When Vivien was just a child, she felt so excited when her parents gifted her a tiny, white-mocha skinned companion of her own, a female Jack Russell Terrier named Bibi. Together, both Bibi and Vivi grew up alongside each other to become the thickest of pals.
The pair did everything together and over the years, Bibi grew to be a foxy little doggo who according to Vivien, had more energy than dogs twice her size.
“She was a pocket-sized dynamite and had the tendency to chase after big and brawnier dogs. But that said a lot about her outgoing personality, something I absolutely loved about Bibi. Nothing could dampen her spirit,” shared Vivien.
As an extrovert, Bibi was very cordial with the strangers she met, especially when Bibi and Vivien went out to the park or out for walks.
As they grew older, the two were inseparable, but Bibi took the lead in their relationship.
“She had a mind of her own and always made me look like the true pet. She would always get things to go her way by carefully manipulating me, her pet,” smiled Vivien.
“There was once when we were out for a brisk walk and Bibi decided to sit in the middle of the road, because she was bored of walking. So, I ended up carrying her all the way back, only to see her jump right out of my hands, darting towards the house. When I eventually reached, she was wiggling her tail, as a sign that she had outsmarted me yet again!”
True to her free-spirited nature, Bibi was never one to be tied down by the status quo.
“While dogs in general tend to have their favoured spot to relieve themselves, Bibi on the other hand, always followed her mood swings. I’ve followed instructions from experienced dog trainers, doctors and also self-help books to potty train Bibi but somehow, Bibi would always give me surprises,” Vivien humorously recalled.
A master of getting her way, Bibi always knew the exact cute faces, sounds and actions to make so that Vivien would fall prey to her every demand.
“Like a true best friend who knows your every move and thought, she knew how to play me like a fiddle, and yes, I enjoyed every bit of her cheeky little exploits to get her way.”
For 16 long years, Bibi and Vivien were constants in each other’s life.
Through the quietest moments of just enjoying each other’s company, to the many rambunctious playtimes the pair shared, Bibi was the apple of Vivien’s eyes through and through, even though she suffered from cancer.
“Just like her big personality, she fought her cancer fearlessly, showing no signs of ageing or loss of appetite. It was only much later, towards the end, that she was less boisterous and would sleep for longer hours”
Sadly, it was during one of those lengthier naps that Bibi succumbed to her cancer and closed her eyes forever.
“I have no regrets that I didn’t get to say a proper goodbye to Bibi. She lives on in my heart and mind, just the way I remember her; the tiny and bossy lively little miss that brought immense joy and laughter to those around her, especially to me; I miss her dearly but I am so thankful for her presence in my life.”
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PET: FMT Lifestyle readers are invited to send in pictures (landscape format) and a short video (if any) of their furry, scaly or feathery friends to [email protected]. Don’t forget to include details like your pet’s name, age, breed and a short story about them.