CHENNAI: Max was a police Labrador you probably never heard of. But before he passed away last month, he saved thousands of lives by sniffing out explosives during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. So you would imagine that there would be a few candles lit, survivors reading out ‘thank you’ notes and of course, his police handler standing up front, with a fully prepared speech ending in a teary goodbye. That’s what a human funeral would have looked like for a hero!
Unfortunately, with most of his old comrades busy with IPL security, only a few people could make it to his funeral. These included his former handler Subhash Gawde and caretaker Fizza Shah. That’s a rather small turnout for a national hero, albeit a four-legged one. Back in his prime, this dog was presented with the Bolshoi gold medal for bravery by Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan!
Take a minute for Max today. If you own a pet, definitely take a lot more than a minute to plan a fitting farewell. They say funerals are for the living, more than the dead. So don’t listen to that insensitive neighbour who laughs when you say you’re planning one for your dog.
The pooch sitting on your lap may not have saved you from a bomb, but your world would probably explode if he or she got hit by a truck tomorrow, yes? Your bond with your pet must be placed before what other people think. Because, hero or hell-raiser, every dog deserves a fitting good-bye!