Canine does the trick

By Manju Singh
T-6, Baird Place, Delhi – Cantt - 110010

My son Ranvijay Singh (Monty), 12, is a case of Muscular Dystrophy and basically a very shy and introverted child. He takes a lot of time to open up but enjoys a special relationship with me, considering me his best friend. He is full of life and ever smiling. He enjoys outdoor life and is very fond of pets especially dogs. He has a daschaund called ‘Trouble’. Monty spends most of his time caring for the dog, managing the kitchen garden and lawns from his wheel chair. Evenings are spend going for long walks and car drives which he simply adores. He has a huge collection of toy cars and spends hours together playing with them.

After being posted to Delhi, one day we planned a visit to Guptas, our new friends. In two initial visits, Monty refused to go inside Mr. Gupta’s house and kept sitting in the car outside. After a lot of persuasion and cajoling he agreed to sit in Mr. Gupta’s (who is himself paralysed) room with us but with his face down and turned in the other direction. This was the usual ritual adopted by Monty on every visit.

Then on one such visit all of a sudden we say a big radiating smile on Monty’s face. Wow! How come? A beautiful pomerarian came into the room wagging his bushy tail and started sniffing the visitors. Monty promptly asked Mr. Gupta “Uncle, What is his name?” Thus, Monty broke his pledge to remain silent.

“Cheeku” Mr. Gupta replied, delighted. The pomerarian worked as a catalyst in breaking the ice. The speechless canine succeeded where we had all failed.

Once the ball got rolling there was no looking back for Monty. He played with the dog and became friendly with Mr. Gupta and now the state is such that whenever we visit Mr. Gupta, Monty is in the lead.

Source: The Voice, Issue Jan-June, 1996