Pets are truly adorable. They can be your best friends, offering unconditional love and loyalty. In our family, we have two dogs who have brought endless joy and laughter into our lives. Their story begins during the Covid pandemic, a few months before my wife and I returned from Dubai for good.
It was during this time that my son brought home Zoro, a black male crossbreed. Zoro quickly became a cherished member of our family, filling our home with his boundless energy and affection. About a year later, after my son’s marriage, we learned of a Rottweiler pup up for adoption.
We debated whether we could manage two dogs, knowing the commitment and effort it would take. Yet, curiosity won, and we went to see the litter. There, a little pup, the last of her siblings, stole our hearts. She was running between our feet, inviting us to pet her with her playful antics. That was it. Sammy came home with us in a satin-lined wicker basket.
The beginning of a beautiful bond
We were nervous about how Zoro would react to Sammy’s arrival. Would he feel threatened or jealous? To our relief, after some initial hesitation and curious glances, the two hit it off beautifully. Watching them grow up together was a delight.
Countless selfie moments and spontaneous photo shoots were capturing their antics. Over time, Sammy grew faster and heavier than Zoro. Though Zoro is older, he remains mindful of his limits during their friendly tussles. Sammy’s stature as a purebred Rottweiler commands a subtle authority. Not that Sammy is aggressive; there is just an innate presence about her.
Love, barks, and vigilance
The Beware of Dogs plate on our gate is enough to scare outsiders. Their barking instills fear in some, but they never hesitate to shower love on those they recognise as pet lovers. They seem to instinctively know who fits that bill. At the same time, they do not spare in frightening haters.
They are remarkably vigilant while we rest, and we make it a point not to disturb them when they sleep peacefully on the sofas or carpets, a privilege they have firmly claimed over the years.
Along the way, our granddaughter Kriti Varsha entered the picture. Both Zoro and Sammy welcomed the little one without any hesitation. The baby grew up playing with them, forming a bond that continues to grow stronger.
Now three years old, Kriti proudly takes them out for walks, holding the leash in one hand and a dog stick in the other. The sight of the trio is a source of joy and amusement for us, a testament to how seamlessly pets can become part of the family.
The battle with the medicine
Despite regular vet visits and preventive care, there are times when they need medication for ticks or deworming. Administering these pills is a Herculean task. All our attempts—coating the pills in meat or even their favourite treat, khova—are met with suspicion.
Their looks seem to say, “You cannot fool us.” Sammy, with her discerning sniff, is always the first to reject the bait, and Zoro promptly follows suit. Forcing them is not an option either, as their menacing growls quickly remind us of our place.
When we finally manage to get them to take their medicine, it feels like a monumental accomplishment. These moments, though trying, are a reminder of the unique personalities our furry family members bring into our lives.
Some wonder how we manage to maintain two dogs, especially when it comes to feeding them. But when we treat them as family members, do we count pennies? The love and loyalty they bring to our lives are immeasurable, outweighing any costs or efforts.
Zoro and Sammy are more than just pets; they are the heart of our home. Their quirks, moods, and unconditional love enrich our lives in ways words can scarcely describe. Life with them is a delightful adventure, filled with lessons on patience, joy, and the irreplaceable bond between humans and their four-legged companions.
