Sometime in the 80’s, a sprightly young 12/13 year old boy leaves home after coming back from school to go for the warm-up, practice and game session of basketball. So eager is he to get on to the court at the far end of Shivaji Park that he sprints across the park towards the court. En route he encounters, and deftly dodges, sundry leather balls that are flying all over from the various cricket pitches that dot the park. This is his daily routine. Except one sunny evening while he is on his usual sprint through the park, he hears someone panting and following him and it definitely doesn’t sound like someone on two legs. The boy turns around and sure enough it’s an equally sprightly and excited Doberman. The boy panics. And in that panic forgets the cardinal rule that’s been handed down to him by wise elders and some know-it-all peers – stop running when a dog is chasing you! Instead the boy runs at an even faster pace, mistakenly thinking that he will outpace the Doberman! The canine beast (to a 12 year old a full grown black Doberman does seem like a beast) also mistakes it for a game the boy is playing and doubles its pace as well. This goes on for about a minute or so during which time the boy has successfully claimed the title of the fastest runner around a cricket pitch in Shivaji Park! Fortunately the Doberman’s walker figures what’s going on, intervenes, holds the dog back by his collar and utters every dog-owners’ favourite line
Excellent one Shantanu. You have beautifully captured a new facet of pets and animals and the amazing bond they can create . Though I am not really in favour of having one , you have kind of neutralized my feelings towards those who have one .
Thanks much, Swapneel! Glad to have helped neutralise your feelings. Having one at home is a very personal and considered choice, unless, of course, you’re blindsided by your kid ;-)
I loved reading this one! Mainly because I learnt to love dogs only after we got one home. You ran all over Shivaji Park, I've stood screaming on people's dining tables! Sixteen years and two dogs later, I'm humbled by the love and acceptance they bring into our lives.
May every family be similarly blessed! Puppers FTW!
Chu introduced me to your writings couple months back n when he did I sat n read all of them except the last three before your journey of becoming a Good Man.
Have to say, enjoyed every bit of it cause each n everyone always takes me back home down the memory lane. There is always something in each of them that is very nostalgic.
Putting your emotional attachment to Kenzo n Oreo for everyone out there read is quite bold of you n priceless too. So if at all I end up extending my family which is currently Hum Do n hamare endless plant babies by adding some pets to it, it will all be your fault and this write up of your. As it is, am so close to adding a pet into our family (especially since Aai's passing) but am holding myself back, so you never know. Hmmm maybe in couple more years who knows cause right now the thought of leaving the four legged family member/ s alone at home, while we travel would is too painful.
Thanks again for bringing fond memories of home every Wednesday
Wow!! Thanks for the kind words and generous praise, Bhagya. I can very well understand the turmoil of deciding to have a pet of your own - especially given the practicalities of caring for them when you’re travelling. In that sense we’re fortunate to have a support system that we so take for granted here. If urban families in India are being able to manage with pet creches, then I’m pretty sure that pet care systems must be even more well organised in the U.S. that a couple of weeks of travel can be managed without either the pet or you going through stress. While it’s an extremely personal decision, I would say go for it!
Few weeks is okay but we travel for three months at a time so will have to wait for some more time, but we are definitely going to have the 4 legged member some day. Manish used to have 4 when he used to live in Africa so he loves dogs.
Good one Shantanu. Kenzo was the first dog that Ami took in her arms. She had a similar fear of dogs and also insisted that they be leashed in her presence. Though, I am not sure that she got her fear from being chased at the beach in Chennai. Will check with her once I reach home.
One day I hope you write a piece on me and I hope to do better than Kenzo.
Woof woof!!
Excellent one Shantanu. You have beautifully captured a new facet of pets and animals and the amazing bond they can create . Though I am not really in favour of having one , you have kind of neutralized my feelings towards those who have one .
Thanks much, Swapneel! Glad to have helped neutralise your feelings. Having one at home is a very personal and considered choice, unless, of course, you’re blindsided by your kid ;-)
I loved reading this one! Mainly because I learnt to love dogs only after we got one home. You ran all over Shivaji Park, I've stood screaming on people's dining tables! Sixteen years and two dogs later, I'm humbled by the love and acceptance they bring into our lives.
May every family be similarly blessed! Puppers FTW!
Stood screaming on people's dining tables! Hahahahahahahaahahahahaha ...
Such a fun read! Kenzo steals the show… like always :)
Thanks, Advait. Star he is.
My favourite piece you’ve written so far ❤️
Thank you for insisting/demanding, and not dropping strong hints ;-), that I write about Kenzo.
Hi Shantanu,
Chu introduced me to your writings couple months back n when he did I sat n read all of them except the last three before your journey of becoming a Good Man.
Have to say, enjoyed every bit of it cause each n everyone always takes me back home down the memory lane. There is always something in each of them that is very nostalgic.
Putting your emotional attachment to Kenzo n Oreo for everyone out there read is quite bold of you n priceless too. So if at all I end up extending my family which is currently Hum Do n hamare endless plant babies by adding some pets to it, it will all be your fault and this write up of your. As it is, am so close to adding a pet into our family (especially since Aai's passing) but am holding myself back, so you never know. Hmmm maybe in couple more years who knows cause right now the thought of leaving the four legged family member/ s alone at home, while we travel would is too painful.
Thanks again for bringing fond memories of home every Wednesday
Hugs, Bhagya
Wow!! Thanks for the kind words and generous praise, Bhagya. I can very well understand the turmoil of deciding to have a pet of your own - especially given the practicalities of caring for them when you’re travelling. In that sense we’re fortunate to have a support system that we so take for granted here. If urban families in India are being able to manage with pet creches, then I’m pretty sure that pet care systems must be even more well organised in the U.S. that a couple of weeks of travel can be managed without either the pet or you going through stress. While it’s an extremely personal decision, I would say go for it!
Few weeks is okay but we travel for three months at a time so will have to wait for some more time, but we are definitely going to have the 4 legged member some day. Manish used to have 4 when he used to live in Africa so he loves dogs.
Looking forward to next Wednesday already.
All the best! And ... ummm ... will see you Wednesday after next (am not as prolific as to write weekly).
Good one Shantanu. Kenzo was the first dog that Ami took in her arms. She had a similar fear of dogs and also insisted that they be leashed in her presence. Though, I am not sure that she got her fear from being chased at the beach in Chennai. Will check with her once I reach home.
Thanks, Sanjay. That’s awesome to hear that Kenzo played a small part in overcoming Ami’s fear!