SINGAPORE — Just weeks away from retirement, Singapore’s first guide dog for the visually handicapped, Kendra, died today (Aug 1).

Kendra’s owner, Mr Kua Cheng Hock, said the dog, which turned 11 in June, had suffered a stroke and heart attack.

Kendra had appeared weak in the morning, “lying down all the time” and was not interested in food. The Labrador retriever later experienced breathing difficulties and weakness in its hind limbs on the way to the vet, and died at the clinic at about 12.30pm. Attempts to revive it were unsuccessful, said Mr Kua.

“We’re saddened. We were hoping she would have a retirement,” said Mr Kua, who had already made arrangements to bring in another guide dog from the United States and had obtained approval from the Housing and Development Board (HDB) to have two dogs, Kendra and the new guide dog, at home.

“She had a good last month, spending time with her (puppy) raiser family,” he said. Kendra had travelled with him to the US in June and July, met with the woman who had raised Kendra when the dog was a puppy and even celebrated the puppy raiser's grandmother’s birthday.

Kendra was brought into Singapore in August 2005 and helped raise awareness about guide dogs for the visually handicapped, locally and abroad. Kendra travelled frequently with Mr Kua, visiting some 15 countries. “She opened many doors and new directions for blind people,” said Mr Kua.

“She’s always so caring and concerned about what I’m up to. Even when I mutter under my breath, she would stop and use her muzzle to knock my knees and find out what’s the problem. She’s always on the look out for me,” recounted Mr Kua, adding that Kendra was a “very happy” dog and walking with her was always “very safe”.

Many condolence messages were posted on Facebook after news of Kendra’s passing was posted on the dog’s Facebook page.

A post addressed to Kendra on the Facebook page for Nice, one of Singapore’s guide dogs and owned by Ms Lim Lee Lee, said: “Thank you for being so courageous to come to Singapore nine years ago to start the Guide Dogs programme when infrastructure, amenities and was not quite ready to receive you. Your perseverance and diligence together with Uncle Cheng Hock brought me to Singapore last October. I will miss you. Your legacy remains.”