It Is Only A GoodBye To Yesterday

"Thank You" to all my friends, you really make me feel that we are bonded, for calling or sms-ing and asking about Ruby.

Geez, what was I thinking!  Guess, I just have to make it sounds right now.

Hehe, my entry, "You're Not Just A Memory" was just a reminiscence of the good old days at Hertford.  It was about the weekly walk where we took Ruby out.  It had always been a wonderful activity where, together with her, we spent quality time talking about anything and everything.  It brought us closer.  It gave us the meaning of love.  At the same time, it was about acquainted ourselves with the neighbourhood.

Those pictures are Ruby's story.  She enjoys her weekly outing.  Oh, you may ask 'why only once a week?'  Healthy she may look, she has a genetic 'Heart Mitral Valve (MVD)' disease.  Basically, it is a terminal illness which afflicts many Cavalier King Charles spaniel where the mitral valve no longer fully closes after each pumping action.  It results in her heart murmuring -  a louder murmur [scale of 1 - lowest, to 5 - highest] indicates a serious progression of the disease.  Ruby has been screened at scale 3.

We are also trying to minimise Hip Dysplasia, an abnormal development of the hip which can produce various degrees of arthritis.  Ruby loves to run and it will not do justice if she is not given that opportunity whenever she is outside the house.  To lessen our conscience, and as she is growing older, we choose to walk her weekly.

Such diseases can be avoided if only breeders are more responsible.  Then again, this is another story.  With her rather-not-so-good health, Ruby is on a daily long term medication to treat the murmur.  Or, at least to stabilise the murmur.  Everyday, she has to be fed with two different MVD medications.  Aggravated with MVD, she had a bout of other health problems.  Her vet suspected of a failing kidney and, unfortunate to her, she has to be given with another daily long term medication to treat and vitalise the organ.

You're Not Just A Memory is a dedication to Hertford.  I just wanted to write it from Ruby's perspective.  She was comfortable there.  Just as much memories to us, Hertford was the rainbow that brought the connection of our existence.  Of life lesson.  Of unconditional love.  Of acceptance.  Of the acts of caring and loving.  Of responsibilities.

She is alright, just a little older and not so much active now.  Hehe, and still greedy and enjoying her durian everyday.  And still wanting to be near human all the time!