“Loyal, Brave and True”
In Memoriam
Warrior Bobby Yeo
Golden Retriever
05.04.2012 – 21.11.2022
At the obscure farm at the edge of Singapore where we first met, fate had brought us together on 7 July 2013
I wanted a puppy to accompany Sponge and you were honestly not my first choice
I spotted you in the group of Goldens eager for my eye, but you were just there, laying in the corner of the pen, waiting for sun to shine
Colour wise, you were out of the ordinary, cream-coloured with black hair sprouting out of your left front elbow
I remembered cutting them off so many times in spite, as I thought you were not like any Golden Retriever I liked
However, they still persistently grow back so many times, despite my heartened tries
Temperament wise, you were fully grown, rowdy and out-of-place, always looking to pick a fight
Somehow, Bro talked me into taking you into our lives, you were to be given free to our family, they said
Hearing that made you light up with joy, making your squinty, small eyes dilate and become so starry-eyed
They did not know that you were so smart as you knew that you got a pass from that destitute place
No need to share food and toys. No need to lie on that cold, hard, wet floor anymore
Our ride home together in Mum’s car, we took a few photos, you and me, side-by-side my arms over I held you tight
That night, on a mattress we laid down and slept together in the living hall, you and me, hand-and-paw
Resting your head on me whenever you could, stepping your paw on my feet, many labelled you lazy
But I knew this was just your personality, not a behaviour issue, I exclaimed
You wanted to fight with Sponge on your first night, Bro said to me next day noon, send him back tonight
I said no way, give him a chance, alright? Never would I leave you behind. You were now my dog, my confidant and I your support
And so our adventure thus begun
I made an unbreakable promise to you that day, to protect and love you with all my might
To give you a warm loving home filled with the limited things I had in life
Walking with you to experience new adventures, some fights with other dogs better forgotten cause they were disasters I sigh
You made many holes in many dogs and I bowed my head to others too many times to atone for your crimes
I honestly didn’t mind as you were mine
Some cats we chased under cars better remembered as we giggled and laughed about them all night
Caring for you was a team effort, you were our family, every day and every time.
Grandma and Mum bought you food for your sensitive stomach, fed you and wiped your face clean when it was full of bak sai,
Forgive them for scolding you to get off the sofa when you are wet like the chicken drumstick you liked
Bro came to walk you daily, rain or shine, even when he moved away with young children to care for, he didn’t mind
Cutie helped groomed you, shaved you, trim your paw pads and kept your nails short and neat slowly, for years so long time, she was the one who found your lumps everytime
I did ear cleaning and tooth brushing weekly, you were ok with them as long as I remembered to try
Bathing you every week, then every fortnight. Water, shampoos and mud spas to clean and ease your itchy skin I applied
When I had time, we did training at home and the park behind. Sit, spin, stay, you were so brilliant and got them all right on your first try
Smiling widely for the Pawrus camera, you were game every time. We captured all these memories, clicks and shutters rolling all the time
Refusing to wake for breakfast, going up on my bed to nap, or to snuggle at night, it was as if you were a pig inside
Sometimes, you were so inconsiderate, snoring so loud after a fun day outside, I got evidence on my voice messages online
You were so carefree in your life, if only I could be as similar as you in your daily lives
Before I knew it, almost a decade flew by, adventures had, memories made, love shared
Time truly stopped with you in my life, unforgettable happy times which provided release for the troubles I faced
You had reactivity issues which I tried to fix, not knowing that this blew the winds that guided my current path
You made me a dog trainer, then a behaviourist. This life mission you gave me, I thank you for the teachings given
I too never gave up on you, even when my mentors said that you were not worth the time, thankfully they did not decide
But now you have gone to hide in the darkness that you like, and left me behind, afraid of the long cold scary night
I trembled for the first time in my adult life as I cried. I knew a piece of me had died, with you it went to the sky that day
I am sorry that I couldn’t protect you from the perils of time, please forgive me, I really really really tried
I wanted so hard for you to survive, I even abandoned my faith for any slim chance that circumstances might change
You fought so hard like I know you would yet God, science, and even all the money in the world could not keep you alive
You are no longer here with me, no more cancer, disease, pain, suffering, laughter, joy or play
Not a moment in my life goes by, that I don’t think and miss you inside
Your mortal body casted aside, know that you are always alive in my heart and on my mind
Highlight of my day, I hate that I am forced to adjust to the reality without you in the coming days and nights
This is but a temporary goodbye, you must wait until my life ceases all light, promise you will see me soon, in the blink of an eye
For now, run free with Max and play all day, borrow a ball from him, he’s the same type of goon as you too
And please don’t worry about Sponge, he will be ok
Finally, on the Rainbow Bridge someday, a ball will suddenly come flying your way
If you see it, it means that I am here, ready to keep the promise I made
Sniff, look around and try to spot me. When you do, race quickly to my arms open and unite as I grip you tight
Once again, you will hear the familiar voice that echoes, “rest well, sweet dreams my Bobby, don’t let the bed bugs bite bite”
For together then we must be, only this time, nothing can ever tear us apart again, for all of eternity
You know you’re the right timeAt the right momentYou’re the sunlightKeeps my heart goingIt’s you, you, you, yeah
See you soon, my doggy brother
Love You Popi Warrior,
The imperfect human brother that you didn’t choose, Kevin Yeo
05.12.2022
