Malaysians eventually learnt that the disaster claimed the lives of 31 people, including 13 children.
But in the midst of despair, a small ray of light emerged: a pack of search-and-rescue dogs quickly won the hearts of Malaysians as they tirelessly joined their human counterparts to locate victims.
Among them was a handsome English Springer Spaniel named Blake. It was even reported that he keeled over from exhaustion during the mission.
In January, Blake – alongside three of his furry colleagues, Lady, Grouse and Pop – were awarded “Golden Performance” medals by local government development minister Nga Kor Ming, who also presented certificates of appreciation to the firefighters involved in the search and rescue.
Sadly, on Aug 15, Blake was diagnosed with stage-4 lymphoma cancer. In the subsequent weeks, his condition deteriorated as the cancer aggressively spread throughout his body.
The good, good boy was euthanised on Sept 18.
The local government development ministry shared in a Facebook post that in addition to the Batang Kali landslide, Blake had also been involved in operations to detect victims of a flood at Kampung Temelong in Pahang; a drowning incident at Kampung Kenangan in Selangor; and a water-surge incident at Titi Hayun in Kedah.
In recognition of his bravery, one FMT reader, Prem Kaur, has penned a touching tribute to our four-legged hero titled “Ode to Tuan Blake”. Goodbye, sweet Blake, and thank you for your service.
‘Ode to Tuan Blake’ by Prem Kaur
Tuan Blake,
We welcomed you in our house
During the Batang Kali incident
Waiting and watching you and your five friends in action
You worked so hard to search, and search you did
Your paws covered with mud from the landslide
Your body tired, you worked tirelessly, you even fainted
You are my hero, Malaysia’s hero
We love you, cherish memories of you
Blake, it’s difficult to say goodbye to you
You have been summoned for more difficult tasks
You are special, you’re the chosen one
So I bid you farewell… for now
I will always remember you, always
You are my hero, my true Tuan, my warrior…
Love you… you will always be beautiful in my eyes