I did not grow up around dogs, heck there was barely any talk about pets. In fact I don’t think I had friends who had dogs of fish for any other kind of pet. I do remember Mom saying there was a dog named Rani [German Shepherd ] when they were growing up. She would jump on the bed in the morning, and mom would literally throw the blanket over her and then scoot from there… Thanks to that mention, I had moments wondering what it would be like to have a dog as a companion.
During holidays, I would come to Chennai and be here till the day before school was going to reopen, and on one such holiday, I distinctly remember visiting our neighbor & seeing the litter of puppies their dog had just delivered. Grandpa picked up a girl puppy from there, we named her Sheeba and she was the tiniest thing I had ever seen. she used to be in the unused bathroom and behave like a Queen sitting inside that huge bathtub. I don’t know who took care of her or I enjoyed her company. All I remember is we had her for about a couple of weeks and then one morning I woke up and was told she passed away [got bit by something or fell ill, unclear of details]. Sigh.. That was that, it was out of mind and I didn’t think about dogs or having a pet for years since then..
In 1995 or so, my uncle and aunt brought home a boxer puppy [they had paid 25k for her] . We called her Boss [she was anything but bossy], she was the most gentle creature ever met in my life lived with a good 10 years and passed on.
Again really I don’t remember who took care of her during the initial years because I was living with my parents and we would just come here and visit. When I visited, we would spend time with her, walking around the house and chilling out in the backyard. She was a happy girl.
A distinct thing I remember about her is that every evening grandma would make dosa on a stove near the back door. She would instantly come and sit near the door and cry till we fed her, and she wouldnt stop eating..not until we put a stop to it. Morning she had milk, lunch was a bowl of rice and boiled vegetables.
I do remember being there & caring for her during her last few years [I had moved in to my grandparents house by then]. I vividly remember the day she passed, it was December 31st 2005 – she was in pain, lyng on the floor barely breathing. I called the vet who sweetly dropped by [even though he was en route to the station to drop off a friend]. He checked her and said she was on the last leg, and within minutes she was gone. My sister and I were distraught but we had guests at home so we couldn’t even grieve and openly cry. She was 10 or close to it. The doctor said “For a boxer, that is a good life, and you guys are taking good care of her…”
It took me near to get over her passing and even then I don’t think I was consciously looking to adopt a puppy or bring home another dog. It just so happened that 2007 January – Pongal day I was walking to the local store to pick up something and I heard this feeble whine from under the water lorry. Upon inspecting, saw this little furball standing near the tire looking scared. I looked around but couldn’t spot other pups or a mum. Decided to go finish my shopping and check again on my way back, and he was still there. Told him to wait up, rushed home, dragged my sister and went back. After a few minutes, we brought him home and were feeding him milk and water. Such a crazy little goofball he was/is.. We named him Floppy, actually his given name is Prince Floppy and he has brought us so much happiness & joy.
I am grateful to my family for looking out for him when am away [ once I was away, this bugger had run out the gate, and a dog van had captured him. My uncle had spotted this, and chased the van and brought this fellow back]
He’s nearly 14 years and is a good mix of sweetheart and temperamental teenager.. lol.. The amount of drama & demands he makes a just never-ending and over the last two years with the pandemic and my parents being here, he has been thoroughly spoilt by my dad.. As much as I love the love he is getting, I just know that when my parents move back home he’ll have a tough time [adjusting to my routine] cause I don’t think I can bend over that much…
Last month was difficult for Floppy. he had an infection on his right leg, declaw and his Arthritis has been acting up but thankfully manage to get him to a vet, and treat the infection. For arthritis, he is on medication and we make sure he isn’t running around too much. All I want for him now is he leads a pain – free chilled out happy life…
Pretty much everybody in my life knows about floppy and he has indirectly helped people take the big step towards adopting a pet…
He is truly the one person that I miss when I travel and I know every time I come back home he has stories and complaints to share. That apart, I also know that he’s here at home taking care of the people and being there for them… that’s who he is.. the sweetest kindest wackiest soul around.
He is super picky about food – with this guy, we started feeding him Pedigree for lunch’. Grandpa used to make fun saying “you brought a dog off the streets and you’re feeding him pedigree, whereas when we had paid money and brought home a boxer, she ate rice and vegetables”.. Floppy will eat anything and everything l give, anything but plain rice and bread.. infact he gets a nibble of everything that I/others at home eat (of course small quantities..)
Watching him around the house & people, it’s almost as if he has taken over grandpa’s role in the house in fact there are so many similarities between them..uncanny!! Love for crunchy stuff, esp snacks, stubborn as hell, will get his way etc etc… Life is so different with one of these cuties around, they make every day so much better… and they are good for us – physically, mentally, and emotionally… plus they prevent you from eating too much..hehe
Do you have such a companion? Do share your story..
