At the end of 2021, when I first started working full-time as a pet communicator, I was taking on one case every two days. Although every pet parent agreed to share their stories, the volume of cases back then meant I simply didn't have the time to write about every precious companion. As soon as I began to put pen to paper, the next appointment would already be booked. Writing about the freshest memories felt easier, so earlier cases sadly got delayed and became lost gems, which always made me feel sorry for those owners.
I hope that when I have time, I can write about those children I missed one by one. If one day you suddenly see an article about your beloved pet, please don't be startled. Perhaps your pet is thinking of you, and that's why I've suddenly remembered this adorable child after so long.
Today, I want to share the story of Nini, a Labrador I communicated with in 2021. Her dad said that before she turned 18, Nini had always been a healthy baby. But one day, she suddenly became weak in all four limbs, lay on the floor retching, and her stomach was bloated. When her dad came home from work, he knew something was wrong just by looking at her eyes. She didn't respond when called, so she was rushed to the vet and diagnosed with a very dangerous gastric torsion. Sadly, despite emergency efforts, she passed away and became a little angel.
Since Nini left, her dad deeply misses her:
"When Nini left, she didn't have time to eat. Was she hungry? Was she cold? Was she lonely and scared without dad beside her?"
Every time the owner asks these questions, it tugs at my heartstrings—true love without a doubt.
"Yes, Daddy, it feels like I didn't get to eat my yummy meat that day. But my tummy hurt so much that no matter how delicious the meat was, I couldn't eat. Daddy, only you remember that I hadn't eaten yet! That touches me deeply to tears. My beloved daddy, I'm not hungry anymore and I don't feel cold. I'm more worried that you haven't eaten well."
"Also, I've become braver here. I'm less scared than before, so Daddy, I'm not afraid or lonely anymore."
Seeing her dad willing to try communicating with her, Nini was very happy:
"Daddy still loves me, not just Changchang."
Speaking of Changchang, he was a dachshund that her dad got when Nini was five or six years old. Compared to the robust Nini, Changchang's health was not as good, so dad naturally spent more energy taking care of him. Dad felt a little guilty toward Nini and wondered if she thought he was a biased dad. But as the "Pet Communication Card" I drew for Nini said, "When dad spends more time caring for Changchang, Nini feels a little trapped. She misses the feeling of being held as a little pup before Changchang arrived, but she is also good at shifting her perspective."
Nini also said:
"Daddy, please take good care of yourself and also take good care of Changchang. It's not because I love Changchang, it's because now he's the only one by your side. He has to live well, or else Dad will be sad again."
"Daddy, don't miss me too much—just the right amount. Leave the rest to Changchang! He now craves your love more than before because since I left, there's a hollow in your heart. Sometimes, it seems like you don't even see him, which makes him sad."
This was Nini speaking after becoming a little angel, visiting home and hearing what Changchang shared with her.
Dad said the two sisters each have her own share of everything, but little Changchang loves to tease Nini. Usually, Nini would quietly walk back to her bed without minding it, but they wouldn't really play together.
"Yeah, little Changchang loves to mess with me, saying he looks better than me and that Dad likes him more."
"I don't mind, because my beauty is something no one can compete with. The paths I walked with Dad can't be compared either."
"Since I'm gone, Changchang should know he can never take my place in Dad's heart."
Besides Changchang, dad also asked if there was anything else that made Nini unhappy. Nini's answer surprised me a little:
"Dad's clothes for me are pretty tacky. I'm a girl and should dress more like one. Sometimes he even puts little panties on me—I don't like that."
Haha, girls do tend to be girls. But in the end, Nini was still considerate:
"I can tolerate it, as long as Dad is happy."
This is the beloved Labrador daughter in Dad's eyes—always good-natured, forever his precious Nini.
