Pet story by Madhavan Unni: Our Roco

For someone retired, having a house all to himself, to move and do things at his will is a huge privilege and pleasure. You are answerable to only yourself and the power above. This is a phase we look forward to when you run to make ends meet in the hectic world you are used to. I was enjoying myself, my moods, my newspapers, my scribbling, films, my group of friends, WhatsApp, Facebook, and my mobile on my terms!!!

And then, it was interrupted by a four-legged, fluffy bundle of naughty, licking, biting, barking baby dog brought by my son Nakul. We named him Roco. He turned our life, our house and our routines upside down. I became irritated, moody, angry and reactive. But then I did not realise, when this turned into love, care, concern, anxiety and sympathy.  

If I don’t see him in the morning, I became upset, if is he not well I get worried and if he doesn’t nibble my feet, brush me when he walks past me, doesn’t pee, not follow me I became a nervous wreck. Coming home was a thrill, he would welcome and fuss over me. He would jump, bark, climb over for a hug and make me feel wanted, something I had long forgotten. 

We would sleep together in the bed, and share the pillow, my lap was his for a nap. He would eat and stay beside me, he would even follow me to the loo. If I closed the door, he would whine, scratch and bark till he heard my reassuring voice. He made the house his toilet, his domain and nobody cared, it was his and we were like his tenants at his beck and call. 

All guests who fuzzed about the smell were made known he comes first, and nobody complained thereafter. After wrecking 3 reading glasses and having experienced a fall from his pee we decided to impart some discipline and sent him for training which was easier said than done. 

They say that canines have a sixth sense. The whole day he was cozy and loving, making us emotional. The morning before the trainer came, my wife and son gave up, saying they can’t see him being taken away and rushed off to their jobs. It was me, Reuben and John left to do the honours. He likes guests and as the trainer came rushing to him, they removed his belt and leash and our guy trooped out with them thinking he was being taken for a walk. Without a backward glance, he ran away. I felt a bag of emotions ranging from happy, surprised, sad and by the time I reached out he was already in their auto, only his snout and tongue were visible and he was swept off. 

I sat and pondered is he missing us, is he barking, is he calm? I was not this worried even when the kids left us because they can talk and get their things done. The first day I texted the trainer couple of times who understood and answered me. It’s been 6 days. We had permission to visit him only once a month. Like in the movies, wife and I went to see him without informing all on the sly. He was not seen. When pets become family we are sunk. I am getting old, and emotional. Once a month seemed such an unfair deal. Should we call off the training? And bring him back, are some of the thoughts that crosses my mind often. After all, we don’t want a police dog, just someone who is unconditional and free. Well, hope we can hold on.