The loss of a child, the death of an inspiration
The temperature in Calcutta yesterday was 42 degrees centigrade. That is 108 degrees if converted to Fahrenheit. I was at work, and my parents had gone to the hospital for a checkup.
When they came back around 3 to 4 hours later, they found that something was wrong with Shundari, our first and oldest dog.
She wouldn’t eat or drink anything. They did not think it was serious enough. That perception changed later in the evening when they realized that she couldn’t move her jaw at all. She had suffered from a stroke in that heat, and effectively her jaw and tongue are now paralyzed.
So here I am, looking at my baby helplessly where she hadn’t been able to drink even a drop of water, eat even a morsel of food in this terrible heat. There is no remedy, and although we are going to give a last ditch effort to help her get better, we are now faced with the almost certain possibility of putting her to sleep.
I do not know how many of you will relate to me, but losing her would be equivalent to losing a child to me. She is the reason I fell in love with INDogs. She is the inspiration behind Paws Awhile, and the pillar of support that keeps me from plunging into depression.
I will probably not have the heart or the inclination to make a new post on Paws Awhile for a long time. So, I am closing this blog down for now. The material will remain up here for people to read and hopefully refer to in times of need.
Before we bring this chapter to an end, here are the knots to tie down a few loose ends.
Anyone who has felt inspired enough or interested to learn about INDogs from Paws Awhile, may still do so from Rajashree Khalap’s blog: http://indianpariahdog.blogspot.com
Some of you had sent in guest posts that I am yet to publish. They are all great pieces, but I do not intend to continue this blog for now. I am sorry, but it would be great if you can please forward them to INDog activists like Rajashree or Charu who might be able to help throw a brighter spotlight on your opinions and experiences.
Smita, the winner of our March giveaway, will still receive her prize. It has been shipped and should arrive at your address on the scheduled date. If it doesn’t, please send me an email and I will follow up with the vendor.
Paws Awhile had been partaking in a contest in collaboration with Patrol My PC. We are shelving our end of the prizes, and everyone who qualified for a free advertising spot on this blog, will be accommodated on Patrol My PC. The contest is drawing to a close and the number of people qualified can all be accommodated on Patrol My PC.com.
Before I finish, I would like to thank all the constant supporters and commenters, everyone who inspired me while writing this blog.
Chris from Houndsgood
Jen from Save A Shelter Pet
Heidi from Buddy’s Fitness News
Meg from Casto Creations Jewelry
The very bright almost veterinarian Dr. Ferox from Nearly Dr. Ferox
Avik Noronha, my constant supporter and friend
Smita and Dr. Manik Godbole, two of the most fervent INDog lovers I have come across,
My father, who has held my hand through all the tough tidings
Everyone else who have shown interest and supported our cause…
… And my babies— Shundari, Kalzie, Aru, Bhojo, Poppy, Zilka, Chhotku and Chhotu…
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This post has 2 comments
April 23rd, 2008
I sympathise for you and hope you find the strength to get through such difficult emotions.
April 23rd, 2008
I’m feeling bad. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss.
But wait. I do not agree with your decision to close down this blog. This blog is an inspiration to many. It has revolutionized the way people think about dogs and INdogs in particular.
It is a ray of light for people like me.
It is a sincere appeal to you to carry on this wonderful initiative. Some of your posts have gone on to help 1000s of Shundaris out there. I know that you will not want to desert their hope that lies in you and this blog.
I lost my dog two years back. She was with us for 8 long years. We lost her in 11 hours. All we could do was sit back and wait for her to die as the doctor said ‘nothing can be done’. We put her to sleep that night. The trauma was unbearable for me and my family. We had collectively decided not to have a dog ever again. The heart ache is just too much. I can feel the pain that you are going through right now. I really do. But we had to move one. And we found our hope in a new soul. I hope that you too find solace in another soul.
I pray that you find that inspiration that will change your decision.