Heartwarming Tale Of Two Dogs And Four Men

A moving story of disaster and survival against all odds

- Gamini Akmeemana

While everyone who loved Hansi became distraught, it was Nicko who was most affected. He even stopped eating anywhere near the place his companion was run over. He would lie there along the corridor, looking dejected, and stopped following the guards when they did their night rounds inside the building

This is a touching tale of friendship between dogs and people. It’s also a moving story of disaster and survival against all odds. The two dogs in this story are nameless – they are called ‘Kella’ and ‘Kolla’ (girl and boy) by security guards at the Municipal Market, Borella, who look after them. I have named them Hansi and Nicko.

The guards are simply their friends and caretakers, not the owners. The spacious but rundown market building has been home to these two dogs for several years. They are quite friendly and harmless, but their size and barking would deter any intruder. They are invaluable to the security guards, especially at night. When they do the rounds of the deserted building at night, Hansi and Nicko follow them faithfully even to the upper floors.

The two dogs are inseparable. Nicko has a habit of wandering outside the building, though not too far. Having identified me as a regular food supplier, Nicko turns up every morning within sight of my house, waiting patiently for a meal. Having gobbled it up, he saunters happily back home.

Hansi rarely ventures outside the gates. They can always be found together at the entrance or near the guard room.