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