In Loving Memory of a Friend, Mentor, and Role Model.

I cannot describe what I felt, when I woke up this morning and saw that message on my Facebook profile. Still drowsy from a poor night's sleep, I didn't know what to make of the words "Reve is gone".

Instinct made me call Dr Pushpa, who had already figured out what I was calling about. It was talking to her, and then finding that newspaper article in the Star Online, that I realised: the lady I respected as a mentor and a friend, was truly gone - gone in a way so horrible that I cannot bring myself to imagine it.

For those of you who don't know, Reve has been a volunteer in SPCA for over a decade. Few had the passion and dedication she had towards the animals she rescued and cared for, and few had that uncanny ability to calm nervous and frightened animals. I will never forget the sight of the scores of SPCA dogs barreling after her every afternoon when she lets them out for a routine romp; its heartwarming indeed to see these homeless strays so contented and boisterously happy - they know when someone loves them and protects them the way Reve does.

She probably never did remember the first time we met. I was a kid at that time, and at SPCA for the first time with my parents, looking to adopt a puppy. I was smitten with some of the very young puppies and wanted to take them home, but Reve sternly told my parents that there has to be someone 24 hrs at home, if we were to adopt such a young puppy. I remember trying to butt in with my reasons, and she snapped at me: "I'm talking to your mother". Gosh, I still can remember that stern look till this day - even though that was so many years ago. (Thank goodness when I grew up, and started volunteering in SPCA so many years later, she never did have recollection of that incident).

Reve had always been stern, and downright outspoken with visitors to the shelter that surrendered animals unnecessarily, or neglected/mistreated the animals they had adopted. In a way, she was the authority figure I looked to, if I had misgivings about visitors that came to the shelter. I can still clearly remember the number of times she snapped at people that were really going too far; always the voice that defended the voiceless animals she stood for.

Until now, I'm in an emotional turmoil. Shock, denial, numbness, confusion and grief - I've been fluctuating through these feelings ever since I first heard the news. Things like this happen in thriller novels and movies, not in the ordinary lives of us ordinary people. Things like this don't happen to people who are this nice. My mind is filled with "Whys" - unanswered questions, and even more so, thoughts and regrets that there was so much stuff I never did say to this wonderful soul..I know it sounds cliche, but that's the way it is - there's so many things I never did express to her.

I remember the many useful canine handling pointers I learnt from her - getting fussy puppies to eat, calming down agitated animals, among many others. I remember her settling down with her bread and coffee, asking me about my studies..and the genuine happiness she had the day I said I got the scholarship to study vet here in Aus. I remember every time she motivated me; always advising me to be a good vet in the future - someone who would have the animals' best interests at heart. I remember the tight hug she gave me before I left, telling me not to cry and that we would meet again, when I was fighting back tears at the thought of leaving SPCA. I remember how she kept up with my news when I was in Aus last year, through email and Facebook. I remember her concern when I was having knee surgery over here..she never did stop caring. I remember the joyous look on her face when I came back..and how glad I was that she was still the Reve I knew, the Reve I had grown to look upon as a constant in my life in SPCA.

I won't forget everything you've taught me; be it all the animal-skills, the passion and dedication to the causes you believe in, and even your attitude towards life itself (will never forget the carefree way you danced around the table during the Gala Dinner). I give you my word, I will keep every promise I made to you - in your spirit and legacy, to make a difference in the lives of the animals you cared so dearly for. I promise you, I will be the vet you always wanted me to be.

Rest in peace, my friend, mentor, and role model.