How a stray turned fear of dogs into love

My niece, a dog lover, was well disposed towards street dogs, while I used to be scared of dogs so much that I would avoid early morning walks when empty streets were dominated by canines.

This fear, however, has turned into fondness after interacting with a pup that my niece brought home one day.

Over three years back my niece spotted some new-born puppies near a fast-food kiosk in Chandigarh. She looked around for their mother but the kiosk-owner told her that the mother had not survived, and my niece could take one of the puppies along, if she wished. Armed with suo motu ‘permission’, she brought home one of the puppies.

The pup, a surprise for folks at home, was, however, welcomed. Christened ‘Zara’, it was soon vaccinated and even taken to a spa. A coat and a cosy bedding were arranged, but still Zara would sneak into my niece’s bed, who even hired a dog trainer for the dog. Once when the family had to go out of town, Zara was left at a dog hostel.

Thanks to Zara, I have discovered that there is a flourishing ecosystem for pet-care in Chandigarh and surrounding areas. But more than that after interacting with Zara, I have overcome my fear of dogs.  The change of heart is complete as I have even stopped shrinking away from stray dogs in my neighbourhood.

Dog lovers in the Tricity should adopt stray dogs rather than buy expensive breeds. By giving shelter to stray dogs, our streets will also become safer.

Chander Gupta, Panchkula