Tribute To A Friend

Jordan

2000 - 2012

This morning, we said a gentle goodbye to a friend

A friend who shared 12 years of our lives

A friend who unselfishly taught us so many

Of life's precious lessons.

He taught us timidity is just another form of obedience

He taught us true love is unconditional

And wagged his tail each time he saw us

No matter what our mood.

He brought out the best in us -

Developed our patience

Grew our faith

Cultivated our hope

Stretched our imagination

Harvested our love

And increased our zest

For life!

He showed us the meaning of trust and

Did our bidding without question

Always believing

We had his well being in mind.

He taught us tenacity - never to give up without a fight

He taught us dignity - to go "quietly into the night"

He taught us God is in charge

Always.

This morning, we closed another chapter in our book

And look back with much love

And no regrets

At the 12 years we had together

A dog named Jordan

Closed his eyes

Breathed his last

And bade us farewell.

Dedicated to our lovely dog Jordan who went home to his Creator at 3.55 am on 26 February 2012.

We know he rests in peace.

Daily Miracles

I watch my dear 12-year old dog Jordan struggle to his feet with my help and I know I am witnessing a miracle.

Jordan is battling either a cancer or an auto-immune problem. We made the decision not to send him in for surgery because of his age. He has an enlarged spleen and liver and although we think he must be in some discomfort, we do not think he is in pain. Over the months, Dr. Ling the vet has put him on high dosage of steroids and an anti-biotic. These have helped him.

Last Tuesday, he developed an infection around his left shoulder and elbow. The whole area was an angry mess of red swellings and runny pus! A quick dash to the vet saw him being pricked, poked and dripped! During the whole procedure, he did not once show any aggression in spite of being in pain. He winced twice. All the time, he had his eyes on Woon Yi who was beside him. His eyes were alert and although had hints of being tired, they glowed with trust.

We took him home attached to a drip and watched over him for the next 2 days. He was too weak to stand for long and was not able to get to his feet or turn on his own. So, we helped him. We found ways to assist him to pee and poo without falling, and kept his dignity in tact.

He never lost interest in his food and ate with gusto. He endured the twice-a-day cleaning of his wounds with much stoicism. The drip came off and he resumed his daily life free from being attached to it. So albeit his wobbliness and occasional trips and falls, he is able to enjoy his short walks in the garden and a rather long trot to the kitchen, his favourite place!

I have learnt so many valuable lessons from watching this lovable creature of God's creation. I learnt acceptance and gratitude; patience and long suffering; love and faithfulness; gentleness and dignity; and faith and trust. When I caught him looking at Woon Yi at the clinic, it got me thinking about how and when we look at God. Do we look at Him with such trust?

So each day that Jordan walks on his wobbly feet, is a miracle: An extra day for us to enjoy each other.

We thank God for him.