Hardy

“We are all one big happy family. It’s only the walls of the houses that separate us. Other than that, we are one”, says Vineet Abhang, a middle aged man, as he is flanked by Avinash Tambe and Avanindra Oturkar. The trio are lovingly called the “Amar, Akbar and Anthony” of the BMC Colony Chawl number 6. They are, however, better-known for their love of dogs and humane behaviour towards animals. “When we were kids, we were playing and came across two puppies” says Avinash. “At that time, there used to be a TV show being broadcast regularly, called ‘Laurel & Hardy’. So, we decided to name these two puppies similarly. 

We lost Laurel when the BMC took him away and left him somewhere else. We tried to find him, but failed. Hardy is still here and we have grown up together.” Hardy is a fully grown stray dog, but a word of advice; don’t call Hardy a dog amidst these people, they get offended. “He is a member of our family. He is as much human to us as a brother.”  

Hardy is known to come for dinner on time every day at approximately 8 p.m. and wait calmly for his meal. A reminder would be a gentle “woof” or a knock on the plastic door with his paws. “We all feel the gentleman in him.” A dog well-looked after, he now recognizes days on which non-vegetarian food would be made in which house. It’s fascinating how, he would avoid Avinash’s house on a Tuesday, but turn up the very next day. Since then, another two puppies were found without their mother, this time by the next generation of children in the chawl. “I am glad that our love for animals has been picked up by the children. They tend to save money and sometimes buy the dogs the commercial brand dog foods like Pedigree. We never asked them to do that. They willingly save two and three rupees which they get as change from the shopkeepers and instead of buying candy for themselves, they save enough to buy good food for the dogs” says Aravindra.

[LtoR: Vineet Abhang, Moti(looking away), Hardy, Avanindra Oturkar, Avinash Tambe , flanked by the younger animal enthusiasts of BMC Chawl 6]

Seeing this charitable nature of the kids, the elders made a small dog house for the puppies and kept them there till they were strong enough to look after themselves. “Our fathers  also loved of dogs. They have been friends even before the three of us were born. They named the dogs ‘Julie’,’Isha’,’Chandani’ ; ‘Chandani’ was a beautiful white dog. I was the only one from us who got to see her” continues Avinash. ‘Sheru’ and ‘Moti’ on a daily basis have started following people from this chawl right up to the entrance when they go for work or even a walk at night. The people suspect that there was an attempted robbery, but it was foiled due to these four-legged vigilantes. “The dogs here are seen to bark at strangers. We know that for sure because once my friend was coming home with me at night; Hardy and Sheru started barking at him but stopped as soon as they saw me. There was one night when something similar happened, only thing different was that they didn’t stop till we came out. I think they were barking at robbers. *Touches a tree* We haven’t had a robbery in this chawl for the past thirty years” said Vineet.

The dogs here have become a permanent part of the lives of people in Chawl 6. A day without these members of the family is incomplete and unsatisfactory.
“Their life is as precious to me as mine. I know a day will come when they will pass away. I fear that day.”

  -   Omkar Khopkar - WSD intern went to Avanindra Oturkar &Avinash Tambe's neighbourhood and penned Hardy's story.

Whitey

She is called Whitey but her name is a misnomer.

She may be pure white only after a wash but for the rest of the time I think Muddy, Sandy, Grimy or Brownie would be more appropriate! She loves to sleep in the mud, especially in summer after the garden has been watered! She lives in the St.Mary's Church, Pune campus and guards it with her life!

She recognises the car that brings her food but is most polite. No jumping or barking if you please. Just a circular tail wag and a sideways run to the bench.

She will wait for it patiently on the wooden park bench that doubles up as her resting place in the evenings! She knows she is not allowed into the church and is happy to wait for people to approach her, bounding to them if she is called!

She is nothing but joy and love. Her smile is enough to keep anyone going, if only they cared to look!

-  Nina Laxmikanth, Pune

Hero

Our Hero

 

True to his name, “Hero” is a handsome 3 year old Pariah who once resided in a narrow Khetwadi lane. My sister and I saw him grow from a clumsy playful puppy to a dashing dog. It was easy to sneak into the house at 2 a.m without our parents knowing but Hero ...he’d just somehow know it was one of us and For my mom, Hero had finally been THE dog! For a woman who would change her route if a dog was barking... would now get restless if she’d not see him resting in his usual spot on her way home from work. We got a shock when we saw Hero jumping on her and instead of fretting, she’d pat him with all her motherly tenderness. A sweet innocent creature managed to break her fear of over 40 years! 

