20 June 2026
We brought Nero, our Indian Mongrel dog, from Blue Cross, operated by Amala Akkineni, way back in May 2011 when he was only 40 days old. Normally, puppies are allowed for adoption only when they are at least eight weeks old. This one, however, seemed drawn to us and came running, unlike the others, which were busy in their own world. They made an exception and allowed us to adopt him.
For some reason, I had to go alone another day to bring him home after his vaccinations were completed. I still vividly remember that drive home. Nero managed to cross over from the passenger side and settle near my feet, under the brake and clutch pedals, while I was negotiating traffic on the main road. Pressing the pedals risked crushing the puppy; not pressing them risked an accident. Even pulling over to the roadside felt dangerous.
I had always been fond of dogs, much like my maternal grandfather. My two sons, Sreemukh and Sisir, were quite enthusiastic about the idea of getting a puppy. Together, the three of us eventually convinced my initially reluctant wife.
Sisir n promptly named him Nero after the famous Roman emperor.
We thoroughly enjoyed having the dog when he was young. Eventually, the children left home to pursue their own lives, and it became increasingly difficult for Komala and me to care for him. The twice-daily walks, the inability to leave home for extended periods for touring or local travel, and the demands of caring for a pet after retirement all became burdensome.
Being naïve about living with an Indian dog, we allowed Nero to stay inside the house and even in our bedroom whenever he insisted. Indian mongrels are primarily territorial dogs, unlike many foreign breeds. They are best suited to living outdoors, patrolling and guarding the property within the compound.
Our misplaced sympathy—allowing him to avoid the heat of summer and the cold of winter—probably made life more difficult for him and us equally, than it needed to be. Fortunately, he remained healthy throughout his life and always an aggressive towards outsiders, despite surviving largely on our Brahmin diet of dal rice or chapati. It was also a super strong dog to break iron chain thrice!
No one dared step into our home unannounced. Until yesterday, when he passed away peacefully at home at the age of fifteen, Nero remained our vigilant guardian.
The last year, however, was particularly difficult. As with all old age, his body began to fail. In human terms, he may have been around ninety years old. We would often be awakened by barking throughout the night whenever he wanted to turn over or stand up. We would help him by lifting him with a harness and supporting him until he regained his footing.
The saga finally ended yesterday.
Nero received a decent funeral and a peaceful farewell.
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Fifteen years is a long time in a dog's life, and in a family's life as well. Nero arrived as a tiny puppy, grew into a steadfast guardian, and left quietly after a long and faithful companionship. His absence will be felt for a long time to come.
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