A Heartbreaking Loss of a True Companion.

Have been off WordPress for almost a month or more. My dog Xander, a gentle giant with a kind of a philosophical depth in his eyes, left this world on 15/11/2023 after a short illness. He was about 7 years old.

Can’t really express the sadness and would rather talk about the joys he brought to our lives. From being a cute playful pup to a gawky, clumsy adolescent and then before we could realise, he had grown up into a giant. A handsome and a gentle giant. Coming home had become a great joy for all of us, as he welcomed us every time at the entrance without fail, in exchange for few pats on his head and a few cuddles. And whenever my elder son used to come home after a few months or so, during college vacations Xander used to go berserk. Jumping over him, licking his face, running around in circles and again jumping over him.

He was always there in every moment that we used to be at home. When we had food, watched movies, slumped on the couch for some rest or just watered the plants in the garden. He was especially attached to my wife. Never touched his food before my wife had a touched her plate. Only after she had taken a bite from her plate that he used to dig into his feeding bowl.

There was never a lonely moment till he was around. He was not exactly very playful but used to be just there. Peeking from behind the couch, putting his head in our laps, asking for water, just following us from bathroom to the kitchen or to the bedroom and while everyone did their chores. His usual pastime was sitting silently in my son’s rooms as they did their school work. Watching them and giving them a reassuring company like an elderly family member.

As with all dogs he was fond of running after balls and playing with his toys. He had a special licking for a yellow tiny soft toy that my wife had got for him. And he loved home baked fresh cakes. My wife would bake cakes specially for him. The moment she started preparations for baking he used to realise it and wait patiently in the kitchen till it was baked. Once, during his childhood, in his eagerness he tried to sniff the hot oven door and got a shock of his life. Then on he used to stay at an arms length from the oven. And his joy when he finally received the cake was something to be seen and experienced. A pure unadulterated joy.

It never occurred that he might leave us. But then life is finite. And we are grateful that he shared his, with us. Enriching our lives with love, joy and companionship. And in the process leaving us with a lot of beautiful memories that would stay for life.