Hero with my mother & me on one of his 
Sunday trips  to Marine Drive

Hero was not just the apple of our eye but also a favorite of the nearby building watchman, secretary and construction workers. In fact, he was family to all of them. Unfortunately, his playful nature seemed an eye sore to a few residents of our building who time and again tried to make sure Hero was taken away from the area on false pretext.

Hero enjoying the breeze at PDP on a summer morning !

One day prior to my engagement, Hero’s screams caught my attention and I realized the BMC had mercilessly tied him in a gunny bag. The neighbours this time had gone too far by filing a false complaint with the BMC about him “biting” their child. After a lot of ruckus and being comforted by Abodh that he’d be taken to the WSD kennel, I got my senses back and decided that the engagement must take the back seat. So while my (very) co- operative fiancé was handling 2 sets of confused parents, with the help of the Hero’s caretakers, we initiated a signature campaign to bring Hero back. Right from a 12 year old kid of a local tailor to a 60 year old lady (who signed in Persian because it is the only language she knew) joined hands to bring our dog back.

 Finally, with a lot of help from WSD, we managed to get Hero to where he belonged in 3 days – all happy and healthy ! Due to the constant harassment from the same neighbours, Hero now lives with his caretakers in their apartment not far from his old home. My family and I visit him weekly or whenever possible. The distance is only a number because he lives in our heart and we in his !

- Farah Dotiwalla, Mumbai

Sweety

Amongst flooded streets, insane traffic and the Mumbai sky turning a deep ominous grey, Sweety was born in a flooded channel on 26^th July 2005 (when Mumbai was deluged with torrential rain) within the campus of Sir J. J. College of Architecture. Hari kaka, the college caterer, urban-legend-teller and also the source behind this story, shifted the puppies to a safer place but unfortunately, the mother and Sweety's sister passed away. Since then this campus has been home to him and his brother Kalu. Even though a couple of dogs have been living in the campus, he is the most jolly dog amongst all. Hence the name 'Sweety'.

Call Sweety anytime and this silver fox comes running wagging his tail, always ready for rubs and hugs. Everyone loves to share lunch with him. Sometimes he is seen attending the guitar playing sessions outside the canteen and at other times, he is spotted sunbathing  himself in the campus or enjoying football with the football team who call him demba, always ready to cuddle with everyone.

It has been observed that people who have abnormal fear of dogs also play with him due to his innocence and cheerful nature. After all, dogs are the only creatures who share happiness even with the hands that hit them and all they want is love and yeah, a little bit of food too, preferably Parle- G.

- Nikita Mhaisekar.

  Final year student, Sir J.J. College of Architecture,           Mumbai

Parsi Kua Rani

Remembering Rani on Parsi New Year today. Rani passed away in 2009. Had written this that time.

“Rani” had been living at the Bhikaji Behram Kua (Parsi Well) for the past 15 years. This well is located near Cross Maidan in the South Mumbai area. It was dug in 1725 by a Parsi citizen as a thanksgiving gesture after being saved from a potential calamity.

She was the gentlest dog that I have ever known and had slowed down in her last days due to her age. She was loved by the Parsi worshippers who visit this holy place and of course the attendants who doted on her. They were always very concerned about her and used to call WSD very promptly if she was suffering from any ailment. She used to either be sitting by the back door under the photograph of Zarathustra or on one of the wooden green benches or somewhere near the well. She was a very willing patient, be it for her tick infestation, her rabies immunization or a maggot wound. She will be truly missed by all of us especially me as I had known her for more than 12 years.

The well continues to have other dogs which they look after!

- Abodh Aras, Mumbai

Rusty

I would like to share with you the story of Rusty. Rusty lives in small block of flats in a quiet lane of Santa Cruz.

We first met him when we moved here two years ago. He is the building dog and helps the watchmen in their duties. In the beginning I found him a rather quiet dog not too interested in the goings around and not a very eager tail wagger. But that was just in the beginning. He is actually just very shy. And he is popular in his own quiet way in the whole lane. Have seen a lady living in the house opposite feed him regularly. And seen him accompany other residents when they are walking their indoor dogs for a walk. 

With time Rusty's shyness has melted away and now when ever I come home I am greeted by an enthusiastic wag and lick and whining if we meet after more than a day. He just loves to come up home with me and have his milk. He is terrified of the lift but manages the eight stories to my flat in a jiffy. 

