The sweet 'mistakes' of my life

Like it's always been, my two new dogs found me. I didn't go looking for them. In fact, I was busy muttering to myself: No more dogs, no more dogs. But in November last year, in the freezing cold, came in a puppy, all of a month or so old, materializing literally on my doorstep, braving the wrath of Older Dog (the terrier named Yoyo). He was promptly adopted, as there was a slot free, with Senior Older Dog Snoopy having passed on some months ago. We named him Jugnu (which means firefly in Hindi/Urdu).

A month later, a creamy white creature, all of two months old, stuck to me on my walk. I firmly avoided eye contact (that really does you in)...and even vaguely shooed him away. But he walked so firmly with me, that it was clear he had a clearer idea of destiny's game-plan than I did. I made the mistake of looking at his eyes. They were the cutest jet black buttons, full of urgent hope that I would recognize him as my own!

This one was named nothing for a while, because we sort of fooled ourselves that we would fatten him up and give him to someone. Looking in their eyes and naming them - sure way of being hooked. And hooked we are. So this one is Bertie (as in Wooster, don't ask why...later I thought of Masoom and Rumi, or Toby but by this time Bertie was answering to his name). Yoyo wasnt pleased at all, but Jugnu was thrilled - as you can see from this photograph, Jugnu really took him under his wing! They are about ten months old now, and do not fit into that chair together anymore.

Having them has meant realigning my life, adding a second gate so that they dont rush out into neighbours' homes, cooking vast quantities of food, having favourite footwear, artefacts, plants, furniture, etc chewed up, major maintenance work like brushing, bathing, walking, vet visits...I didn't plan to get so tied up again, for sure. But as they say...Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans. I'm not complaining!

All my dogs have come to me in this pre-planned manner - meaning they and their Maker plan, and I fall in line - the first one many years ago came by plane, the other one came off a rubbish heap, the third one (current eldest) literally jumped into my car via the window, and now these two.

Gouri Dange
Pune