Jab we Met!!!

All those who know me well, know that I am very scared of dogs. Dogs of all shapes and breeds. Whenever I visit friends’s or relatives place where there is a pet, I, sometimes politely and sometimes not-so-politely, ask them to keep the dog in another room. Atleast from where I don’t get to see him. 

My friends who have pets or are animal lovers used to tell me that my fear was unreasonable as dogs are harmless and very lovable. I am sorry, I understand all that but I just could not bring myself to facing this fear. Not until last week.

I happened to visit a very good friend, Mann (which is her surname & not name, and that’s how she is known as) at her place in Bhiwadi. She is an animal lover, has always had dogs as pets for company at her home since childhood and would not shy away in chucking a ‘conventional’ lifestyle to work for an animal welfare organization. She had told me about a certain ‘Mizo’ at her home and I had heard many stories about how he came to the Mann household. I was told that Mizo is unlike the ‘dogs’ type. He is cute, gentle, quiet, a peace-loving lad, most of the teeth are broken (just in case, you know!) and does not bark at anyone. Impressive but I would definitely let it pass. Honestly, I wanted a good time with my friend, chit-chat with her all night, do some bitching and the usual jazz. And just that! Ofcourse, I had asked her to keep the furry chap in another room. 

But clearly destiny had other plans! Needless to add, I was shit scared when I entered the house and found him at the door. He did not bark!!! I was obviously more petrified than he was!! I tried to keep myself distracted with arranging my bag or talking to Mann but my eyes were following him. And there he was, sitting quietly, looking at me with those beautiful and kind eyes. I am telling you, it were those eyes that took my heart away. My fear was vanishing and vanishing quick. In just 15 minutes of being introduced to him, I was sitting on the sofa, trying to strike a conversation with Mizo and wanting his attention! He did not disappoint me either. And soon, I dog-walked Mizo, made him wear his coat, fed him biscuits, made him sit on my lap! I even texted my sister saying ‘I love the doggie’, when she asked me how was it going there.

I had warmed up to his presence but still there was a little tiny-winy hesitation. He shocked me when he entered the room at midnight when we girls were chit-chatting. He not only climbed the bed but also made himself cozy and pretended dozing off there! All I was worried about was what if he rolls onto my side in the dark! Mann then had to put him down at the rug. 

My fear for dogs as such may not have gone completely but Mizo made me fall in love with him. I kept looking for and asking for him, when he would go away in other room. I would call out his name and he would listen. He was so much like a kid who was throwing tantrums seeing a guest at home! 

This picture is a memory of the new friendship that I built, with Mizo. A week ago, I would never have pictured myself like that, not even in my wildest dreams. It is such an achievement for me. And Mizo…I love you!!  :-*