Beloved Pulau Ubin Dog Which Occasionally Guided Visitors Dies in Alleged Accident


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Anyone who has been to Pulau Ubin will probably have seen the friendly dogs that reside there. Lovingly named after drinks that correspond to the colour of their fur, there are three dogs in total: Kopi-O, Teh-C, and Teh-O.

Sadly, one of the resident dogs has been killed in an accident with a taxi.

A Hit-And-Run Accident

On 3 February, Traffics accident.SG posted on their Facebook page, announcing that Kopi-O had been involved in an accident according to an Ubin resident, Phillip Lin. The accident was allegedly a hit-and-run.

As one Terence Tan shared, several Ubin residents had brought Kopi-O to a vet on the mainland in desperation, anxious to save him.

Sadly, Kopi-O passed away at the age of two.

Lin posted a video where Kopi-O was picked up from where he lay in a cardboard box, with a few flowers scattered around him. Kopi-O’s brother, Teh-O, can be seen watching the scene in the background. After burying him into a pit, more flowers were thrown in with him before he was wrapped up and laid to rest.

Subsequently, Teh-O was seen perched on his brother’s grave, mourning his passing.

An Outpouring of Tributes to Kopi-O

Heartbroken Singaporeans, both Ubin and mainland residents alike, took to social media to express their condolences. Many recounted experiences they had with Kopi-O, fondly reminiscing his accompaniment and companionship in Pulau Ubin. Several also shared heartwarming selfies and photos with the beloved dog.

Kopi-O was famous for being Pulau Ubin’s “guide dog”, and was always friendly and fun-loving. He loved to follow visitors on their hikes and exploration of the island, walking in front of them on paths and roads. He would also relax beside them, chasing away wild boars that trod too close for comfort.

He also was known as a “guard dog” for many people who stayed overnight on the island and for students who went to Pulau Ubin for their Outward Bound Singapore camps. He would never fail to bring a sense of security and comfort to those he guarded, as well as a much-needed sense of companionship and fun.

Kopi-O’s Story

Kopi-O and his siblings, Teh-O and Teh-C, were all born and raised on Ubin. The dogs’ parents, Nini and Tua Tao, had introduced Ubin residents to the then-pups in 2018.

A year later in 2019, Kopi-O had started his first day at work of being a “guide dog”, and started following the trekkers and cyclists on Ubin to lead them on their way.

Farewell, Kopi-O. You will always be fondly remembered and dearly missed as Pulau Ubin’s “star”.

Featured Image: Facebook (Terence Tan)


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