Txn in his prime.
(Feb 2): Life is not always filled with happiness and success. Disappointments and sorrows are inevitable, but it is essential to face them with resilience, ensuring they do not overwhelm us. More importantly, we must learn from the experiences that lead to setbacks, equipping ourselves to handle similar situations better in the future. Sometimes, acceptance is the only path forward.
In 2024, I faced a few disappointments, though none were devastating. A painful one was the loss of my family dog, Txn, a mongrel who became part of our lives in 2018. His name was inspired by a political turning point in the country at the time.
Despite his unknown pedigree, Txn grew into an intelligent and loyal companion. His habits were unique; he refused to relieve himself within our compound, instead barking to be let out and again to be let back in through the gate. He possessed an uncanny ability to distinguish between potential intruders and regular visitors, calmly observing familiar faces like the refuse collectors and newspaper deliveryman but barking fiercely at strangers he deemed suspicious. At night, he would patrol the compound before settling near the gate, ever watchful.
Then came a difficult period in late May 2024, when Txn became unusually listless. Though he had experienced similar episodes before and recovered, this time was different. My nephew, Aaron, who cared for him, did not take him to the vet, believing he would bounce back as always. He continued to receive his weekly baths and deworming pills, but his condition deteriorated.
On 12 June 2024, Txn followed his usual routine, barking to be let out of the gate. But this time, he never returned. Our butler, Louie, found him lifeless under a tree nearby. We suspected an internal injury from a fight with several neighbourhood dogs earlier. Even in his final moments, Txn seemed to spare us the pain of witnessing his passing; just as he had always done when attending to nature’s call. We laid him to rest in the compound he had faithfully guarded for years.
I remember growing up in Ranau as a boy when my family adopted a mongrel that turned out to be remarkably intelligent. Every day, Blackie would accompany my elder brother, Michael, who was seven years old then, to school on foot, as St Benedict’s School was walking distance from our home. He would patiently wait for my brother until school was over and then walk him back home.
One night, my family attended a party at a neighbour’s house. As customary, we left our footwear outside the door. However, when it was time to leave, we failed to find them anywhere and had to walk home barefoot. To our astonishment, when we arrived home, we found all our footwear neatly arranged outside our door. It was Blackie’s doing.
Tragically, one day, while returning home with my brother, Blackie was distracted and became separated from him momentarily. A town-employed shooter, who assumed that collarless Blackie was a stray, shot him dead.
There is much we humans can learn from animals, especially dogs. Of course, some people avoid dogs for cultural, religious, or health reasons, which is understandable. Nevertheless, the lives of Txn and Blackie reaffirmed what many already know; dogs are humanity’s best friends. It is no surprise, then, that compassionate individuals are outraged by the indiscriminate killing of strays, including a dog named Kopi.
Dogs teach us profound life lessons through their actions, attitudes, and unconditional love. They live fully in the present, finding joy in simple pleasures like walks, treats, and companionship. Their ability to love without judgment reminds us to approach relationships with kindness and acceptance. Their wagging tails and happy barks express gratitude, encouraging us to appreciate even the smallest blessings.
Resilience is another lesson they teach. Dogs quickly recover from setbacks with optimism, inspiring us to move forward despite life’s difficulties. Their unwavering loyalty reminds us of the importance of being a steadfast presence for those we care about. With boundless curiosity, they explore the world, urging us to stay open to new experiences. Their playful nature shows us the value of balancing work with joy, while their ability to forgive so easily highlights the freedom that comes with letting go of grudges.
Dogs instinctively know when to rest and recharge, reminding us to prioritise self-care. Above all, their deep desire for connection underscores the importance of meaningful relationships. If dogs can live with such generosity of spirit, why not we?
Txn’s life and passing have deepened my appreciation for those who dedicate themselves to animal welfare, particularly the efforts of organisations like the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Sabah. SPCA rescues and shelters abused and stray animals, facilitates adoptions, educates the public on responsible pet ownership, and runs spaying and neutering programmes to control stray populations. It also advocates for stronger animal protection laws to prevent cruelty and improve enforcement.
One individual who stands out to me is Ayung Jpyro on Facebook. He is actively involved in caring for strays, particularly dogs and cats, providing them with food, water, and medical attention. I have followed his posts passionately and deeply admire his selfless efforts. He, organisations like SPCA, and many other unsung heroes deserve our support, if not financially, then at least in spirit.
Txn’s passing serves as a poignant reminder that loss, though painful, can also be a source of wisdom. Just as setbacks in life teach us resilience and growth, the presence of dogs, especially those like Txn and Blackie, demonstrates the virtues of loyalty, kindness, and living in the moment. In remembering them, I am reminded that even in sorrow, there are lessons to be learned, and even in loss, there is love that endures. Life will always present challenges, but like our faithful canine companions, we must learn to face them with grace, courage, and an open heart.
