We’ve all heard the horror stories haven’t we-a puppy abandoned, because it’s human parents forgot that it is a living breathing creature that needs food, exercise and a toilet…or another one that grew too big to fit into a flat-the humans who had bought it completely forgot that puppies grow up….the astounding stories of human thoughtlessness could fill a book….but there are also the happy stories that make you smile and believe in the goodness of human nature. Here’s to them, and to those angels without wings who have given a few lucky dogs a second chance and so much happiness.
The first in the list is Snoop, who is sitting at my feet as I write this-white with brown markings, a lovely dog of no particular breed. He has long hair, gorgeous brown eyes and the most loving temperament in the world. Snoop was rescued from a drain by my neighbours Kaarthik & Tara on a cold, rainy evening. They brought him home, little realising the amount of work he would be. Unsure of his surroundings and totally insecure, Snoop howled the house down when he was first left alone. Fortunately I live next door to them, and of course got into the act of caring for him. Snoop now has 4 people who dote on him, and the run of 2 homes. He gets to stay in either of our houses depending on who’s at home for the day…how’s that for a lucky dog?
Kaarthik, Tara & Snoop
And then there’s Perdita…a feisty little black and white girl whose ears truly resemble a pair of clothes clips on the top of her head!
She was in danger of being run over as she desperately tried dodging cars on a busy road. She was injured, starved and in terrible shape. But not for long-she crossed paths with my friend Gayathri and her daughter Kritika when they took their Golden Retriever Shep for a walk. Being the big hearted people they are, of course they could not leave her on the road, so they picked her up and brought her home to be loved and cared for.
Perdy and Shep are now the greatest of friends, and being the queen that she is, she sleeps on Kritika’s bed at night resting her little head on her shoulder. Lucky little one indeed!
Gayatri, Kritika & Perdita
Maya and Love were both abandoned yellow Labrador Retrievers found by their current owners on the road. Maya was adopted by Monish-a bachelor who has a really tough work schedule. He works long hours and travels a lot- by no means an ideal pet parent. However Monish worked his way around the obstacles-the watchman of his building takes Maya for her walks, and friends of his who really love dogs care for her when he travels.
When Monish is with Maya he really makes her the focus of his attention, and the bond between owner and dog is a true joy to witness.
Monish & Maya
Love, again was abandoned soon after she had had a litter of puppies. At just one year old, she was little more than a puppy herself. She was found by Neetu, who until then had always claimed that she didn’t like animals-to start with they messed up a house!
Being the wonderful person she is, Neetu anyway brought Love home bought literally & figuratively. Neetu is a yoga teacher, and now Love goes to all her classes with her. She knows exactly who to go and play with and who to leave alone. As for Neetu, she is besotted-there’s hardly a moment when she is not playing with Love or rubbing her tummy. Love gets forgiven even if she destroys expensive mobile phones-of course she only did it because it was one of those rare occasions when she was left alone at home! She visits the dog spa regularly, and is a happy, lucky yoga dog.
Neetu & Love
Sunitha Srinivasan