The Hotel Guard boy

Every morning  while walking around Shivaji Park area, I used to see this good looking puppy play with his siblings outside a well known hotel over there

. I used to feel that they are fighting. This puppy whom I now call Shona used to run behind me, probably getting the scent of my pets from me. I used to be scared of him and would try to avoid him. He looked at me with sad eyes whenever I did this, but never complained. One day I felt ashamed of my own behaviour and bought a packet of plain biscuits and walked towards him. He was half asleep, but woke up on seeing me come close and wagged his tail. I let him smell my dress and fed him the biscuits. The point to be noted here is that he shared his breakfast with his brother Blacky who is equally cute. It made me feel very triumphant to have overcome my own misconception and fear. Shona is looked after by the hotel and fed by the building residents there. The hotel manager also told me that he is vaccinated and medically cared for by WSD (Welfare of Stray dogs) at regaular intervals. They have put a reflective collar on him to prevent him from getting hurt by vehicles. Luckily this smart fellow has perfect road sense. He greets every passerby and can discern the animal lovers from the ones who aren't. I go to meet him and his brother and friends often with water and biscuits and they always greet me with happy faces.

Every day I meet a new Indian dog, I learn a new fact...

From Shona I learn **** They only want human acceptance and love
                                                               
                                                             Supriya PaiVaidya Bhonsle