2.26.2009

smokey & me

A random visit to a nearby book store started at all. When I came across a golden lab pup staring at me through a book cover, I couldn't stop myself from picking it up. The puppy looked at me knowing that he had managed to get my attention and yet, was craving for much more.

Marley & Me
, by journalist turned author John Grogan is a memoir about his dog, Marley. The book gives an account of how the Grogans lived with the "world's worst dog" for 13 years, as their family grew, situations changed and as they realized why a dog is a man's best friend.

It didn't take me half a thought to decide to buy the book, but certain budgetary constraints held me back. With my birthday around the corner, I was keen to make everyone around aware how much I really wanted the book and sure enough, with full credit to a bright friend, I got a gift-wrapped Marley & Me on my birthday. The paperback said that the book tells us how Marley changed the author and his family’s life. Little did I know at that moment, that it would bring about a drastic change in my life too; a long waited, pleasant change.

Since I can remember, I had been trying to convince my mom to get a dog. Each and every attempt, haggling, crying, anger and all other sorts of emotional blackmailing and even hunger strikes had been met with a stiff and never-changing no. Just when I was about to give up hope and pacify myself with being just a dog lover, she picked up Marley & Me. The puppy’s look did the trick and she decided to give it a read. What tons of efforts and endless emotional blackmailing couldn’t accomplish, a 300 page memoir did. I finally got a nod for a dog. It took me 15 years to convince mom to get a dog and 15 hours to decide who was going to be the newest member of our family.

Whoever first said that dogs are a man’s best friend, couldn’t have put it any better. It doesn’t matter whether you’re rich or poor, whether you live in a lavish settlement or a rundown quarter, a pat on the head and one belly rub a day will make him your best friend. They may be messy, sloppy, loud, smelly, and dumb at times; some may never realize when the fun stops and the biting starts; but they are best companions one can ask for. That’s what Smokey has been to me. Unruly, aggressive and disobedient, my 1 year old basset hound can give Marley a run for his “world’s worst dog” nomination. There are times when I really wonder whether getting a dog was a good decision or not. They are a big responsibility. Adjustment takes time, sacrifices have to be made, training has to be done, popping and peeing has to be taken care off and a lot of time and attention has to be given. The broken furniture, the torn socks, the chewed specks, the food flicked off the table, the soiled rugs and bed sheets are just a few of the green damages that come along in the mutt package. I guess one can be excused for having one and a half thoughts about his decision to get a dog… and I do, many times. But then there comes the part when every morning I get a wake up call from a 30 kilo mutt standing on top of me licking my face, a short dog welcoming me back home by trying to jump as high as he can to lick my face, an over-excited dog jumping all around the house the moment he sees me picking up his leash, and then paying a visit to each and ever car in the parking lot to lift a leg and let it spray, a dead-tired dog snoring away to glory in my lap while I’m studying or watching TV, a hungry k9 more than happy to share my food when I don’t feel like having any, a possessive dog snarling and snapping at people who haven’t been on the best behaviour with me… its overwhelming; better than having a girl friend ;). They form a bond, expecting the least and giving back the most.

I’ve been a dog lover since as long as I can remember. I’ve never been sacred of them, even as a kid and have always wanted to be with one. It was because of Marley & Me that Smokey is now a part of the clan. The book is very special to me. The one year wait for the movie was totally worth it. Anyone who has a dog, or has ever had one, or has ever patted one, or has ever played with one, or has ever even been around one; it’s a must-read for them… and now even a must-watch. Keep a kerchief with you while reading the book and 2 while watching the movie. If there is anyone who doesn’t end up with wet eyes at the end of the book or at after the movie, God help him.

They’re the best of friends that there can be, who might seldom bark without a reason but always love without a condition. Ask them how to live life; they live 7 years of our joys and sorrows in 1 year of theirs.