Remembering Rex

A bungalow opposite with a big dog. The family was going abroad and wanted a home that would care for the pet they had to leave behind. With great reluctance her dad agreed to taking in the canine,  with a strict condition that he would never  be allowed into the house. So there he was,  this sheep dog cum Alsatian,  proud and loving, sleeping in the garage. 

He was restricted to the garden and a friendship soon developed. Jackie the house help who was part of the family and Mom would feed him daily. It took little to win their hearts and soon the daughter please to let him into the house melted my Grand dads resolve

He slept under Moms bed and  quickly got into a  routine – her first morning hug was to him, and he would nuzzle her and enjoy the petting. 

One morning mom recollects waking up late and rushing to bathe and change. A few hours later every one wondered where Rex was. He had not come to eat or drink water and was no where to be seen. Searching high and low, worried that he had gone out of te garden gate, they searched only to find him under the bed,  refusing to come out. He was still waiting for his good morning hug

Possessive as ever every male who ever entered the house remembers being nipped and their hand being caught in his teeth, warned,  if they ever came too close to Mom. But a boundary needed to be set - my grand dad lovingly hugged his daughter and there was REXY stopping him growl and teeth. This is MY daughter, and you must know that!!, thundered my grand dad stick in hand. He became the only male allowed to hug  my mom in Rexys presence. Ad he remained the only one. At every party  if there was dancing,  he had to be tied, if Mom wanted to dance with a man. They all joked that they would have to get his permission for her hand when the time came. His doggy heart was full of love, tho  a tad bit possessive watching over the young girl he loved who was growing up fast into a shy, beautiful teenager.

Intelligent as they come he would delight being taken out in the car. He would whine and hunker down as the car would turn left. He knew this  meant going to the vet and being given injections. But WOW he would jump with joy if Mom turned right, for that meant an outing to the beach or some fun place. On the Mahim beach all would scatter as the big dog pranced - they would all move away saying WAGH ALA WAGH ALA leaving him free to race the wind 

He loved to be of use and would insist on carrying Moms books up. Saliva soaked the books  creating a dilemma . Solution - mom got a few books only for him. He would diligently take them up, and proudly drop them in place,  duty fulfilled. Both hearts satisfied. A pact sealed.  

Dedication meant No eating till Mom came home.  His food would be ready and dished out at 1 pm. But he would not eat. No one could make him eat before mom got back. Patiently he would wait and then satisfy his hunger. He followed her around, slept under her bed, sat with her in the kitchen, ran around her and was simply happy in her presence. The story  of a shy young girl and a dog who cared. 

He was with mom 13 years when he died - arthritic and old but full of love. As mom buried him she entered in her diary - Today my REXY died - he taught me how to love.