The velvety skin, flush with radiant golden-hue fur stretching till the tail end, is an irresistible invitation to caress and to cuddle him. The rounded brownish nose, sitting pretty on the pouted mouth, transfix the onlooker by the sheer Perfection of its geometry.  The two eyes are beaming search lights that are eloquently expressive while its graceful glances convey unfathomable affection.  The ears that droop on the sides are ornamental drapes fit only for the most regal and the central mark on the forehead is a natural crest jewel of immense beauty. Chiselled to perfection and flawlessly symmetrical, the paws resemble the artwork of a seasoned craftsman that affords the canine a look, most majestic. On the whole, Viju , our pet doggie, was  at once handsome and adorable.

When the physical charm is captivating, his actions and activities are equally mesmerising. With a horse-like gallop and a quick pace to match it, the strides Viju makes are rapid and rhythmical, inspiring awe and instilling admiration. Endowed with athletic power and agility, every morning stroll with him is a cardio session that makes gym a passé.  And with a vocal tone that is pure timber, each bark of his resonates and echoes, that is so distinctively Viju. His friendly demeanour attracts every kid in the colony and is their willing playmate and his popularity among them is vouched by the young visitors he gets every day.

While his outdoor conduct is endearing to all, his behaviour in-house is exemplary.  Habits of food and leisure, of playfulness and mischief, are so well measured and timed that it never fails to engage and entertain and seldom exceed the limits set.   Such were the pristine virtues of our dear Viju that when he breathed last this Tuesday, our lives were broken and stood altered.

It’s said that persons come to your lives because of some past connect and there is a purpose in each relationship. And I am now tempted to believe that there is even a greater purpose in pets coming to our lives as the impact they leave on us are so overwhelming that  you no longer is the person you used to be before they come into your life.  And on the flip side, they leave behind such a huge void, which, I suspect, even time would fail to fill. But then, that is life… an enduring pain in every relationship.

Thank you Viju for coming into our lives and enriching it…We are blessed of our lives because we shared a part of it with you.

Rest in Peace.

Narayanan