My Mother often tells me stories of my granny’s pet dog when I was born. Her dog used to comfort me with its paws when I would cry with a whimper. The Dog and I enjoyed equal status in the house as both of us were equally pampered by the family members. I have some fading memories and few pictures of my first friend. Now I realize, dogs are miracles with paws.
When I grew up a little older we moved to a different city and we always had a pet dog to keep me company. My love for them grew with growing age. Our Lhasa Apso, Sweety was not just adorable but very protective about me. When I look back memory lane I remember sharing my deepest of secrets with her as a little girl. I would talk to her for hours. I found a true friend in her. She lost her eyesight with graying years but admirably managed her routine. It was her last night of suffering from illness when I helplessly watched her moving away from us. She died in my lap while we were taking her to a vet. That was one of the most painful experiences of my life which still moistens my eyes. She stayed with us for sixteen years and I believe forgetting her would take another lifetime. Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really. After she passed away I could not accept her departure. For years later a bare mention of her would choke me and bring in fresh tears.
It was summer of 2001 when my mother went for a month long pilgrimage to various shrines. She gave a call back home from Gaya, a city significant to Hindus from the point of view of salvation to the souls of ancestors. Over the phone she informed us how she has performed a ritual called pinda daan for the salvation of our forefathers. Then she said a thing which moved something inside me. The Brahmin performing the ritual asked my mother if she remembers losing any pet animal or plant or any tree that she was fond of. My mother remembered Sweety and asked the Brahmin to perform the ritual for our deceased loving dog. This ritual may have brought peace to her soul but most definitely brought peace to my aching heart to accept that wherever she is, she is happy and watching us miss her.
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. This can only be felt by true dog lovers as this love is a blessing which changes our lives forever. A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself.
Rest in Peace Sweety. On this day, 22nd May you left us. In your fond memory…