But Rusty does not know how to count and is many times found sitting outside other flat doors and I have to go find him. The first time he came home was along with the garbage man...we were pleased to see him...he got a nice welcome ...explored the flat ...had his milk and went to sleep in a corner. Rusty is a champion sleeper. When ever he comes home he just sleeps.He can sleep the whole day without stirring. There are times that I am scared that I am going to forget he is sleeping somewhere in the house and lock him in.

He is also pretty stubborn as I found out to my amusement and dismay on his first visit. We had to go out and he refused to leave.....and by refuse I mean just that...became an immovable statue ...I nearly had to push/pick him up to get him out of the door. Later another neighbour who also used to host him confirmed this habit of his.

I have seen dogs eat grass sometimes.Our Rusty is a gourmet. Whenever he comes he eats one leaf out of my pot of lemon grass in the balcony!! Go figure:-)

As I write he is sleeping by my bed side. There will be a bit of an argument when I ask him to go down at night and do his duty as a guard dog.But thankfully he now agrees to go without any pushing/pulling and manhandling.But never has he gone without trying to make me feel as guilty as he can :-)) And these days he has started to show his happiness in coming over , by running a few rounds through the house sending all the rugs out of place. Its really nice to see his playful side come out. We are really gonna miss him when we leave.I have always fed strays- dogs or cats- but this fellow has really made his place in our hearts.

- Charul Chaudhry, Mumbai

Piddi & Golu

This is Piddi on the left with black and white patches & on right is Golu.. with black spots. They both are partners in masti and hullad.  The only survivors from a litter of 7. They are 3 months old. They put a smile on everyone's face. Kids in my area love them. Piddi is the notorious one. He has been adopted twice but comes back running to the area for Golu. Golu always eats Piddi's share and Piddi happily gives it away.  They both are inseparable and luv each other. They express their love by fighting(playing) with each other. Without fights their day is incomplete. 

- Harsha Sharma, Mulund, Mumbai

Black Eyes

Lost, I wandered into this area. Hid myself as much as I could from unwanted attention. You know - the kicking, pulling my tail, stone throwing, name calling and of course the chasing me out of a space.Why? It's not as if they need it. But that's humans for you. 

Girls everywhere I look around me. Maybe I'll see if I can make this my home. Some people dared to feed me, some giggly girls apprehensively patted me. Why were they scared? Did they think I would bite? Me, bite? Not unless I am threatened and I felt no fear here. 

Days go by and I slowly venture up and down the road...hmm, I knew the girls went somewhere round that winding road. Let me see where it goes... Interesting more girls! Should I settle down here? But there is food upstairs some days. 

Hey guess what? I get a regular meal and some rubs and hugs from the same people. Maybe there is hope here. But hold on, they seem to have another dog?! It's a lady...she is a bit odd...teeth a bit askew. Perhaps they need to take her to a dentist? But who cares, they love me...they feed me. And all I need to do is wag my tail at them. I can manage that. I think.

Days, many days have passed. The toothy lady has disappeared. Wonder if she is at the dentist? Does it take that long? She has not returned...Can I take her place? Apparently not! The guards and other men chase me. 

Sigh, I ll live at the bottom, near the tea stall. The girls often meet here, blowing smoke out of their mouths, shrieking with laughter, eating and most importantly sharing a pat and some tit bits with me.

Life goes on. I meet other dogs but this one pack- huge brown lad and his entourage surround me. They circle me, they watch me, they threaten me but I stand my ground. There is a feeling in the air that I might have chased off Ms Funny teeth ladydog, but I continue holding my air of innocence and nonchalance. 

Phew...that worked. They leave me alone....well, all but that smokey grey one. He has a look in his eyes that I...wait a minute! I think he has the hots for me. Might explain why I find him one step behind me many a time. Hmmm...

Cannot shake him off. What do I do. He sniffs me out no matter where I hide. 

Eureka! I have managed to rise above him. The tops of these noisy, smelly machines. I scramble on top and rest the night away. Except, the humans chase me off. Why? The machines rest all night. How does it matter if I sleep like a dog, (or is it log?) up there? 

You tell me. 

- As told by Black Eyes to Deepali, Breach Candy, Mumbai

Kali

This is Kaali, the sweetest, gentlest dog I have ever known. She has an old, kind soul, and a beautiful heart that loves everyone, and especially favours Parle G biscuits and big bowls of soupy mutton rice.

