Dog - who speaks and shares language of grief

[Guest guest]

" Woh aa gaya! " These three words, everyone whispers, within minutes

of death in any home in Jalaap Mohalla of Jodhpur. 'He' arrives and

momentarily, relatives of the deceased stop their work. The sobbing

ladies lift their veils to gaze at 'him'. The men look at each other

in bewilderment. While 'he' somberly sits at the doorstep. Ready to

accompany the dead. 'His' 100th funeral.

'He' is a black dog - humble street dog ! But people of walled city

revere him as a truth beyond comprehension. Because, where ever he

might be, he un failingly reaches any home where someone dies. Trots

along the dead carried on shoulders to cremation ground, attends the

funeral, bathes along with the men on their way home. And for 12

days of mourning...doesnot leave the home.

Just after death he arrives and goes to the person closest to the

deceased and puts his head in the lap of that person and even tears

trickle from his eyes. He hardly barks. Sits at the doorstep all

day. If one lures him with sweets he cares not. At night, after

accepting a cup of milk from the family he leaves like a stranger.

This has been going on for nine years. And he is such a well behaved

and gentle dog in general that even cats and pups of the street play

with him.

All those who say, " Animals have no feelings " , must go to Jodhpur

and see this little angel.