A Tribute to Balu

It is with a heavy heart that I have to tell you about the passing of my dear friend, Balu. 
I knew Balu when I was living in China. That was 3 years ago when Balu was still a puppy. We would often hang out together and we shared many common interests. For instance, we both loved the same toy, we enjoyed our retrieving games and we also fell in love with the same girl, Kira.
My friendship with Balu came to an abrupt halt when I had to relocate to the Netherlands. But I’ve never forgotten about him. Occasionally, I would send him a Christmas card or get my Missus to drop him an email or two.
He was doing well until around eight months ago. Then, Balu was diagnosed with cancer. His humans were devastated, especially his human dad. They tried many vets and medicines to control the dreadful disease or to make it go away. Unfortunately, none of them were effective. His health deteriorated and his quality of life was no longer there. In other words, he was suffering. Ultimately, his humans had to make the heartbreaking decision to let him go.
Balu was only four.
In Loving Memory of

BALU
11 September 2006 – 17 April 2010


Rainbow Bridge
There is a bridge connecting heaven and earth. It is call the rainbow bridge because of its many colours.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown

Run free Balu. We are going to miss you.
Love,
Homer

Where's Lilly?

My weekend was fantastic. I had a pleasant surprise. Can you remember my little friend Lilly whom I got to know when I was living in China? If you don't, check out here, here, here, here, here and here.

My friend Lilly.


Lilly's human mum is from China and her human dad is Italian. They are here in Italy for a short visit to see Lilly' human grandma. So, my humans and I drove to Livorno to meet up with them. Man, I was excited. I couldn't wait to see Lilly, that little monster. I mean, how often do you get to see a familiar face in a foregin land?

Anyway, we saw Lilly's humans. Greetings were exchanged but there was no sign of Lilly. She didn't come. 'Sob'. It was too far for her to travel all the way from China to Italy. I was disappointed but I still enjoyed my time with Lilly's humans.


This is me with Lilly's humans.


Bye Luca and Giada. Thanks for the wonderful evening. I hope to see you soon, with Lilly too!

Ciao!