahsark" and it was indeed a great recommendation.

Day 3 - Yati and me visited this puppy... from the entrance of the clinic I heard a dog crying in pain. Little did I know that it was the stray we knew. Dr Heng confirmed to us that it was her. Me and yati (being so emotional) cried in front of the vet. (hahahaha... how embarrassing). The pup was in pain because she was sterilised too (double the pain!!). Its was so heart - wrenching to hear the cries... its like you hearing a helpless baby crying for some care and love as he just woken up from the surgery pain.

Anyhow, everything is a past now and she has found a lovely owner and a home full of warm. I am so happy for her. :)



Here is the blog about her.... JOLIE. http://noahsarkcares.blogspot.com/2009/06/jolies-tale.html

Last Goodbye......

I was trying to get some forty winks while taking the train back last night but I could not get any. The images of my grandmother saying her last good bye to me kept coming up. My paternal grandma, whom i always call "ahma", passed away on January 27. The last time she spoke to me was January 24 ... that was her last goodbye.

Although she left us almost 2 months ago, I remember vividly that the whole family was by her bedside during her last moments. We saw her heartbeat at 30 beats/min at one moment and other moment at 180 beats /min. She did not open her eyes to see but I believe she could hear us and feel us. Everyone cried.. including my parents. I have never seen my dad drop a tear before (maybe once during my grandpa's funeral). My mother (whom could not get along with my grandma,, you know.. the mother & daughter-in-law matters...) cried too. It was a heart wenching sight... because my grandma used to be a very strong woman yet she now she's on tubes and oxygen. About 15minutes later, my grandma's heartbeat stopped.. I felt happy for her actually as she ended her life peacefully. We assured her that we will take care of our two unmarried uncles.

I haven't got the chance to go back home yet... I dont know how it is to see the living room without the bed that my grandma used to sleep on. She has been on that bed shortly after my grandfather passed away in Nov 1997.

Life goes on.. I hope that she will have a blessed new life with lots of helpful people around her.

My grandmother

My grandmother has been in ill health recently. She was discharged a month ago after we realised that her feet were swollen. However, after the treatment, we felt that she got worst. Worst.. in the sense that she vomits easily. She doesn't like to talk as much and doesnt open her eyelids.

The 1st time I fed her was several weeks ago.. the feeling was intense. Tears well up because I realised that she wasnt the grandma I used to know. You will no longer hear her complain about the food or complain about our house maid. You will no longer see her chat on the phone because she could not place the receiver on her ears. She has been practically spending most of her time on bed. She did not even realised that its going to be Chinese New Year soon. She could not be bothered to order the clothes. All she said is, "I'm tired."

I cried again last evening when I fed her.. because this time, she could not raise up her head. Her explanation - no strength. I know its useless to cry but that was the way i released my sympathy for her. What I can do best now is to spend more time with her.

All along, I wished she could hold on till my wedding... but now... if she cant wait, I will not blame her. Actually it is very selfish of me to ask her to wait because she has to bear with the discomfort and tireness. She no longer asked me when is my wedding but it is ok to me because I will be contented enough if she can drink our (my hubby and my) cup of tea during the tea ceremony.

the final send off

It was raining on the last day of funeral. We gathered at the altar to chant for the last time. While chanting, we were asked to walk around the coffin. At this moment, i felt alittle sad. Sad that I will not be able to see this old lady the next time I visit the temple. We moved on to the Mandai Cremation and Columbarium. Its my 1st time in this place. The most overwhelming part was when we were at the viewing hall. The coffin auotmatically move towards the furnace. This process was a little disturbing. I could not bare to see it go into the furnace thus I bend down my head with my hands clasped together and just wish that my grandma will be well in the other land.