Waterhouse says goodbye to beloved dog

Pink and white balloons drifted into the Waterhouse sky on Tuesday during a nine-night in memory of Friday, a beloved Shih-Poo who spent 17 years as part of the community.

Friday’s owner, Ashika Reid, who had her from about 2009, said she played a part in many family events, including funerals.

“Sometimes we would be going out for family outings and dinners with her. She was always with me,” said Reid. “The family is feeling her loss because she was a part of our family and we grew with her.”

But Friday’s impact stretched beyond the household.

“She has even become a part of customers’ lives because she interacts with them every time they come to the shop. Even when I walk in the community the kids will play with her, so she is well known,” said Reid. “Friday played a major role being in and around for so many generations of people. A lot of people didn’t believe that she lived that long.”

Reid said the love shown after Friday’s death surprised her, with people sharing memories online and those who could not attend the nine-night still finding ways to participate.

“[They] reposted her videos online on every platform. Even people from abroad who know her are showing their love for her, adults who knew her from they were kids,” she said.

The event was put together at short notice after Reid’s sister encouraged her to honour Friday’s life.

“She was the chef for the night. She cooked soup, stew chicken back and rice. Everybody helped out, we blew some balloons and let them go in honour of Friday. My sister really did a lot to make it happen,” said Reid. The gathering continued late into the night, with people travelling from different areas to pay their respects.

Reid said the poster announcing the event even caused confusion among some residents, who thought ‘Friday’ referred to the day of the burial rather than the dog’s name. Although many wanted to attend her final farewell, Reid said Friday had already been buried on July 1 at a special location beside another beloved family dog.

“She was buried where dad’s pit bull Nimo, who died of cancer, was buried. I didn’t make it to his funeral unfortunately,” said Reid.

While some people may question holding such a tribute for an animal, Reid said her bond was genuine.

“It’s all about love. A lot of people don’t know that there are all types of love and the love that I had for her was a genuine love,” she said. “Friday was a comforter, a protector and she had a purpose in my life, and her purpose was up so she passed. But I would say to them, until you’re in my shoes or have experienced that love, then you won’t understand.”

Friday’s final days were painful for both Reid and her companion.

“We always think we have a lot of time because we always putting off things and get caught up in work, sleep and chores and all that,” she said.

“I got comfortable with her around me so mi neva pay attention say she get so old. She took down sick where she started losing her sight and her hearing.” Her condition eventually worsened to the point where Reid had to assist her with daily activities like using the bathroom.

“The very last day, I was at work, and she was outside and me and my co-worker saw her gasp. Mi lift her up and say, ‘Friday,’ a try wake her up but she never revive. I had her in my arms when she took her last breath.”

Although friends have encouraged him to get another dog, Reid is not ready.

“I need more time to mourn and when the time comes, that time will choose me, like how Friday choose me.”