My Pet Story: So long, my pretty

Astro, the writer's beautiful and beloved dog. Photo: Vasanthi Kandiah

I had pledged to love and protect you when you first came to me at three years old, scared, hungry, bewildered.

You walked in through my gate and I sank to the floor weak at the knees, overwhelmed by the sight of a large tawny-haired German Shepherd approaching me. You looked like a huge lion about to eat me up! But you pushed your snout into my hands and licked me gently, imploring me with your beautiful eyes for some food and water.