Once upon a time, Apple was born in a breeding farm in Thailand and brought to a dilapidated pet shop in Kuantan.

She was tiny, hairy, and arrogant – and Nicole Ng experienced love at first sight for the first and last time of her life.

It’s been 13 years now and Apple has been there for Nicole every step of the way, her faithful companion and the one soul that never fails to bring a spark of joy and laughter into her life.

If Nicole ever has a kid, Apple is it, but the first time Nicole saw the Shih-Tzu sleep, she almost screamed her lungs out and died right there.

Because, guess what? The dog sleeps with her eyes open and snores as loud as a tractor at a construction site. Still, she is the apple of Nicole’s eye.

Nicole remembers that every time she came home from school, Apple would be in the yard, sitting with her grandmother, patiently waiting for her return. To Nicole, Apple is the best homecoming experience ever.

And Nicole hopes Apple will always be there to welcome her home, even though a dog’s life expectancy is about 15 years. If not, maybe Apple will be there to welcome Nicole at the Pearly Gates.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PET: FMT Lifestyle readers are invited to send in pictures (landscape format) and a short video (if any) of their furry, scaly or feathery friends to [email protected]. Don’t forget to include details like your pet’s name, age, breed and a short story about them.