His human Vitek sent in his story and these cute photos:
Eliot was born on the roadside in Bangalore, outside a friend's building. His litter had been run over by a truck and many of his siblings were killed. My friend put up a post on Facebook looking for people to adopt them. This was in 2008, and I was living in a city away from family and friends. At the time I was not looking for a dog. I knew what a big responsibility it was. But I was in a transient phase of my life, and I went over to see the pups, if anything, just to play with them.
They were all friendly and loving, and I decided I would adopt one. Choosing a pup is difficult, but one of them kept coming up and jumping on me. The choice was easy. A few minutes later, he was in a cardboard box in my car off to start his new life. The first few nights he whimpered and shivered - it was equally scary for both of us. But as the days went on, he became braver and braver, venturing out of his box and playing...and pooping...lots of pooping!
I named him Eliot after T. S. Eliot, one of my favourite poets. Later it dawned on me that T. S. Eliot had also written what would be the basis for the musical play 'Cats'. The name fit like a glove.
Eliot and I moved back to Bombay in 2009, and he has since lived with me in Cuffe Parade. Much like me, he is a unique character! He is his own master, he plays when he wants and lazes when he wants. He can also be a grouch and a brat. But that's why I love him.
He will turn 9 this year, but he didn't get the memo - he acts just like he did when he was a pup. He is as mischievous as ever. It's easy to tell when he has done something wrong as his look will turn sheepish.
I've had dogs before in my family, mostly breed dogs. But Eliot is the most unique dog we've ever had. His expressions are priceless, and his ears, his ears are the funniest I have seen. They point in different directions and you can tell his mood by the way his ears are. When he is playful they will stand up like antennas. When he's sleepy they fold back, and when he is curious they dart around in multiple directions.
He has a taste for the finer things in life. He loves liver pate. After he tried it the first time he howled and howled until I would give him more! He loves to share my food, which is good because it cuts down on my own intake!
He's the best friend I could ask for, and I hope that I have been able to make him as happy as he has made me. He has also changed my outlook on street dogs. I've always loved them but after having Eliot, I love them more. My wife and I feed the dogs outside our building every night, and I always see a little bit of Eliot in all of them.
Story and photos: Vitek Goyel
Mumbai
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