Monkey

Monkey still has not returned home.

My mom speaks of him as though he has passed on, happy in doggie heaven. I would like to think of it the same way too, for Monkey is always happy and we would like to preserve that memory. It is sad to know that he disappeared on the 31st Dec, just a day short of the New Year. Perhaps he knew his time was up, and another day would not make a difference...

Monkey came from a pet store, and arrived back in the factory in a paper box with another dog we named Speed. They probably cost $40 each, and were mongrels. These two were replacements for Jakie and Blackie, our first pair of dogs. They were guard dogs at the factory, and I must say that though small, Speed and Monkey made quite a scare. Sadly Speed was attacked by a dog when he ran out one time, and died there and then. Monkey was real upset at the loss of his big brother. He almost stopped eating them. My parents then decided to get another two dogs to guard the factory, and the company helped Monkey recover. Soon after we bought the house, and Monkey came home.

My fondest memories was off how Monkey would run to greet us whenever we went back on vacations every year, running around in circles. In the later years, his leg was not so good but you could tell he is excited by that glint in his eyes. The entire garden was his playground, and he hardly stepped into the house. His favorite spot was under the Christmas tree, where he digs for himself a nice comfy spot. He had a cage at the back of the garden, but was hardly there unless he misbehaved (barking unceasingly in the night).

I never quite figured out his favorite food, for my mom feeds him so much that he is hardly hungry. Perhaps it is peanuts, I remember how he would want to come into the house when we were roasting peanuts. Yes, a dog named Monkey who loves peanuts - ain't that so cute!

Monkey was afraid of fireworks, and so my parents were let him stay in the house whenever the neighbours were setting them off during festive seasons. One thing is for sure, Monkey loves bath time. It could be because his black coat traps more heat and hence he loves a shower to cool down. My mom would always water the plants at night, and Monkey follows her around, waiting for a quick shower.

He is upset when we were going back to Singapore, or when he saw my parents with luggage. Monkey would sit around and not open his mouth. He usually has a cheerful smile, but in times like that he looked forlorn of all hope. It always breaks my heart to see him like that.

Monkey always loves car rides, and for a certain period of time instead of going for a walk he would go for a car ride when my mom drives out to throw the trash. However, in the past two years or so, Monkey could no longer jump up into the car seat, and he returned to walks.

Unlike most dogs in Singapore or the US, Monkey never had a dog toy in his life. He never wanted one. He had never been to obedience school, and the two trick he knows was "up" and the handshake. He sired several pups including DK and Cola, all of which died sooner than him. Monkey also loved kittens, I think he loved acting as a surrogate just like how it was after Speed died. Still remember his good friend Donkey? :)

Monkey is the first dog our family had so much interaction with. It is still hard to write this without tearing up, and this may not change. Writing this is part of some closure for myself. Fond memories of him live on. If anything, all I want to say is Monkey we love you.