Qoinky, several days before her death due to post-surgery complications

In loving memory of our MIMI 'QOINK' MAE who we love so much. MIMI 'QOINK' MAE will be greatly missed and be in our hearts forever. Dear Qoinky, IF TEARS COULD BUILD A STAIRWAY AND MEMORIES A LANE I'D WALK RIGHT UP TO HEAVEN AND BRING YOU HOME AGAIN

Mimi 'Qoink' Mae, or Qoinky as I liked calling her, came into my life during a very dark period when I desperately needed a friend. Not only did she comfort me with her presence but made me aware of her unconditional love. Qoinky was very special as she was very introverted and would only 'be friends' with those who were close to me. However, she was a genteel and good natured dog who would never cause anyone any harm. She was also kind in the sense that when a pregnant stray came to my house one day, she readily shared her food with it. I took the dog in and when she had puppies, Qoinky looked out for them as well. I know that I will never ever be able to find a dog like my Qoinky. I will always love and miss her.

Qoinky was my not merely a canine companion. She was my child, my baby. She came into my life by accident at a time I truly needed a friend and unconditional love. She made me aware that I was her hero by her endearing ways and the love she showed me through little gestures like cuddling up to me real close in bed every night. She was a vain girl, liked glittery collars with lots of bells, and had this unique way of giving herself a good shake now and then to get her bells ring. When I was told she had mammary gland cancer in April 2007, I vowed to fight for her life with all my might. Qoinky fought hard too and was ok even after three surgeries. Unfortunately, she also developed a very rare form of malignant soft bone tumour which finally took a toll on her. I felt as if a dagger had been plungged deep into my heart the day she died. I will never forget her and if there's truly a heaven, I know that my beloved Qoinky and I will be reunited again.

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill, Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still. Where the friends of man and woman do run, When their time on earth is over and done. For here, between this world and the next, Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest. On this golden land, they wait and they play, Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day. No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness, For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness. Their limbs are restored, their health renewed, Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued. They romp through the grass, without even a care, Until one day they start, and sniff at the air. All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back, Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack. For just at that instant, their eyes have met; Together again, both person and pet. So they run to each other, these friends from long past, The time of their parting is over at last. The sadness they felt while they were apart, Has turned into joy once more in each heart. They embrace with a love that will last forever, And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together. © 1998 Steve and Diane Bodofsky

Photo teken the evening before her surgery and ultimate demise

Qoinky was a fighter who bounced back as good as new everytime after surgery. She had had one surgery in April and two surgeries in May this year to remove mammary gland tumours. Unfortunately, she also suffered a rare form of very malignant tumour of the soft bone just below her rib cage. The first three surgeries were carried out in private clinics and eventhough the vets were experienced, private practitioners worked with limited facilities. And hence when lumps appeared again, I took her to a veterinary hospital. That was one and a half months before the surgery was done. The bureaucracy and red tape, which is a common thing in Malaysia, was one of the factors why we had to wait that long. Finally by the time of the surgery, the tumours had grown several times the size they were when I had first taken her there. The first consultant who had seen her had also not referred her to the srgeon immediately and I fail to understand why. By the time of the surgery, I believed that my baby was undergoing a lot of pain as she became cranky. This was very unusual as my Qoinky was a very good natured dog. She was also bitting herself and refused to eat. i had to force feed her daily.At the moment, all I can say is that I, had I been living in the US or even the UK and Australia, my Qoinky would not have had to undergo so many surgeries and her case would have been given priority. Malaysia is a cursed country for dogs as they are regarded as defiling. I only wish we had better health services for pets here.

I was not able to be with my Qoinky during her final hours as she was under Intensive Care and the vets told me that my presence did not allow her to relax. I hade gone in when she was begining to regain consciousness and when I called her name she tried to carrry her head and look around for me. I stroked her and told her that she was a very good girl.I waited outside the ward until about 9.00 pm, went in stroked her head and went home for a bit. i would have been there at 8.00 in the morning but she died at 12.10am. I wished I had been beside her. I had waited outside in the dark among the mosquitoes and barged in to see her a couple of times. (Visiting the wards are restricted at the hospital). I should have remained there and barged into the ward from time to time. At least i would have been able to hold her while she had breathed her last. She was loyal to me but I betrayed her during the final hours of her life. This will haunt me till the very end of my own life. I am so sorry Qoinky I did not deserve your love and loyalty.

Qoinky's Final Resting Place

Hello. I've been expecting you for quite some time. Here, come sit beside us for awhile . and let me tell you about this old friend of mine. She might look tattered or maybe old But I won't say goodbye until you've been told. She had the brightest eyes I had ever seen, And wore a beautiful fur coat that would out shine a queen . She was never prissy but walked with an aire ...... And oh so polite, you could take her most anywhere. She could run like the wind and could catch anything she chased But she protected and sat with me when I had problems to face. You could not find a friend nearly so dear. Because no matter the trouble she always stayed near... She has never asked for much from me; Just to love and respect her and I think you'll agree . To give her a good meal plus a nice warm bed is not much to ask ; When she has given me all her love and to her this was no task. Now I understand you have a schedule to keep. But I have a small favor before she nods off to sleep. Please fold your wings around her and let her feel young while in no pain ; Dear Guardian Angel of Pets , please keep her safe and happy until I see her again. Ginger Patton

Qoinky's grave strewn with jasmine and adorned with a single stem of red rose and an oil lamp

I ONLY WANTED YOU They say memories are golden well maybe that is true. I never wanted memories, I only wanted you. A million times I needed you, a million times I cried. If love alone could have saved you you never would have died. In life I loved you dearly, In death I love you still. In my heart you hold a place no one could ever fill. If tears could build a stairway and heartache make a lane, I'd walk the path to heaven and bring you back again. Author unknown

MY FOREVER PET There's something missing in my home, I feel it day and night, I know it will take time and strength before things feel quite right. But just for now, I need to mourn, My heart -- it needs to mend. Though some may say, "It's just a pet," I know I've lost a friend. You've brought such laughter to my home, and richness to my days. A constant friend through joy or loss with gentle, loving ways. Companion, friend, and confidante, A friend I won't forget. You'll live forever in my heart, My sweet, forever pet. -- Susanne Taylor

FAREWELL MY PRINCESS.

MY QOINKY'S MEMORIAL CORNER AT HOME. The 3rd pic is that of Qoinky's mum Miss Grace 'Gracie' Gray.

QOINKY'S FFAVOURITE COLLAR AND LEASH DRAPPED WITH A STRING OF JASMINE.