Solo, our beloved Singapore Special, was 10 years old when he passed. He first came into our lives as a foster in 2015, and from the very beginning, he showed us what resilience and quiet affection looked like. He was briefly adopted by another person who returned him just a few weeks later, and in that moment, we knew he belonged with us. In 2016, we officially adopted him under Project ADORE, and from then on, he became an inseparable part of our family.

Solo filled our lives with unconditional love, joy, and companionship. He had his own quirks, his own gentle personality, and a way of making even the most ordinary days feel special. In return, we did everything we could to give him the best life possible — from regular check-ups to long daily walks, from his favourite snacks to simply being there for him every day. He was not “just a dog”; he was family.

This page is both a tribute to Solo and a space to share our experience in the hope that it may help other pet owners. Losing him has been incredibly painful, and what made it harder was the realization that things might have unfolded differently if certain findings in his CT scan report had been explained and discussed at the time.

As pet owners, we place a great deal of trust in veterinary professionals. We depend on their expertise to guide us through challenging medical situations, particularly when it comes to understanding the report of diagnostic procedures such as CT scans and other advanced tests.

In Solo’s case, we trusted the veterinarian’s assessment and believed that the CT scan findings and recommendations had been sufficiently explained to us at the time. However, by the time we came to discover and understand the seriousness of his condition, the disease had progressed and effective treatment options could not be pursued.

We are sharing this experience to share our views on the importance of clear, thorough, and timely communication in veterinary care. When faced with complex medical decisions, pet owners are often overwhelmed, emotional, and uncertain. In those moments, having complete information — including possible diagnoses, expected timelines, risks, and alternative approaches — can make a meaningful difference in the choices we make.

We understand that, eventually, all pet owners will have to say goodbye to their beloved companions. However, there is a significant difference between reaching that moment after having explored early and appropriate medical options that could preserve quality of life and facing it with the realization that earlier clarity or communication might have led to different decisions and outcomes.

The emotional toll of losing a pet is immense. Alongside that grief is the often-unspoken reality of the time, financial resources, and mental energy invested in trying to do what is best for them. These are sacrifices pet owners willingly make out of love, which is why proper professional guidance and communication are so important throughout the journey.

Solo will always be remembered and deeply missed. His life mattered deeply to us, and by sharing his story, we hope to encourage greater awareness, stronger communication, and more informed decision-making among fellow pet owners.