Becky's terrible day

As the `Sound of Music' song says, "Let's start at the very beginning; it's a very good place to start". I first came to know Becky two years ago when I discovered that he was a very good friend to my dog, Sweety Pie. Sweety Pie was my best friend and companion, but I appreciate the fact that even my dog needs dog friends! And so, Becky, a huge brown pariah dog was my dog's best friend, and they both romped and roamed about their territory in absolute undiluted glee. My dog's wife, Mothi, provided the next link in this trio and Sweety Pie was as faithful to her as a dog can be.

The story I am going to relate is a true story that happened two years ago, and one which often fills my mind and heart with pain. Becky was a lovely dog who used to wag his tail joyfully and vigorously and had soulfully intense eyes which spoke of a rare sensitivity which few beings possess. I used to play with my dogs, Sweety Pie, Mothi and Becky every evening. Unlike domestic dogs, these dogs did not need to be taken for walks since they were always on the road and were walking in their "territory" all the time! One day, however, I was in no mood to play with my dogs because I was busy in doing a write-up for publication. But Becky was eager to go romping with me and let out a plaintive bark. I, however, was in mood to be disturbed, for as all writers know, articles need to be sent in time in order to be published in a timely way. If I was talking to a human being, I would have explained the concept of meeting work targets.
However, dogs cannot understand all that, so I just said rudely to Becky, "Get lost, Becky! I can't come now", and I continued with my work. If I had seen the look on poor Becky's face, I would have known that my point had been driven home as his tail drooped, his ears drooped, his eyes drooped, but most of all his spirits drooped. But selfish brute that I am, I didn't notice all this in my keenness to meet the rat-eat-rat competitiveness in the world of journalism.

Finally, I sent the article and came to play with my dogs. Becky followed me. I rushed across the street to retrieve an object I could throw to my dogs in order for them to catch. It had just rained and the ground was wet. I managed to cross the street when a lorry hurriedly swept past me. I looked back and my heart froze. Becky had been following me with enthusiasm and keenness when the lorry dashed against him.
My heart stood still, as I screamed, "Becky!" loudly, the name reverberating over and over in my confused mind. Becky had been hit by the lorry and was in a pool of blood, one of his legs badly injured.

Tears streamed down my face as I saw this horrendous sight. The lorry driver said brusquely, "It's only a dog. Let's move on."

After that, things began moving fast. The lorry sped away and several of the occupants of nearby apartments, including my ‘Garden Homes', rushed out to see Becky who was whimpering with pain. One of my neighbours, Yasmin, who is a member of CUPA (Compassion Unlimited Plus Action), phoned the organization up on her cell and soon the ambulance arrived.

Becky was taken in the ambulance to CUPA. I came to know later that Becky was reported out of danger but his leg had to be amputated. I cried as if I would never stop because it was partly because of me that Becky had been so eager to cross the road when the accident happened.

My message for readers is to never, ever take your dog's life for granted for dogs are animals that give their love and go on giving their love with selflessness and kindness, as they enrich our lives in so many ways if only we care to open our eyes and see.