{
  "id": 2270296,
  "title": "Scruffy, the little dog who left a lifetime of memories",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/scruffy-the-little-dog-who-left-a-lifetime-of-memories-2270296",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-21T01:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/08/21/scruffy-the-little-dog-who-left-a-lifetime-of-memories"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lysha Tan cherished nearly two decades of companionship with Scruffy, a long-haired Chihuahua. As her loyal family member, Scruffy served as an unofficial baby monitor, doorbell, and cleaner of fallen food. Born as a secret, Scruffy's arrival brought joy to Tan's home despite her husband's initial reluctance. The dog's unique traits included barking loudly as a doorbell and keeping the family entertained during a toddler stage. Scruffy thrived on festivities, feasting on turkey, mooncakes, and fruits. During the pandemic lockdowns, he provided comforting cuddles. As the dog aged, Scruffy lost his hearing but found solace in the absence of thunder-related fear. In his final days, Scruffy stopped eating and Tan's veterinarian recommended ending his suffering at home. A memorial service honored Scruffy, whose legacy now rests in an urn beneath a mandarin orange plant on the balcony. Tan fondly remembered her one-of-a-kind, comical, and endearing friend.",
  "summary": "For nearly two decades, this long-haired Chihuahua filled Lysha Tan’s home with lots of barks, laughter and companionship.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Scruffy, the little dog who left a lifetime of memories",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/scruffy-the-little-dog-who-left-a-lifetime-of-memories",
        "published": "2026-08-21T01:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}