Puppy, My Brave Black Dog

Puppy is what my dog, a big jet black Labrador was called ever since I can remember. He was with us ever since I was born and we practically grew up together. A very watchful dog, he was always protective towards us children and enjoyed playing with a ball. We were staying in the Navy quarters in Mankhurd where my Dad worked.

It was basically huge barracks with countless rooms and a long verandah. All around our dwelling was jungle and late at night, we could hear jackals rummaging in search of food and howling. It was quite scary. Different variety of snakes also was seen on our verandah and in the bushes near. The most dangerous ones were the black cobra which made it a point to visit every night. My dad was never afraid and often returned from work late in the night after we children were asleep.

One day my dad who loved dogs turned up with another black cocker spaniel. A real handsome dog, its ears wet the floor while walking. Her name was Lekah. Having two dogs at home was such a joy and an adventure. Watching them running around playing with each other and sharing their dog toys was a joy.

One afternoon my grandma was sitting on the verandah in her rocking chair when suddenly she saw the black cobra slithering towards her. She screamed in fear and raised her legs on top of the chair. This scream brought my brave little Lekah rushing to her aid. As soon as my dog spotted the cobra she tried to attack it and kept barking around it. Sadly she lost the battle when the cobra blew venom into her mouth.

That day was a very sad day for the entire family. We mourned her death. Puppy also stopped eating and sat morosely in one corner. The frolic and the barking were no more seen nor heard. After another month or so, we lost Puppy, also to a snake bite.

I'm very sure that Puppy wanted to take revenge for the killing of his best friend and little sister. He was seen earnestly scouting the thick bushes around our house as if searching for the snake.

His mission was fulfilled when one night we heard barking and sound of much disturbance in the black of the night. In the dim street lights armed with a torch and a walking stick, my dad went to investigate. What he saw was a very sad sight. Puppy lying gasping for breath and frothing at his mouth and the big black cobra lying bleeding and still on its back.

My dad picked up Puppy and brought him to the doorstep. Covered him with a blanket and just tried to make him as comfortable as ever as he approached the last moments of his life.

The tragic end came after about fifteen minutes. Puppy tried raising his head for the very last time and I imagine he wanted to say "thank you my family and Goodbye"