It started off at the workplace when my colleague noticed this weak fragile dog. She could not withstand his condition and started getting meat pieces for him every day. There were times when other dogs would surround while feeding, but she adeptly ensured that the weak dog got the much-needed food and care. In the following months the dog regained his strength. That was so compassionate of her!
During this period, she discovered this white dog whom she lovingly named as ‘Mitchelle’. Mitchelle was full of love and would keeping whining and sneezing as it went around in circles seeking attention from all. There was so much affection flowing in Mitchelle’s eyes which was equally matched by the love she would shower on Mitchelle. Mitchelle soon became the favorite among all the other dogs.
Feeding the dogs became our daily evening ritual when we made our way back home from the workplace. She assigned me the task of getting packets of biscuits for them which I really liked. She would always keep some extra packets of biscuits in her bag in case of emergency. That was so thoughtful.
One day while we were feeding the dogs, she asked me to suggest names for the other dogs. Wow! for me, it felt like a very big moment, a big responsibility. My mind started scrambling for apt names. This dog hesitates a lot, can we name it as ‘Shy’? This dog, I don’t see him often, can we name it as ‘Sometimes’? And this one barks like a thunder, let’s call him ‘Thunder’. She agreed and also named the remaining ones. So, now we had ‘Shy’, ‘Sometimes’, ‘Thunder’, ‘Monsoon’, ‘Lightening’ and ‘Mitchelle’. I was really delighted that day.
And then there were other dogs outside the workplace, ‘Larsen’, ‘Raja’, and the naughty little ‘Chaaya’ that we would feed every day.
One day, as I was speeding to my workplace in an auto, I saw a brown stray dog pass by. That moment, I questioned myself, why have I been afraid of dogs all these years? If I was to love them, they would only love me back in abundance! I think she was very instrumental in making me realize this simple fact.
I was leaving my work place late evening, I saw Mitchelle in her usual playful mood. Mitchelle rushed towards me. I went down on my knees while caressing her. The more I loved, the closer she came, her eyes brimming with love. Tears rolled down my eyes as I realized the love a mute stray dog can shower on a self-centered human being. Perhaps tears also rolled because it was the last time, I was to see Mitchelle again.
Travelling back home, I alighted from the train and made my way on the busy station road. Amidst all the honking autos and hordes of strangers around, I saw a nice furry grey dog sitting right in the middle of the road. For a moment I just felt like going up to dog and patting him. But sadly, I was hesitant of the people around and walked away.
But I know for sure, had she been there at that moment she would have been least bothered, she would have simply hugged and showered all the affection on the dog. I know one day I would do the same.
I am happy that she made me realize the love for dogs!!