Every time I see dogs, my grandparents and their pet, Kiki, will spring back to my mind.

About 6 years ago, my grandma adopted a puppy from her friend. It was an adorable creature, whose big round eyes shone like jewels. It was of short stature, with short legs, but it ran fast.

The first time I met Kiki, it growled at me, trying to block my way into Gran’s house. Its ferocity made me go weak at the knees. I was about to turn around and quit the visit when Gran turned up and stopped it yelping at me. On hearing Gran’s voice, Kiki stopped barking and wagged its tail merrily.

A couple of visits on, Kiki got familiar with me. It was a playful animal. Each time we met, it would rush over and jump on to my lap, wagging its tail furiously. If I ran, it would follow me close on my heels. It was very exciting to frolic around with Kiki.

Kiki brought tons of fun to my grandparents. In time it became part of the family and livened up their lifestyle. Thanks to Kiki, my grandparents, who used to be couch potatoes and mahjong addicts, became more outgoing and active.

Three years later, I finished middle school. That summer Gran passed away. After her funeral I became a high school student. Several weeks later, Grandad followed his wife in her footsteps. Father kept me in the dark about Grandad’s departure until a month later, when I went back to our home village for a visit over the National Day break.

Upon Grandad’s demise, their pet Kiki was given away to someone I do not know. It suddenly dawned on me that I would never again meet Grandad and Gran or their lovely canine, Kiki.

I miss them.