From tossing biscuits at a dog to becoming a vegetarian, my story sparked a ripple effect. It’s the kind of ripple that hits the quietest of lakes, spreading until the entire bank dances to the wind in harmony. Describing the impact, she had on my life is a challenge, but this single ripple captures it perfectly.
My family moved to India after eleven years in Wisconsin, USA, during the COVID-19 pandemic. After the mandated quarantine, I went out for some fresh air and saw her: a gorgeous brown and black spotted white dog, lying atop a slab. I hurried inside to get her a pack of Marie biscuits. Despite never having had a pet, I have always been an animal lover, wanting to translate my love for animals into action by becoming a veterinarian from a young age. While I knew strays existed, I’d never met one since I’d lived in a small town with harsh winters. Not knowing how she’d react, I tossed a biscuit, which hit her leg. She walked away. I tried again, and this time the biscuit landed in front of her. While she seemed hesitant, she took it. Success!
Over the following days, I visited her every night, bearing biscuits. The first time she wagged her tail at me, she stirred tears of joy within me. She was a bright, cheerful beacon of light during the dark days of the pandemic. Eventually, biscuits turned into mutton bones, then hearty meals of curd rice mixed with meat or eggs. Every day, I ensured that her bowl was full, even stocking up on gravy dog food on days we didn’t have meat. As she gained trust, she became more comfortable with me and my family. Every time I left the house, she would walk beside me, sometimes even trailing after my grandmother!
Unfortunately, as COVID restrictions were eased and schools reopened, we had to relocate nearer to my school. My sorrow was alleviated knowing that she, whom we started calling Bhairavi (after the Hindu god Bhairava whose ‘vehicle’ is a dog) was in good hands. The vada vendor on my street, who referred to her as ‘Mani’, had been feeding her for months. I was assured that Bhairavi would be well cared for. During dinner on the night we moved away, my mother jokingly asked, “You do so much for Bhairavi and claim to be an animal lover, but you’re eating chicken biryani right now. Isn’t that ironic?”. I’d always felt uneasy about eating meat, and what my mother said struck a chord. Spurred by emotion, I swore off meat. It has been three years since then, and I’ve stayed true to my decision.
Today, Bhairavi is still a beloved member of my family. My grandmother still gives her milk/extra meat, the vada vendor still gives ‘Mani’ her meals, and someone in the neighbourhood has even taken her in, giving her and her friends a place to sleep. These days, whenever I visit my grandmother and run into Bhairavi, I get her food and shower her with love. The relationship between humans and dogs might seem simplistic to outsiders, but having experienced it, I can confidently say there’s nothing comparable to it. After Bhairavi, I went on to feed many strays within and outside of my neighbourhood. I always have a bag of kibble with me, in case I encounter a hungry animal. Bhairavi opened my eyes and ignited my passion. Simply put, that dog transformed my entire life, and I absolutely love her for it.
About the Author
Shilpa, a high school student aspiring to become a veterinarian and has a passion for Bharatanatyam and painting. She loves interacting with and feeding strays, whose presence always uplifts her. She dreams of rescuing and caring for animals in the future, providing them with the lives they deserve."