Waterhouse community holds nine-night for Friday, neighbourhood Shih-Poo who lived 17 years

Pink and white balloons rose above Waterhouse on Tuesday as neighbours gathered for a nine-night to remember Friday, a Shih-Poo who had been part of the area for 17 years.

Ashika Reid, who cared for Friday from around 2009, said the dog was present through countless family milestones, including funerals. "Sometimes we would be going out for family outings and dinners with her. She was always with me," Reid said. "The family is feeling her loss because she was a part of our family and we grew with her."

Friday's reach extended well beyond Reid's household. At the shop, she greeted regular customers, and children across the community would stop to play with her on walks. "She has even become a part of customers' lives because she interacts with them every time they come to the shop. Even when I walk in the community the kids will play with her, so she is well known," Reid said. "Friday played a major role being in and around for so many generations of people. A lot of people didn't believe that she lived that long."

Reid said the outpouring after Friday's death caught her off guard. Tributes spread online, and those unable to attend the nine-night still found ways to take part. "[They] reposted her videos online on every platform. Even people from abroad who know her are showing their love for her, adults who knew her from they were kids," she said.

The tribute came together quickly after Reid's sister urged her to mark Friday's life. Her sister prepared the meal for the evening, cooking soup, stew chicken back and rice, while others helped with balloons released in Friday's honour. "She was the chef for the night. She cooked soup, stew chicken back and rice. Everybody helped out, we blew some balloons and let them go in honour of Friday. My sister really did a lot to make it happen," Reid said.

The gathering ran late into the night, with mourners travelling from several areas to pay respects. A poster for the event also sparked confusion among some residents, who assumed the word "Friday" referred to the day of burial rather than the dog's name.

Although many wished to attend her final farewell, Reid said Friday had already been laid to rest on July 1 at a special spot beside another cherished family dog. "She was buried where dad's pit bull Nimo, who died of cancer, was buried. I didn't make it to his funeral unfortunately," she said.

Reid acknowledged that some may question such a send-off for a pet, but she said the attachment was real. "It's all about love. A lot of people don't know that there are all types of love and the love that I had for her was a genuine love," she said. "Friday was a comforter, a protector and she had a purpose in my life, and her purpose was up so she passed. But I would say to them, until you're in my shoes or have experienced that love, then you won't understand."

Friday's final weeks were difficult for Reid and her companion. Age-related illness took her sight and hearing, and Reid eventually had to help her with everyday tasks, including using the bathroom. "We always think we have a lot of time because we always putting off things and get caught up in work, sleep and chores and all that," she said. "I got comfortable with her around me so mi neva pay attention say she get so old. She took down sick where she started losing her sight and her hearing."

On her last day, Reid was at work when Friday was outside. She and a co-worker saw the dog gasp. "The very last day, I was at work, and she was outside and me and my co-worker saw her gasp. Mi lift her up and say, 'Friday,' a try wake her up but she never revive. I had her in my arms when she took her last breath."

Friends have suggested Reid get another dog, but she said she is not ready. "I need more time to mourn and when the time comes, that time will choose me, like how Friday choose me."