Singapore held a memorial ceremony for Wangwang on the 28th of August. I was there that day with a small bouquet of handmade flowers.
The night before Wangwang’s memorial ceremony, I spent three hours thinking about what to do for her. Since the organisers were going to clear all the offerings by the end of the day, and understanding that she is in a good place now, I didn’t intend to spend money on buying her anything.
I Googled the easiest way to make flowers and found a method that suited me. It looked easy but required time to plan and prepare the materials. I didn’t spend a single cent on the materials; I just used whatever I already had at home.
The materials I used were A4 paper, newspaper, disposable chopsticks, a Chagee cup, Scotch tape, glue, and small rocks. The words were handwritten by me.
The ceremony started at 5:00 PM. I took public transport instead of driving. When I arrived at Esplanade, I saw two ladies carrying bouquets of flowers and toys, and I guessed they must be attending the ceremony too. Since I wasn’t sure exactly where the venue was, I followed quietly behind them. Eventually, I approached them because, just like me, they couldn’t find the location. We kept asking around until we finally found the right spot. It was held in a corner, with Wangwang’s photo sitting on a bench.
I was there for less than 15 minutes. I tucked my flowers into a corner. I originally wanted to place them right in front of Wangwang’s photo, but all the other offerings looked so big that my humble bouquet would have been completely overshadowed. So, I placed it where it fit best. Wherever it ended up, what matters is that everyone there held a place in their heart for Wangwang.
It ended with me hoping that Wangwang would be the last being to ever be abused and tortured, though we all know it will never truly stop until we end all cruelty.
Wangwang was no ordinary dog. An ordinary dog wouldn’t ignite such a strong spark, causing the world to mourn and fight for her, to the point where even I was drawn into the event.
Above is a half-built statue of Wangwang that Alina’s animal shelter in Nepal decided to put up. I played a part in supporting the construction of a memorial garden for her there. I hope Wangwang and her babies’ story continues to ignite compassion in us, especially in this day and age. I also hope my love and compassion for animals lives on through Wangwang. In a way, I am leaving a tiny legacy there. According to Alina, Wangwang’s memorial garden will be completed in November. I am really looking forward to it.
May the merits accumulated be dedicated to Wangwang and her babies.
Cats who teach me to fly... 