Positive Life NSW

KHU

Khu is a soulmate. I had her for 10 years. Getting her was my partner's idea at the time.

But we just clicked. She was a fun, smart, energetic, affectionate and loyal friend. The night after I had to say goodbye to her, I was writing emails to tell friends of her passing. Then all of a sudden I felt her walk in the room and sit next to my foot. That was an amazing experience. Now she is with me all the time.

Khu was the one thing in my life that didn't change when I was diagnosed. That was a difficult time as I don't know how I contracted the virus. This event changed my beliefs, my health, my relationships to people- those I did tell and those I didn't. It changed everything in my life, except my relationship with Khu.

Khu was a character. She would make this noise that sounded like she was talking. She did this when she was trying to get my attention about something. When driving she would put her paw on my arm. She was very affectionate. She would also like to be touching when sitting - it could be on your foot or just so that she was leaning on you. She always wanted to be where the action was. She was up all night when we had a party and in the morning we were sitting around chilling. And Khu sat there waiting to see what would happen next, falling alseep in the sitting position.

Did you know? In the recent Futures 5 survey of people with HIV in Australia, positive people were asked how they rated their sources of support. Pets came in second – under partners and spouses, but above doctors, close friends and family.

Would you like to see your pet in Talkabout? Send in your photo and how you feel about your pet (up to 200 words) to: editor@plwha.org.au