CHENNAI: My first memory of Prince is the day when we welcomed him home nine years ago. We applied kumkum on his forehead. He was a birthday gift to my mother.
This 'monster' entered our home as a cute little 26-day-old puppy. Why do I call him a monster? Because we share a sibling rivalry and siblings can’t stand each other. But we love each other more than we hate. And it’s a pleasure to see your younger sibling win.
Being our first ever pet dog, he has taught us empathy towards animals. Once upon a time, I remember, I would pelt stones at dogs. But now I can't tolerate any violence towards any animal. I and my family now feed dogs whenever we step out.
My love towards them also encouraged me to write about issues concerning them in the newspapers I worked for. This made me more aware of how badly they are treated and how people misuse them for their own benefit. At the same time, I also got to meet animal activists who selflessly work for their welfare. Though I don’t involve myself in many rescue operations, I do my bit by avoiding animal products. I think about the pain Prince undergoes when he is hurt. I think about how animals whose leather or wool we are using, go through similar pain but are left unattended. Many also die due to the torture they have to undergo from their owners. I won’t call myself a vegan as it’s tough to be one. I, however, try to avoid causing harm to any animals.
When my ex-boss Manju Latha Kalanidhi, who is credited for starting the concept of the 'Rice Bucket Challenge', encouraged me to donate rice to the poor, I thought everyone is helping humans. No one is, however, thinking about animals. I fed the rice to dogs as part of the challenge.
Prince made me confident. Taking responsibility for a life is tough. For a period of 15 days in the absence of my family, I somehow managed to take care of this pampered fussy eater while also going about my usual work. This experience gave me the confidence to take up any challenge gracefully.
Come Brother's Day, I would miss having a brother on whom I could tie a rakhi. Prince became my first brother and he helped me fulfil this wish. He is now accustomed to a 'thread like thing' being tied on one of his limbs on the day. After that, he awaits his treat.