Last monsoon, they had a roof over their heads when it rained and someone to feed them when they went hungry. But today with the demise of their caretaker Mohan, the three dogs at Ravipuram are ‘orphaned’ again.
Mohan, 58, hailing from Thiruvananthapuram, was a resident of Panampilli Nagar for seven years and took good care of the stray dogs until last Monday when he died.
“As we know him, he was jobless. He lived by the mercy of his neighbours and whatever he got, a good share of that went to the dogs,” said P V Baby, who lived across the road to Mohan’s abode at Panampilli Nagar. “Children used to fondly call him Patti Mash (Master of Dogs),” she said.
Recently, Pradeep, who runs a Xerox shop at Ravipuram, identified Mohan as the one who nursed him in childhood. “I remember him working as my family servant. I used to play along with him,” said Pradeep.
Pradeep offered a neat, vacant room above his shop for Mohan. When Mohan shifted from Panampilli Nagar to Ravipuram, his trusted friends followed him. “Within days, the room was filled with dogs,” said Pradeep.
When Mohan died, Baby, Pradeep and others performed his last rites like a member of their family. But, they were clueless as to what to do with the dogs.
“Three dogs were very close to Mohan. They hardly move away from Mohan’s bed. We tried to befriend them but in vain. We don’t know what to do,” said Baby. For now, Pradeep carries food from Baby’s home for the dogs. But, both of them cannot continue this for long.
Baby said she has already adopted five dogs and cannot accommodate anymore. Meanwhile, Pradeep is no mood to spare time for the dogs between his struggle to meet both ends of life.
With nobody to provide them a shade, the three dogs were found drenched in rain. But, their eyes were set straight, perhaps longing for a ray of hope.
Those who wish to offer help may contact P V Baby 9995989279.