The mystery-solving dog

Ruh-roh! With his insatiable appetite and knack for stumbling into spooky mysteries, Scooby-Doo is a pet anyone would love having around. Alongside his human companions in the Mystery Inc. gang, Scooby-Doo embarks on thrilling adventures filled with laughs, scares, and obviously plenty of Scooby Snacks. Despite his tendency to be easily frightened, Scooby-Doo’s loyalty to his friends and his unshakeable courage in the face of danger make him a true hero of the canine world. Like Cringer, he may shake and shiver at first, but he’s never one to say no to busting a ghost imitator!

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A few days ago, I got a note from a reader, saying, “Bob, I long for the day when I won’t have any more problems!”

And I thought of Mr Pointed Ears!

Some ten years ago, a new dog, with long pointed ears, entered the colony I live in. Nobody wanted the new stray to stay on the premises, and so all the watchmen were kept very busy chasing it out of the gates, but somehow it managed to outwit them and enter again. I marvelled at its perseverance. 

Not only did it have to contend with the watchmen, the pump man and all the sweepers who ran after it with their brooms and sometimes empty dustbins, but it also had to deal with the three existing strays in the colony.

These three dogs, who were a gang, ran after this fellow and there wasn’t a day when there wasn’t a dog fight. But this fellow was big and strong, and soon I found that the lead black dog and this chap had become friends, and he was soon part of their gang.

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Recently, I had the pleasure of watching Clifford the Big Red Dog, a heart-warming movie that brought back fond memories of the lessons I’ve learned from dogs throughout my life. As I followed the adventures of this lovable canine, it reminded me of the invaluable wisdom and insights that dogs offer. From their unwavering loyalty to their infectious joy, dogs teach us valuable lessons that are undeniably useful in navigating the ups and downs of life.

Unconditional Love and Acceptance

Watching Clifford’s unwavering love and acceptance towards his human companions reminded me of the immense capacity of dogs to love unconditionally. Dogs don’t judge us based on our appearance, flaws or past mistakes. They love us for who we are, flaws and all, offering a powerful lesson in accepting others and ourselves with open hearts. In a world where judgement and criticism is prevalent, dogs teach us the importance of embracing others with love and understanding.

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On the other hand, many beautiful and healthy dogs end up in animal shelters because of just not having a home or the unstable financial condition or abandonment by the owner. By taking one small step you can help them, and that is by deciding to adopt them instead of purchasing them from a pet shop.

Animal shelters are full of amazing pets looking for their forever home and worthy people whom they can call their family. The dogs at the shelter are happier and healthier than those in pet shops. Just because a dog isn’t a purebred doesn’t mean that they are not worth owning. Why buy from a pet shop or a breeder to own a dog only for its breed, just because it’s known for specific characteristics? Or maybe you want to show it off to your friends? Dogs are not made for showing off or for comparing with others!

A mix breed is unique; they’re one of a kind. Why should you judge a dog by its breed instead of going to a shelter and having a whole range of dogs to choose from? Small to big, puppies to adults, you can find the companion that you’ve always wanted. When you adopt your bestie, not only are you saving a life, but you are also standing up against puppy mills, which is a wonderful thing.

Man’s best friend deserves better… they deserve good care, safety and love from their family. With your help we can save them all and give them the wonderful life that they deserve.

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This morning as I walked my now-old German Shepherd dog, a new neighbour looked at it with a grimace on her face and to such people do I address this piece:

I had been to my childhood home a few years back. A friend who came along, watched as I took pictures of my old house and then wondered why I pointed the camera at a bush near the front door.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“That’s where Flash is buried,” I said.

I never saw Flash being buried. It was a sad morning when my brother told me she was dead.

“Bury her,” I said. “I don’t want to see her dead.”

He did and I have no memories of her lifeless body.

Flash was a little kitten when I brought her home.

She waited outside for me to return from school and then with raised tail followed me around, dog-like. She climbed upto the terrace with me, purring contently as I buried myself in my books. Climbed onto my bed, under my mosquito net and slept with her head on my arm.

A habit she had which I found strange was how she would sometimes climb up my mother’s sari to sit on her shoulder. It was a habit that saved her life: We heard the meow. It sounded like it was coming from far away. She sounded weak and something made me run to the well and look in. There deep down was Flash. My mother came running with a sari. We dropped the end into the well and watched with tears as an exhausted, tired and thoroughly wet cat climbed weakly out and into my mother’s outstretched arms. Even now when little kids sing, “Ding dong bell, Pussy’s in the well…!” I smile.

Flash was Persian, a black beauty, and she knew it. She picked her mates with care, but they came and fought for her and one battle royal took place with her inside my mosquito net, in which to defend her I came out scratched and deeply bitten! For once I bravely took the tetanus shot; it was a fight for Flash and a good cause. The scars are still there.

But one day Flash died; she came home bleeding and was gone the next morning. I never saw her dead.

But that morning, I pulled out my harmonica and played a tune. Now many decades later it’s a tune I still find difficult to play without tears pouring down my adult face. My children are going to look at the photo of those bushes and ask, “What’s that dad?”

“That’s where they buried Flash,” I’ll say and turn away. It’s not often they see me cry…

I wish the lady with the sour face would let the love of either a cat or a dog, change her attitude to them, and maybe to the whole world!

Maybe it’s not just that lady, but something all of us could try; keep a pet and see a change in ourselves.

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In Switzerland, it is illegal to own only one guinea pig because they’re social animals prone to loneliness. Pet ownership laws don’t stop there. Dog owners have to take classes before getting a furry friend. A cat owner has to let it outside or give it a window from which it can see another cat. Sick fish cannot be flushed down the toilet; special chemicals must be used for euthanasia.

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