Kyla’s Wisdom: A Heart’s Journey Through Love, Loss, and Life’s Simple Truths

On October 2nd, 2024 at 1:18 AM, our hearts shattered as my wife and I said our last goodbyes to our beloved Kyla - a 10-year-old Singapore Special - and though she had only been part of our lives for exactly two short years, the impact she made was no less than profound. Kyla’s gentle, soulful presence taught us more about love, life, and the fleeting nature of time than I could have imagined.

Kyla wasn’t just another dog; she was our teacher, our companion, and our reminder of what truly matters in life. Her kind demeanor, curious spirit, and quiet resilience left an imprint on Foo Yee Woon and myself, one that no doubt will last a lifetime.

Lesson 1: The Power of Unconditional Love We all know that to feel truly loved is a gift. Kyla’s love was pure and boundless, making every moment spent with her feel meaningful. Her never ending excitement to go on walks, her quiet loyalty, and her gentle smile - yes, she smiled from time to time showing the edge of her K9 tooth - brought an immense sense of peace. She reminded me that love doesn’t have to be loud or extravagant - it can exist in quiet companionship, a shared moment, or even in the way she came greeting me after she would come back from her morning walks.

Lesson 2: Finding Joy in the Simple Things Kyla knew how to find happiness in life’s smallest moments. From sunbathing on the balcony to curling up on a carpet, her joy was infectious. It wasn’t the grand gestures, but the small, seemingly insignificant moments that mattered most. Life with her reminded me that happiness can be found in the everyday - like the simple act of being present with those you love.

Lesson 3: Time is Fleeting - Cherish Every Moment The most profound lesson Kyla taught us is that life is short, and even more so for our four-legged companions. Her time with us was a reminder to make every day count. Her departure brought the realization that life is unexpected, fragile, and precious. The last two years flew by, but in that time, Kyla made every moment worthwhile, from her mischievous nudges to Momo the cat ("Play with me, play with me"), to her stubborn insistence on taking the longest routes possible on her walks.

Lesson 4: Love Transcends Expectations I initially wanted a fluffy, pure-breed dog, but it was Kyla - a mongrel with a heart of gold - who captured mine. It’s not about appearances or pedigree, but the soul that touches yours. Kyla’s spirit and character moved me deeply, proving that the love we give and receive may often comes in the most unexpected forms.

Lesson 5: Compassion is the Hardest and Greatest Gift When we were faced with the decision to let Kyla go, it was, by far, the hardest choice we’ve ever made. Euthanasia, though the kindest act for her suffering, still feels like an unbearable weight. It taught me that love sometimes means making the most difficult decisions for those we care about, even when it breaks us to pieces.

Lesson 6: Embrace Playfulness, No Matter the Circumstance Kyla had a way of making us laugh, even in her quietest moments. Whether it was her goofy expressions, her flapping ears, or simply again via her playful nudges to Momo, she never lost her spark. She taught us that even in the face of adversity, there is always room for joy and laughter.

Lesson 7: Life’s Luxury is Found in Connection True luxury isn’t in material things but in moments - laughter, companionship, the rain on your face. As Clint Eastwood wisely said, "Luxury is being loved by people, being respected, having your parents alive, and being able to play with your grandchildren." Kyla embodied this truth, and through her, I learned to value these priceless connections above all else.

Lesson 8: Live Fully, Love Freely Kyla lived with a quiet strength, never needing to assert dominance or bark excessively. Her gentle nature showed me that sometimes, the greatest strength lies in gentleness. Her love was pure, without expectation, and I now strive to live with that same openness, embracing life with as much heart as she did.

Lesson 9: Patience is a Form of Love Kyla taught us the value of patience, whether it was waiting for her to adjust to new surroundings or understanding her unique needs and quirks. In every slow walk or deliberate sniff, there was a reminder that patience is a way of showing love. We often rush through life, but Kyla taught us that sometimes, slowing down and allowing time to unfold naturally is the most compassionate act.

Lesson 10: Acceptance of Imperfection In adopting Kyla, a stray with no pedigree or perfect coat, we learned that beauty lies not in outward perfection but in the essence of character. She reminded us that life doesn’t always fit the image we imagine, and that there is immense value in embracing the imperfect, whether in our pets, in our relationships, or in ourselves. Kyla’s imperfect grace was, in fact, her greatest beauty.

Lesson 11: The Silent Power of Presence Kyla never needed to speak to make her presence felt. Her quiet companionship - whether she was curled up beside us or simply following us from room to room - was a profound reminder of the power of just being there. We learned that presence is sometimes more powerful than words or actions, and that just showing up for the ones we love can bring comfort and strength in the simplest way possible.

As I reflect on Kyla’s life and all she taught us, I know that adopting her was one of THE most beautiful experiences of my life. While we contemplate adopting a new pet, I realize that nothing can ever replace my Kyla - and that the love and lessons she gave us will live on.

As Yee Woon and I battled the first few days after her premature departure, I found myself reminded of the beautiful words of W. H. Auden in his poem "Funeral Blues":

“Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,

Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,

Silence the pianos and with a muffled drum

Bring out the coffin, let the mourners comes.

Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead

Scribbling on the sky the message She Is Dead,

Put crepe bows around the white necks of the public doves,

Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.

She was my North, my South, my East and West,

My working week and my Sunday rest,

My moon, my midnight, my talk, my song;

I thought that love would last for ever: I was wrong.

The stars are not wanted now; put out every one,

Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun,

Pour away the ocean and sweep up up the wood;

For nothing now can ever come to any good.”

Kyla, you were indeed our North, our South, our East and West, and we will forever be grateful for your love. Until we meet again, our sweet girl.