Yesterday, I got the news that no one ever wants to hear. One of our very loved family members, pups, passed away, Wilson.
She died after being bitten by a black king cobra that was also found dead in our garden at home in Bali.
As the oldest of our four, I know in my heart that she sacrificed herself to protect her siblings, our home, and our friend who's watching them.
One of the hardest things is that I'm on holiday and not home. My mind has been running in circles thinking, was she in pain, did she suffer, or if we were home, could we have protected her? Part of me also feels like it's just a bad dream, and I'm just waiting to wake up.
Truthfully, I know deep down that nothing could have changed the outcome of the circumstances. But that doesn't take away the pain and deep sorrow I feel as I love and cherish my pups as if they are my children since we don't have any of those yet.
In between crying my eyes out, I decided to take time to write, as writing has always been an outlet for my emotions. I wanted to honor Wilson's memory for the unconditionally loving dog that she was.
Wilson was the boss, the pack leader, and the queen of the house. Edward called her Wilson because she loved playing with a tennis ball when she was a puppy. As she got older, she lost interest and became a beautiful, voluptuous, full-figured, proper lady.
She was always the first one up at 5 a.m., making sounds to tell us it was time for breakfast. She loved eating and would lick clean the other dogs' bowls to ensure she got every drop.
She was aloof and enjoyed personal space, but she always enjoyed her nightly big belly rubs. She had the most gentle temperament, soft, smelly kisses, probably from eating something she wasn't supposed to on the gang.
Wilson had beautiful, deep, soul-caring eyes with the softest black fur coat in which she hated being brushed. Forget about baths, as she was absolutely terrified of water. She would even drink from her water bowl in a giraffe stance that was far away.
She was among the first to greet you with excitement and love when you came home. Even if you were only out for five minutes, she would act as if you had been gone for years. She was such a good girl, and we loved her enormously.
Besides the amount of gratitude I have for Wilson coming into my life, I'm so thankful to those who could be there with her: our staff and friends, who had a small farewell ceremony before she was picked up to be cremated and our family and friends for the love and support.
Not even being in the Maldives can't fix the despairing, saddened emotions and broken hearts. I know once we get home, it's going to be a very surreal feeling, and the mourning process of our beloved family member will recommence.
We will have a proper Balinese ceremony to celebrate her life and all of the joy and love that she gave us. For now, I know she is with us in spirit. We love you so much, Wilson, and you are and will be forever greatly missed.
