FOR a decade, my life was anchored by a three-coloured companion who was far more than just a pet; she was the sister who understood me when I could not understand myself.
Growing up together from the time I was nine, she became my sanctuary during the most turbulent years of my adolescence.
Her beauty was undeniable, with a flowy, tri coloured coat that defied the common stereotypes surrounding street dogs. However, the reality of pet ownership involves facing the painful limits of the healthcare services available to us.
When she reached the age of 10, her health began to decline through a series of difficult struggles, yet her spirit remained unbreakable. The tragedy unfolded when I was away for my studies, leaving her alone to face the terrifying complications of a late-life pregnancy.
I arrived home two days after her labour began, only to find her waiting for me with a level of trust that still haunts and humbles me today. She pleaded for my help but by the time we reached professional care, it was too late to save the puppy that had been lost.
The devastation of losing her shortly after, while she was in my arms, left a wound that took me nearly a year to heal. This personal heartbreak revealed a systemic failure: the critical lack of 24-hour veterinary clinics available to pet parents in times of emergency. No pet parent should ever have to face a life-or-death crisis at night, only to find that no professional help is within reach.
According to veterinary access guidelines, emergency care should be a fundamental right, not a luxury accessible only to those in urban hubs or with private transport.
We need a radical shift in how Malaysia approaches veterinary infrastructure, including more subsidised night clinics and mobile emergency response units.
Access to veterinary care is not just a convenience; it is a vital component of responsible, compassionate animal welfare in a modern society.
While I have since opened my heart to a new pet, the memory of my “little sister” serves as a constant reminder of the change we must demand. It is time to ensure that no other family has to suffer the agony of watching their loved one struggle simply because the doors of care were closed.
Rachel Fiona Santhanaraj
City University Malaysia
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of theSun.