A Heartfelt Farewell: The Loss of a Beloved Dog

My dearest, most beloved Aobao, Aoaobao, Aao, Tingting, Dingding, Aoting... There were so many nicknames, but in the end, you are my most cherished little dog in the whole world—Austin.

Austin, today, you are nine years and nine months old. You have been with our family for ten and a half years, and today is the 7th day you are no longer with me.

Since July 1st, I've been by your side almost 24 hours a day, enduring the doctor's prognosis—that you only had less than a week left. Yet, you, with your unyielding spirit, held on for eight days. Watching you grow weaker and sicker each day broke my heart. I felt helpless and on the verge of collapse, but all I could do was take care of you the best I could. I didn't care what anyone else said; I just wanted to do what I felt was right. You stayed with me for ten and a half years; taking care of you during these last nine days was nothing in comparison—it was all worth it.

That clingy little dog who always wanted to stick close to me;

That companion who would go with me on long trips, even to the airport;

That mischievous little rascal who would sneak up onto my pillow at night and fall asleep next to me;

That little soldier who would wait for my command before getting up or going to bed;

That mixed-breed dog who was always so fierce in protecting me;

That curious little dog who would peek around the door to check on things whenever he heard a noise;

That playful little dog who would always end up being tricked in our games...

All of that is gone. My little dog is gone.

I bid you a heavy farewell, painfully sending you off in cremation, falling apart as I lay you to rest. This time, I truly have to say goodbye. But you know, I've whispered in your ear countless times that I will wait for you, wait for you to come back to find me, in whatever form you may.

Mom chose a little urn for you, shaped like a cozy house, with bright windows and a cute roof. Mom hopes that even in heaven, you can have a warm and loving home, just like our home.

Today is the seventh day since you left, and Mom burned a lot of heaven money for you. There were your favorite meats and canned food, snacks to satisfy your cravings, and everyday appliances like an air conditioner and a water dispenser. I included toothpaste and shower gel for your daily care, and some bone money and gold ingots for anything you might need... Mom hopes that you can eat well and drink well in heaven and be a happy, joyful little dog. The wind was strong today, so the fire should have carried everything to you quickly.

But, of course, what Mom hopes for most is that you can come home soon. When you get tired of playing in heaven, please find your way back home. Don’t forget the way home, my dear. I believe that you must come back to find me, and I will wait, always and forever.

Mom had a ring made with your memory, so no matter where I go, you will always be by my side, and I will always be with you.

Alright, Austin, my dearest little dog. There's no one like you. Goodbye, now you can finally be that carefree, healthy, mischievous little dog again. Goodbye, my most beloved dog in the world, and I, the person who loves you most in this world.

From now on, we will look out for each other.