Named after the loyal character from The Lion King, Nala was not just a pet but a faithful companion, known for her agility and obedience.
For Kee, she was the symbol of loyalty, following orders with precision and grace.
Kee said he spent a lot of time at Nala’s training daily to make sure she remained sharp and agile. “We trained at least twice daily. She was incredibly agile and always eager to learn,” he told FMT.
Like a doting parent, Kee showed videos of their training sessions, mixing rigorous exercise and mental stimulation. This kind of training was crucial for her breed, often used by law enforcement and even SWAT teams due to their exceptional abilities.
Their routine came to an end tragically, as the local community faced a harrowing wave of suspected poisonings that has claimed the lives of more than 30 dogs in two weeks.
Nala, only 18 months old, became the latest victim in this unsettling series of dog poisoning cases, the second after Lilou, a six-year-old husky from the same condominium complex, died less than three weeks ago.
The death count is separate from the 30-odd strays in the area who are suspected to have died from poisoning, with authorities finding no immediate or direct clues so far.
Recalling the last evening they spent together on July 18, Kee said everything was normal. “We were in the compound of our condo. She was sniffing and licking the grass, as dogs do. Everything was normal, from her appetite to her behaviour.”
However, the next morning Kee found Nala convulsing on the floor. “I got her to the vet, but she died on the table,” said the restaurateur.
He said Nala received a strict and lean diet of kibbles and did not eat anything else.
He said it never crossed his mind to have Nala autopsied by the veterinary services department (DVS). He only wanted to quickly give her a final farewell and have her cremated.
“All I want, just like other pet owners, is peace of mind, swift justice and permanent solutions to prevent this from happening again,” he said.
Tanjung Bungah Residents’ Association deputy chief Agnes James said the city council, DVS and other authorities must find a permanent solution to prevent such cases from taking place.
“There must be an answer to why there is a serial killer out there killing dogs, pets, and even wildlife. There must be a reason why these people are getting angry by this perceived nuisance.”