Parenting A Pet
For Parth Pandey, a class X student of St Francis College, a stray in his colony is his friend forever
We call him ‘Kallu’, a three-and-a-half legged dog. No matter what time of the day, on seeing us or even our vehicle, he appears out of nowhere, wagging his tail furtively in a show of such affection. Don’t quite remember how he lost his leg, may be run over by a vehicle or born with a deformity, perhaps. What I do remember is that with his lovable ways he has won us all. This includes even those who didn’t like him earlier as he would, at times answer the call of nature at their doorsteps! Matter of fact, he did that in front of ours too!
But quick learner that he is, he realized what was putting others off. And, now, mostly, he is so well behaved, like to a manner born. Ah, I did forget an important thing. Not always was he at fault of emptying out at people’s doorsteps. Often, in fact quite often, there were others who were at fault. It was their shit for which he got blamed. He would try and convey that perhaps, cooing gently when admonished. How I wish he could make others understand that he wasn’t at fault. This lovable fellow, never complains, quickly forgives and forgets for as little as a rusk or biscuits.
His partner, ‘Kallu senior’, with whom he keeps frolicking around the officers’ colony, is his lifeline. Once, Kallu senior was caught by team of dog catchers from Nagar Nigam. I remember our ‘Kallu’ couldn’t sleep. He was always looking for his mate. That is love. One day, Kallu senior returned, sniffing his way back from the place where the dog catchers left him. And our Kallu was happy again. Not for nothing do they relate dogs with loyalty, I suppose. Our Kallu isn’t pure-bred, pedigree. I don’t mind that either. For there is no denying that he is a lovable, adorable, quick learner. In fact, I feel people should adopt strays. In particular, dogs. If that happens, our surroundings would be safer and much cleaner, too. And we would have done our bit to ensure that these dogs of lesser gods too got a decent life to live. Hey, Kallu just barked, as if trying to suggest he agreed on that. But now, as it gets darker, Kallu will begin with bark-and-chase act on spotting a vehicle. Most stray dogs do it. Why? I have no idea. Do you have any?
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