An epitaph to Joey

Joey died as he lived, a monument to selflessness. At 13 years of age, he was already old, for he was a dog, a boxer to be precise. There is a wise old saying that goes, 'When you came into this world, you cried, while those around you smiled. Now live so that when you leave it you smile, but those around you shed tears.' When Joey was born, he probably did not meet with many smiles. He was, after all, a part of a business proposition, his usefulness measured by the monetary returns he brought to the breeder.

Joey was bought by an animal lover and named so because he was as bouncy and irrepressible as a young kangaroo. His new mistress, young and a new mother, did not look upon him with favour. She was clearly upset and communicated this in no uncertain terms. She had no inclination to cater to the demands of a helpless infant as well as frisky pup. As a result, this lively creature remained chained for the better part of the day.

It was at this time that Tara, my granddaughter, happened to visit them. She fell in love with Joey and yearned to take him off the new owner's hands. They were agreeable, so she pestered her mother, a very busy doctor, to adopt him. She promised to look after him and take care of his every need. My daughter had her doubts - would she train him, bathe him and take him for walks? Tara vowed she would, but as my daughter had feared things did not turn out this way.

Tara was a willing playmate, but the nitty-gritty of keeping Joey in trim became that of my daughter's. For instance, the first night that he came home, Joey pined and whined. My daughter lay down beside him soothing him. When it seemed as if he had settled down, she tried to tiptoe away. Joey woke up on the instant and placed his paws on her, as if begging her to be with him. This gentleness and readiness to love were traits that he carried with him to the end of his life.

Joey settled down soon enough to his new routine. He was rambunctious but good-natured, disobedient but bore no grudges for being punished. House trained and sensitive, he only made a puddle if he was not let out. Contrary to canine nature, he once reached out in friendship to a cat. It scratched him, but he did not retaliate. He loved people and visitors were greeted with much wagging of his stumpy tail and enthusiastic jumps. It was only his rugged appearance that evoked fear and kept intruders away.

The years slipped by. And soon Joey began exhibiting signs of old age. His coat lost its shine, his steps became slower. His heart had enlarged and he needed medication hidden in jam and bread. Then one day he fell with a thud and passed blood. It was evident that he was suffering mutely.

My daughter and her doctor- husband decided it was time to put him to sleep. Surrounded by all who loved him, he licked not only those who stroked him, but even the hand that inserted the fatal needle. Tears streaming down her face, Tara remarked, "His love was such that he hurt no living creature" - an epitaph worthy of the finest that have walked this earth!