Kaali lives in a building complex tucked away in Reclamation, Bandra West. I first met her 10 years ago when she was a bouncy, gregarious, and very talkative puppy. There are conflicting versions of how she got into the complex - some people say she was thrown out of a car one evening; others say a resident left her behind when they moved away. Either way this is her home and she is very loved.

Everyone in the complex has a special connection with Kaali. She has built a bond with families, whose toddlers play with her without any fear. She particularly loves the small babies who giggle at her heartmelting grin and let her whisper stories to them. 

The staff worship her and bring her treats; they always know where she is napping - under a car or in the garden or inside a corridor. They know when she is out of sorts, and when she needs an extra cuddle. The bhelwala who stands outside the complex is her best friend, and she hangs out with him all evening, chatting, napping and snacking on the occasional piece of boiled potato he gives her.

Kaali is eleven now, and slower than she used to be. She falls ill more often, and has stopped racing around the gardens like she did as a sprightly young lady. Her fur is turning silver, and she isn't able to put away as many biscuits as she used to. To me, and the rest of her family, though, her spirit stays unchanged. She still comes racing out, squealing with joy when she sees you, demanding kisses and belly rubs. She still enjoys her weekly grooming sessions, and then suns herself after for hours. She still loves getting wet in the rains. 

If I could pick one word to describe what Kaali means to everyone who knows her, it is happiness. She radiates joy, and touches everyone's heart with her special kind of sunshine.

Chinmayee Manjunath, Mumbai

Lalu

 I'm sharing a picture of 'Lalu'. He's a male dog around 2 years old. His location is in and around our workshop in an industrial area called Wanjra industrial layout on outskirts of Nagpur.

He's a very jovial and a friendly dog. He looks upto everyone with nice expectations (of not just providing him with food) but also of love and care which he in turn returns without fail with his lovely and innocent looks and a wagging tail.

He's in his own mood during the winters but needs extra care during the 40°C upwards of temperatures and in the rains too when he fails to get meals from the slums close by....

It is very much a fact today that "street dogs get much of everything from the less privileged ones and hardly get anything from the wealthier ones". But people like you and me are trying our level best to strike a balance of sorts.

I've been very fond of dogs since childhood and I really feel that I'm meant to do my part towards street dogs even if I'm away from the nearly 100 plus dogs at WSD Mumbai, which I somehow manage to do through this lovely dog Lalu.

Siddhant Malani, Nagpur

Boy

My lane has always been lucky when it comes to street dogs. We’ve had some of the best dogs and everyone in the lane falls in love with them but somehow they can never think of another name besides the most commonly used “Raja”. One of our old dogs had passed away after a good sixteen years, after that the lane had lost it’s charm but in 2011, boy (I’ll explain the name later) came to our rescue.

I was walking up my lane when I saw this dog sniffing around. I was thrilled! I called out to him and he followed me. I took him to the place where the old Raja used to stay and then I went home, got him some rotis and biscuits and went back down. I found him sleeping in the exact same spot that I had left him in. He was very shy, didn’t wag his tail or anything so I left the food in front of him and left . When I went home, I tried to think of a name for him. The only thing I could come up with was “Boy”, because he did respond to that and it suited him. 

The next day I went down to give him some food, this time I thought I’d feed him instead of just leaving it on the ground, so I put my hand out. Oddly enough, this guy would just stare at my hand for the longest time and just when I was about to take it back he’d snatch it out of my hand. At first I was a little terrified but now that I think about it, it was quite funny! Days passed on, I gave him food twice a day but he still never showed any signs of being happy. 

One day I was walking up my lane, boy came to me and wagged his tail ONCE! I was ecstatic, haha! I couldn’t believe I finally got some reaction out of him. After that day everything changed. He never left my side (Well actually he’d always walk ahead of me, stop and wait for me to catch up and then start moving again). Once, he came with me to the bank and he waited right outside the oor. People were so scared of him, they didn’t leave the bank till he moved (which he didn’t). It was hilarious! Boy is also a big wuss! Whenever another stray gets territorial and tries to attack him, he hides behind my legs! And it’s not like I’m very brave when it comes to situations like these either, but luckily we always manage to escape without a scratch. 

Sure enough everyone in the lane loves him and they spoil him rotten and of course, I’m the only one who calls him Boy. The great “Raja” still prevails. 

We love all our Rajas and I hope every neighbourhood finds a dog like him

- Namrata Lunia, Mumbai