Do you have a dog? You should skip this then.

Summary

The author shares a personal narrative of their lifelong yearning for a dog, despite never having owned one, and their belief in the eventual destiny of finding the perfect canine companion.

Abstract

The article is a heartfelt reflection on the author's desire to have a dog, tracing back to their childhood influenced by their father's affinity for animals. Despite attempts to bond with a parrot named Mittu and witnessing their father's remarkable interactions with various animals, the author's dream of pet ownership was met with resistance from their mother, who believed it would become her responsibility. The author's longing for a dog continues into adulthood, facing a similar stance from their mother-in-law. The narrative concludes with the author's hopeful anticipation of finally welcoming a dog into their life, encouraged by the belief that there is a dog meant just for them.

Opinions

The author admires their father's ability to connect with animals, considering him an "Animal Man."
The author initially had a neutral stance on animals but grew to love dogs, particularly drawn to their expressive eyes and distinct personalities.
The author's mother was apprehensive about the responsibilities of pet ownership, believing the task would ultimately fall to her.
The author feels that their desire for a dog has been met with various obstacles, including their mother's reluctance and the current condition of convincing their mother-in-law.
The author is optimistic about the future, believing that they are destined to have a dog that will share a special bond with them.
The author enjoys interacting with dogs they encounter and looks forward to the day they can have one as their own pet.

Do you have a dog? You should skip this then.

This is a whine post about the yearning for a dog for nearly two decades.

I don’t really remember when I started to like dogs. But I do remember that Achan (my dad) was like the Animal Man. He could befriend any animal on this planet and he had no fear. I was in awe! I remember him coaxing a tiny, frightened kitten out from under our car. It mewed in fear but slowly made its way to my Achan’s extended fingers. Achan caught it gently by the nape and palmed it and it settled with no signs of moving any time soon.

Amma(mom)on the other hand was terrified of cats especially. She tells a story when you ask why about how a cat jumped over her plate when she was having dinner as a child. But I was like in no man’s land initially, neither did I show any aversion nor did I show any liking.

I have never had a pet as such but when we were in Gulf (its like holy land for a Malayalee!), we had left a window open and in came flying a parrot and it wouldn’t leave. That was my only experience with a pet. And like a cliche the parrot was named Mittu; I have no clue why most pet parrots in India are named Mittu!

As expected, it took an immense liking to Achan. He would sit on Achan’s head, take a quick sip from his glass of whiskey and just basically plastered himself to his knight and saviour-my dad! Me, on the other hand, Mittu wanted nothing to do with. I tried cozying up but it was a failed mission from the get go! I tried petting through the cage and was rewarded with a aggressive peck. I gave up. But Mittu’s residency was short lived as he made a break for it just the way he flew in and that was that.

Another instance, Achan proved his Animal Man status was when we went on a pilgrimage and visited a nearby river. The riverbanks were known for its monkey population; so of course Achan had to buy packets of peanuts for them. Then we witnessed a crazy sight, Achan feeding peanuts to monkeys- wait for it…covered in monkeys. Right from his head to his feet, there were monkeys all around him and he was least bothered. He just smiled and fed them. I was gobsmacked. I mean, didn’t the man at least fear scratches or bites from them…nope!

So maybe I got the love of animals from there. I was initially scared when approaching dogs since I could’t figure out their body language. I always waited for them to come to me and always fell head over heels!

It was their eyes that always got me…every dog I have met had such soulful eyes, you could drown in them. Every dog had a personality too just like people. Some were naturally sad and wise, some excited and hyper, some intelligent and goofy, such a variety of personalities that I wanted each of them to be a part of my life.

I have never had a pet dog. I have whined, rebelled, threatened and even given the silent treatment over getting a dog, but none of these have worked so far. It’s always been a variety of reasons. When I was young, Amma used to say its too much work. Her words were, “ You guys will play with the puppy when it’s young and slowly I will have to take over every aspect of caring for it. I did not sign up for this. End of discussion!” No matter how much I pleaded, it fell on deaf ears.

At present, there have been promises of getting a dog on the condition that I convince my mom-in-law, who pretty much has the same stand as Amma. So it’s a stalemate. I don’t know when I would have the honour of a dog coming into my life, but I do believe I am destined to one.

Because there’s one puppy or dog out there who’s just going to be for me. All the sloppy kisses and all the cuddles and all the naughtiness, all for me. So till then all I can do is play with dogs and puppies I meet, gaze adoringly at doggy pictures and of course wait for one of my own.

Soon puppy…very soon! Hopefully more than one since it’s been such a long wait and it’s only fair.

Comment down below with your pet story and of course, post a picture so I can obsess over it! :)