THE STORY OF APPU

On a rainy day in August 2021, Appu showed up at our door, soaked to the bone and covered in mud. At first, we were taken aback to see a Pomeranian dog in such harsh weather, especially since we hadn't seen him in our neighborhood before.

Appu's arrival sparked a mix of curiosity and concern within us. We wondered where he came from and why he was all alone in the rain. Despite our initial surprise, we couldn't ignore his condition, So, we decided to offer him some shelter from the downpour. Amma placed a towel on the verandah steps, along with a bowl of milk and biscuits, at first, he was hesitant to eat them, he sat at a distance near the gate and stared into the dark, ignoring both the rain and frequent requests from amma and anu to come inside. After quite some time, he finally gave in and came to sit on the towel we had placed for him. Appu seemed hesitant at first, but he eventually drank some milk and lay down there, finding comfort in the temporary shelter we provided.

 While we were concerned about his well-being, we also couldn't help but worry about his owners, who might be frantically searching for their lost pet. With a sense of urgency, we took Appu's picture and details and sent messages through our residency WhatsApp group and informed our neighbors, hoping to reunite him with his rightful owners. However, that night passed without any news, and Appu peacefully slept in the corner of our verandah, seeming at ease with us.

 The next morning, my sister and I began brainstorming potential names for him. We tried calling him several common names, but none seemed to resonate with him. Finally, we settled on the name "Appu," a name he responded to with gentle acknowledgment.

 Our efforts to find Appu's owners continued for a few days, but as time went on, it became evident that he had been abandoned on the streets. We reached out to several organizations seeking a better living situation for him, as our neighborhood wasn't pet-friendly. While some organizations were unable to assist, a kind-hearted veterinary doctor and his assistant paid us a visit. They examined Appu, discovering that he was limping on his hind leg and appeared less responsive. The doctor administered necessary vaccinations and provided medication to ease his pain. We also learned that Appu was an older dog with hearing loss, making it apparent that his owners had left him to fend for himself on the streets.

 With proper care and medication, Appu's condition improved, and he gradually became a cherished member of our family. Although he never ventured inside our house, he settled comfortably in the verandah, causing no trouble at all. He gratefully ate whatever food my mother (amma) provided, and he relished the affectionate head rubs we gave him. Twice a day, amma would open the gates, allowing him to take a short neighborhood stroll before returning home. Appu's amiable nature and minimal barking made him a beloved presence in our neighborhood, and some neighbors even paid visits to see him, appreciating his gentle demeanor.

Appu's gratitude and warmth were evident every time we returned home. He'd joyfully welcome us, jumping around and wagging his tail. His special bond with amma was heartwarming, and he grew anxious if he couldn't see or hear her for more than a few minutes. Appu would diligently keep an eye on the kitchen, anticipating amma's movements, and if she went to another room and took a while, he'd become visibly concerned, rushing to find her.

Surprisingly, even my father (Achan), who had never been fond of dogs as pets, formed a strong connection with Appu. During thunderstorms, when Appu felt frightened, he sought solace by quietly approaching Achan, and staying close to him.

 Months passed by and Appu had become a member of our family. Every evening, like clockwork, amma would open the gates for his regular neighborhood stroll. Appu enjoyed these walks, but one fateful night, something felt amiss. He ventured out on his usual walk, but minutes turned into tens of minutes, and he still hadn't returned. Worry crept into our hearts, and we couldn't shake the feeling that something had gone wrong.

As the hours ticked by, amma's anxiety grew, and she waited at the gate for over an hour, hoping to catch a glimpse of our furry friend. But there was no sign of Appu. Fearing the worst, amma prepared his bed in the corner of our verandah and filled his water bowl, leaving the gate open for him. We closed our doors, but our minds remained fixated on Appu's safety. Amma checked the verandah repeatedly throughout the night, for his return.

Morning came, with the most unfortunate news. Appu was attacked by a group of stray dogs and is no more. We struggled to come to terms with the fact that we lost him.

Though the pain of his absence remains, we find solace in the cherished memories we shared with Appu. We may have lost a furry friend, but Appu's spirit lives on in our hearts, reminding us to cherish every moment and embrace the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, both human and animal alike.

 Rest in peace, dear Appu. You will forever be loved and deeply missed.