Luke was our pet dog for only six years but, left memories of a lifetime. He brought in sunshine, warmth, cuddles, tail wags, open-mouth smiles, fur-everywhere and immeasurable love. This is an attempt to put into words all that he was for us and hopefully will be a catharsis from the deep pain and void he has left.
Disclaimer: The write-ups may seem a little mushy and people not yet touched by dog paws might not be able to relate to them completely. But, then…what the heck.
Chapter One. Love at first sight.
It was mayhem at the adoption centre- little pups, older pups, cats, birds, humans. I was a reluctant visitor dragged in by a very enthusiastic daughter and equally enthusiastic husband. We had gone just to visit, mind you, not to adopt. At the far end of the room was a fenced-in area with dogs of all shapes and sizes. We sauntered towards it, read about the dogs there and smiled at their antics. The moment any little one tugged at my heart, I would reiterate loudly, “We are here just to visit, we can’t take a pet home, it will be all work for me only, I have had pets in the past, I know the hard work it involves….” A pair of large chocolate brown eyes locked with ours. It was love at first sight for the two enthusiastic humans of the family and me too (though I didn’t want to admit or show it)
He was an 8-year-old Swiss Shepherd Mix. Other pups were frolicking in, around, on and over him but, he remained dignified and calm- Luke. The name suited him perfectly. The employees of the adoption centre were thrilled to know that we would adopt Luke. Since he was an older dog, he was not the favourite of people who would come to adopt and every week he would be left around. We were pleasantly surprised to know that he shared his birthday with that of our son. The caretakers at the adoption centre told our daughter to take him for a trial walk to see how both of them felt. He walked ahead confidently, tagging my daughter along who had two hearts for eyes at that moment and jumped into the car as if he owned it! I knew all the forces were acting against my weakening protests but, by the time we finished the formalities, he had wormed his way into my heart and would remain there.
He enjoyed the first drive home on 18th September 2015…smiling, happy, trusting. He explored his new home and approved us as his humans. He was well-trained. He never chewed up, bit through, climbed up, broke, soiled or spoiled anything in our house. He also would not eat anything, even within his easy reach, till he was given. “Not for you, Luke.” or “Enough.” would even make him stop asking. Was I glad that he came to us as an adult dog! If we had had him as a pup, we would have spoiled him silly and he wouldn’t have been this perfect gentleman. He was too good to be true.
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