When Sheila Left, Michelle Was There For Me, When I Lost My Father She Stood With Me, I Took Her To Hospital & Lost Uterus-Gashumba Buries ‘Dog’ In Style

By Swift Reporter

Ssabavandimwe Frank Gashumba is mourning the loss of his beloved dog, Michelle, whom he described as a loyal companion and trusted friend for more than a decade after she was fatally knocked by a vehicle inside his home compound.

In an emotional message shared on Tuesday, Gashumba revealed that Michelle died after being hit by his driver at around 6:15 a.m., describing the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy.

“I have lost a loyal and trusted friend,” Gashumba said, adding that Michelle had been part of his life since 2012 when she was bought from a dog show in Lugogo by his daughter Sheila.

According to Gashumba, Michelle was much more than a pet. He recounted how the dog remained by his side during some of the most difficult moments of his life, including the death of his father on September 1, 2019.

“The day I lost my father was the day I realized that dogs are like human beings. Michelle came and sat next to me and later followed me to my bedroom, refusing to leave my side,” he recalled.

He also praised Michelle’s remarkable intelligence, saying she had developed the unusual habit of knocking on doors whenever she wanted to enter his bedroom or the dining area.

“I even told listeners on my radio show that I had a dog that knocked on the door, and many thought I was joking,” he said.

Gashumba further revealed that Michelle had previously survived uterine cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. She underwent surgery at Mutungo Veterinary Clinic, where veterinarians successfully removed her uterus after diagnosing the illness. He said he visited her every day during her six-day stay at the clinic until she fully recovered.

“That’s how strong Michelle was,” he said.

The businessman announced that Michelle had since been laid to rest, saying her death has left a huge void in his life.

Reflecting on the bond between humans and dogs, Gashumba noted that true loyalty is increasingly rare.

“Those of you who have dogs know the pain I’m going through. In the world we live in today, you can hardly have a loyal friend. A dog will never betray its master,” he said.

His heartfelt tribute has resonated with many pet owners on social media, who expressed condolences and shared similar experiences of losing cherished animal companions, describing pets as family members whose loyalty and unconditional love leave lasting memories.