A loving tribute in memory of a great friend, Rusky

The Wai Family lost their dearest Rusky about two weeks ago.  Rusky came into the Wai family home 13 years ago, brought so much joy and happiness to every family member and departed peacefully at a ripe old age.    

Wai Kar Men writes, in loving tribute to their great friend, Rusky, an epitome of unconditional loyalty and love:

“Rusky came into our lives on October 13 1998. He was a wee pup, several weeks or maybe a month or two old, who followed my dad and brother, Kar Ven into the house after an outing for supper. We were thoroughlly thrilled when we found out that we could keep him as we have been begging for a dog for ages. Kar Leng, age 9, was so excited that night, she kept sneaking to the kitchen where he was kept to feed him, and finally stopped when he vomited. Perhaps it was an inkling then that we should have realised how much Rusky enjoyed food and would never say no to a treat.

As we watched each other grow up, Rusky was a great companioto us kids. He would happily wait for us to come back from school and would not leave my brother, Kar Ven’s side when he came home. His only dislikes were thunder and the odd other dog.

Despite his obvious affection for my brother, whenever us kids got into arguments, he would ‘defend’ Kar Leng who was the youngest against me (the second oldest) and finally Kar Ven. He would come in between us and look to the older kid and bark away until we de-escalated the argument. He was so smart and wise in other ways too. We never had to toilet train him. He would either wait until we came home for his toileting needs and once when he had diarrhoea, he went to our bathroom by himself to do his business and looked very ashamed for not holding it in.

When we left home for university, Rusky took to the task of accompanying our parents. He kept my dad company at night when dad watched the television and constantly reminded my dad that he was there. He barked and hassled my dad until my dad caved in and gave him some treats! My mom, who used to be scared of furry animals, had Rusky by her side whenever she worked late nights. Her experience with Rusky spurred her to overcome her fear and later help other stray dogs whenever she could.

In 2006, another stray dog came into our lives. Buster was shivering under our car and would not respond to any other stranger until we came and he happily followed us. It came during a time when we were considering a companion for Rusky. He was quite angry about the whole situation and would not respond to us. However, after much reassurance and food bribes, Rusky finally relented and accepted Buster. He even showed it in a similar manner in which he loved us. During a vet check after Buster’s arrival, Buster was extremely scared (we have always suspected his initial life had traumatised him- he had a collar that was choking him when he came and would cower at the sight of a raised hand -even though it was for a wave). Rusky then came between him and the vet and started barking at the vet to keep her away from Buster.

He was such a loyal and wonderful family member. We miss him immensely and if I had the chance to see him again, I would ask for his forgiveness for not being there when he needed us most. We knew he tried waiting for us. During his final hours, as he could not even lift his head up, my dad put my brother (who was rushing back from the UK to see him) on the phone As Rusky heard my brother’s voice, his tail wagged for a minute or two and his condition rapidly deteriorated after that. His passing came swiftly as his illness did. Mum and dad as well as our househelper were there with Rusky during his final moments (mum specifically did not leave his side for the last 48 hours). We sent Rusky off with flowers and his tidbits and a letter from all of us.

My father once told us that it is a sign of luck for a Chinese family when a dog decides to enter and stay in their house. Several nights ago, he told another person that Rusky coming into our house gave us 13 years of love. Deep down, we all know that it did not and will not stop at 13 years, Rusky has given us a lifetime of love and happy memories. We hope that everyone out there will be lucky enough to experience this bond with a pet.

Rusky, your pawprints are in our hearts forever. We love you so much and will always do. And when the time comes, we know that you will be walking side by side with our family and Buster again, barking at dad for treats and loving us endlessly once more.”