THE BLACK BALL

Devastated by feelings of grief and sadness for her beloved Sherry, Pronoti Singh says it helps to know that she will always be in her heart and memories

COVID days in 2020 saw an increase in the number of pet parents, some were new but a few like me just happened to expand our existing family. A few months back we had lost Goldie, who had been with us for 16 years, and a few days later Juno who was a few months younger than her. We were trying to move on and celebrate the good times we had together, but it was tough for my ten-year-old pug, Chinu. She barely ate and hid behind the curtain in depression. We tried our hardest but failed to help her. Then one day my son Kshitij, drove down to Delhi and Sherry came home to us in a small cardboard carton. The one-month-old golden retriever puppy was a surprise gift. I know they are all beautiful but believe me, Sherry was gorgeous.

She soon bullied Chinu out of her corner to play and eventually fought for her food, toys, and sleeping place. In other words, Chinu was back to her old self.

We found pet-friendly resorts and Sherry enjoyed her dips in the river. Chinu would love to sit on the bank and watch Sherry frolicking. We relished each moment. Time flew and before we knew Sherry was two years old. My daughter got married and moved to Bengaluru. Kshitij, Sherry's favourite, had to leave for higher studies, so now it was Sherry and me at home. She missed him dearly but when he came home, giving him the silent treatment initially.

She gradually warmed up to him and followed him around. She intuitively knew when he had to leave and her eyes said it all. The parting was difficult for both of them but in time, they learnt to deal with it.