[sihi: sweet in Kannada]
Life has taught me that learning can come from the least expected of sources at the least appropriate of times. This got reiterated when I met Sihi. I am almost convinced that she came into my life with a purpose, just as I did into hers, with an objective. That she coped with the chill winters, out in the big bad world of other inhuman dogs and dog-phobic humans, apart from surviving a swing-fling-fall on the ground, proved that this girl had the grit and determination to survive.
She lay on the road, down, but not out; beaten physically, but spirit intact. This was a time when I, too was feeling the same way from a personal experience. And I guess it was God's way of bringing us together to walk a while in Life. The two weeks that I belonged to Sihi taught me more than I could imagine. It took me into a world where cruelty to animals and indifference to life made me angry, sad, helpless and hopeful, all at once.
It's hard to imagine that someone who's been with you for just two weeks could have such a great impact on you, while others who may have been for two decades may have none!
Being a part of the CUPA group in Bengaluru has been an eye-opener. It showed me how an animal as a pet becomes more fortunate than an animal on the street. It juxtaposed the contrast between a life that mattered more than life itself to one that was immaterial. The many cases of abandonment of pets, testing on animals, cruelty against animals and disrespect towards their life according to a Human's myopic judgement, shook me into disbelief. It has been the efforts and compassion of other members that reinstated my hope in the goodness that still exists among the Human people. I also greatly admire the team for having rescued almost 300 beagles from the testing laboratories.
I recollect the time when I had taken Casper to lay him to rest after his tragic demise. As I was filling in the details for his burial, I overheard a young man who was giving instructions over the phone regarding the rescue of a kite in distress. He was a volunteer with the organisation. It was around 10:45 p.m. By the time I filled the form, the young man was off on his bike to rescue the kite. My respect for the man swelled.
Sihi will have her own story to share of her experience with me. I may, or may not, be a part of her memory. As I was handing her over to her permanent family, my heart sank and I broke down. She had no comprehension of the events, and I am happy about that. Together we had rekindled our faith in life, in the power of hope and the curative powers of love.
She will write her own equation with life, just as I balanced mine. She will be happy and sad, but she will continue to believe in love, just as I do. She will learn to prance around and be happy, just as I have learnt.
I had written a few lines for Sihi, if she could read!
A Note to Sihi:
As you get ready to leave
For a home that'll be forever yours,
Remember the things I have taught you
And take a piece of my heart with you!
Don't be destructive, don't be dirty
And the food isn't as important
As the love laid out for you
Like the piece of my heart with you!
You'll live your whole life now
With a family that'll love you;
Together you will make memories
In the piece of my heart with you.
You'll grow big and you'll be gentle
You'll be loyal and protective
Be obedient and unconditional in loving
For a piece of my heart is with you...
As time goes by I will grow old
And you will grow old, too
A day will come when we will meet
And our hearts will no longer be two!
Life has taught me that learning can come from the least expected of sources at the least appropriate of times. This got reiterated when I met Sihi. I am almost convinced that she came into my life with a purpose, just as I did into hers, with an objective. That she coped with the chill winters, out in the big bad world of other inhuman dogs and dog-phobic humans, apart from surviving a swing-fling-fall on the ground, proved that this girl had the grit and determination to survive.
She lay on the road, down, but not out; beaten physically, but spirit intact. This was a time when I, too was feeling the same way from a personal experience. And I guess it was God's way of bringing us together to walk a while in Life. The two weeks that I belonged to Sihi taught me more than I could imagine. It took me into a world where cruelty to animals and indifference to life made me angry, sad, helpless and hopeful, all at once.It's hard to imagine that someone who's been with you for just two weeks could have such a great impact on you, while others who may have been for two decades may have none!
Being a part of the CUPA group in Bengaluru has been an eye-opener. It showed me how an animal as a pet becomes more fortunate than an animal on the street. It juxtaposed the contrast between a life that mattered more than life itself to one that was immaterial. The many cases of abandonment of pets, testing on animals, cruelty against animals and disrespect towards their life according to a Human's myopic judgement, shook me into disbelief. It has been the efforts and compassion of other members that reinstated my hope in the goodness that still exists among the Human people. I also greatly admire the team for having rescued almost 300 beagles from the testing laboratories.
I recollect the time when I had taken Casper to lay him to rest after his tragic demise. As I was filling in the details for his burial, I overheard a young man who was giving instructions over the phone regarding the rescue of a kite in distress. He was a volunteer with the organisation. It was around 10:45 p.m. By the time I filled the form, the young man was off on his bike to rescue the kite. My respect for the man swelled.
Sihi will have her own story to share of her experience with me. I may, or may not, be a part of her memory. As I was handing her over to her permanent family, my heart sank and I broke down. She had no comprehension of the events, and I am happy about that. Together we had rekindled our faith in life, in the power of hope and the curative powers of love.
She will write her own equation with life, just as I balanced mine. She will be happy and sad, but she will continue to believe in love, just as I do. She will learn to prance around and be happy, just as I have learnt.
I had written a few lines for Sihi, if she could read!
A Note to Sihi:
As you get ready to leave
For a home that'll be forever yours,
Remember the things I have taught you
And take a piece of my heart with you!
Don't be destructive, don't be dirty
And the food isn't as important
As the love laid out for you
Like the piece of my heart with you!
You'll live your whole life now
With a family that'll love you;
Together you will make memories
In the piece of my heart with you.
You'll grow big and you'll be gentle
You'll be loyal and protective
Be obedient and unconditional in loving
For a piece of my heart is with you...
As time goes by I will grow old
And you will grow old, too
A day will come when we will meet
And our hearts will no longer be two!
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