…….AND YET PEOPLE CALLED HER STRAY

Kanu, a long-eared brown colored stray and her three adorable pups came my way on a sunny evening, accepted food from my hands, and became my friends forever.

 It became a daily ritual despite the obvious disagreement of my four legged baby. Kanu would wait anxiously for me every day. Initially, I would carry a small treat for her, which she accepted graciously. Eventually, my insecure pet accepted our friendship. Soon I started carrying food for her entire brood and it was such a joy feeding Kanu and her adorable puppies. Seeing them enjoying the food gave me immense pleasure that the walk could not give.

 I started looking forward to my after-dinner walks just to be in the company of Kanu and her pups. She was like sunshine in my gloomy days. Whenever I was feeling low somehow Kanu would sense my loneliness and would come jumping all over me, and my loneliness would wither away. Kanu, an epitome of innocence gave love so wonderful which is cherished forever. A true Darvesh, the giver of selfless love, she moved me and warmed my heart beyond understanding.

One rainy afternoon I heard haunting cries of a dog but could not see anyone. Minutes later I heard a noise in the backyard. The site left me speechless and numb. Kanu was carrying a limp and lifeless pup in her mouth, and I sensed one of the pups had died. She brought the pup in my kitchen garden, where she used to get her feed. For her, the secure place was my garden and not the secluded cluster of trees and shrubs where she had given birth to them. She wanted a secure place to bury her pup. She buried the pup and mourned, looking around for support. Her cries, clearly audible in the heavy downpour, still haunt me. Despite the heavy downpour, I went across the garden to comfort her. I cajoled her to come inside the house. Drained and shattered after her mourning, she did accept milk and bread from me. She felt safe and secure in my house. The tangible love for progeny was evident in this soul-stirring experience.

The most difficult part was leaving the house due to the vagaries of army life. It was hard for me to have a life without Kanu. I could not take Kanu and her pups with me. The constant worry about her well being was weighing me down. Just then my maid came up to me and promised that she will regularly feed her and look after her.

 This was evident when I saw a healthy and happy Kanu jumping towards me when I visited the same place after a year. My heart knew no better joy than seeing the smiling face of Kanu.