I have a dog. Its name is Blackie. Actually, when I five years old my dad brought home 2 dogs, a male and a female. They were named Rocky and something-I-don't-remember-cause-my-sister-named-it. Anyway, they were really cute and weren't of local breed I think but they are also equally noisy. Then one day my sister and I realized that it was really quiet and we couldn't find Rocky and the-other.

" Kung kung(Grandpa)! Rocky to lo bui?! Rocky to lo bui? (Where is Rocky?, in Hakka if I remember correctly)"

Then, my grandpa gave use a puzzled look and said maybe both of them had 'ran off' into the forest (there was a mini forest behind our house during those days). So, my sister and I waited, taking turns to check the backyard for any sign of our pets, but to our dismay Rocky and I-forgot-the-name ran away and lived happily ever after in the forrest.

(Actually when I come to think of it now, my parents had given them away. Sigh)

So, a few years passed and we had another dog which was called Blackie. It was a smart doggie.
Sometimes we think it could actually understand human emotion. uh sorry if u think its a bit exaggerated. Anyway, it died after 7-8 years and we felt really sad...So we went to our maid's house to find a replacement cause she had a lot of pups. And we found the blackest dog ever.

And so Blackie II was our new pet....

I'd still remember when I couldn't wait to go home from school to see Blackie II! (I know its a cliche in primary school essays but I really felt that way). Anyway, I would rush home and check the TV box if Blackie II was inside. Then, quickly made some milk and pour it into his bowl. But he wouldn't drink! I can still remember those 'dried tears' around his eyes and the way he would just stay in his box.

Then one day our house had a fire accident. The ground floor of our house was burnt badly and it could have been worse if Blackie II didn't bark like mad. The neighbours heard him and called for BOMBA. Anyway, we renovated and moved back in...

Blackie II was tied to a pillar ever since we moved in. We never really have a proper space for him. And we didn't want him straying outside the house or even on the compound cause he'll dirt it, so to the pillar it has to be. We neglected him...'land mines' were left for a few days at times before we clean it...pools of urine...un-bathed...sigh..How would he have thought that his heroics will be returned with such abuse. But last night...

...my sister messaged me and said "Blackie's gone...". Blackie II was really sick cause a stray dog came into our house and 'hanky-pankied' with him. Memories flooded my mind...I've never felt that bad before. The guilt, was so immense I didn't sleep well. How I wish I could have been home and bathed him and walked him and played with him before his time was up. I am just so sorry. Our family should be banned from keeping pets, we don't treat them well. I'm so sorry Blackie II if you can read this in heaven...and if there's Streamyx.

(What a coincidence that I have been writing bout William and Binky the other day. But the story had nothing to do with Blackie II...until today. Blackie will also play a part in the story)