A Life Of 105

It was the 5th of November in the year 2000 when we buried him on his fifteenth birthday. Tiger, our pet dog, whom we preferred to address as our child, was a pivotal member of our family. He was three months old when we welcomed him into our family and he grew up to be as handsome as a Labrador Retriever can be.

            A decade later, his pace slowed down and he started to distance himself from play. We chose to ignore the signs of aging as we did not want to lose him. It was not too long before my mother and I were standing next to him as he lay unconscious on the operation table a couple of years before he died. We looked hopefully at the Vet through our tears and a sinking heartbeat and prayed as we waited for a miracle to happen. The miracle did happen and he survived the stroke with the help of the multiple injections that the Vet kept infusing into his frail and weak body. We thanked God when he wagged his tail while we lifted him up from the table.

            His kidneys had been damaged, cataract and arthritis had started to trouble him but his pain did not deter him from wagging his tail as an expression of his love and gratitude for us. He introduced me to the gentle kindness towards all living things with his loving nuances. It was a fulfilling life with him around us. I was again at the Vet's clinic a day before he died. Tiger had taken ill and was in a miserable state.

            The Vet tried to write something but just scribbled on his notepad and sighed. His words came as a severe shock as he spoke, "This is the end. They have a life span of maximum nine to ten years. It is your love that has pulled him along for fifteen years. Nothing that I try to prescribe now can help, it will only prolong his suffering." His words came as a fierce blow and I drove back home in tears. We were crying and praying for a peaceful end to his misery.

            My mother gave him some 'Gangajal', switched on the cassette for 'Geeta Path' and whispered in his ear, "Pray to God to go to heaven and return to a healthier body and human life form". We believe in the continuity of the soul through eternity moving from one form to another. He was gone by the next morning leaving us devastated. A dog year is equivalent to seven human years, giving him a life of 105 years. My mother called the 'Panditji' and arranged for a 'puja' for him where we sat in sombre silence praying for peace for his soul.

            Tiger taught me how to love unconditionally. His eyes were always overflowing with selfless love and loyalty. His departure made me jobless as my life till then had revolved around him while I played with him, took him for his walks, went through an elaborate session of coaxing and petting him during his meal times as he was a fussy eater, chasing him to give him his bath which he always wanted to avoid, and grooming him, something he just loved as my fingers moved through his soft and silky fur, making him snuggle up to me. His death created a vacuum in our lives with empty hours at our disposal.

            His presence had brought an overflow of happiness in our lives. He appreciated the little things in life, a little snack would meet with vigorous wagging and caressing. He knew how to bring a smile on our faces with his pranks and cuddling. I learnt to love selflessly and appreciate every little thing around me. He groomed my personality to make me more sensitive to others' needs and emotions. He made me a better person. I wish he is in a healthier body leading a very peaceful life just like my mother wished for him.