Surprise, surprise! There is a part of India where INDogs actually do get the respect and status they deserve. And guess what...it's an extremely large chunk of India.
Rural India, tribal India.
INDogs have been valued as companions and watchdogs by aboriginal peoples and traditional rural society for centuries. Let's hope that never changes.
There is cause for worry, though. I am disturbed by growing requests for "good breed dogs" in the more touristy, prosperous villages (such as those in the Alibag region). Influenced by the city people who keep visiting, these villagers have started considering western pure breeds and mix-breeds superior to the pariah-type INDog. At every given opportunity I deliver a short lecture on why we should all be proud of INDogs, and I hope you will too.
These pictures of pet INDogs have been shot in parts of India that are still untouched by this trend.
From top to bottom:
The first and second pictures were taken by me in Kutch recently
Third: A handsome INDog in the village of Moharli, on the boundary of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (central India). A perfect example of the "long-term pariah morphotype," the generalized appearance of primitive dogs around the world.
Fourth: Another pet in Moharli. This female had a puppy who was kept safe in the owner's hut.
Fifth, sixth: Taken by Aditya Panda in the Satkosia Gorge Tiger Reserve, Orissa. This is Tibu, who lives in Satkosia with his owners. He is a well-cared-for pet (as you can see from the pictures), and he also does his bit as a watchdog, chasing jackals and hyenas away from his owner's house and livestock.
Seventh, eighth: More pet INDogs in Satkosia. Photos by Aditya.
1 comment:
Beautiful, healthy (touch wood) dogs. Goes to show how those people care for them. And strangely enough, as I've observed in my father's village too - the dogs there dont have any illnesses or skin diseases (unlike their counterparts in the city),they are healthy,territorial,playful and very well cared for.They even took care of the cattle at home! My grandparents passed away within exactly a year of each other. And both our dogs passed away exactly a month or 2 after grandma and grandad did. Their names were Pandu and Britto :) Still remember how I used to chase them around like mad, wanting to molest them,hugging or pulling at their ears.I remember how patient they were with me too. :')
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