Dog Eat Dog in a Dog's Life!

Five cute puppies were born to Sundari this season. Sundari was just one of the many skinny, flea-ridden strays, until she wandered into the compound of our community about three years ago. Now she is the only dog in the area that has a name.

Affection is something most dogs in India simply do not know. A dog is considered one of the lowest and dirtiest life forms, and the vast majority are forced to scavenge for a living, dying young from disease or brutal fights over food or territory.

The sickening image of that dog... a patch of raw flesh to the bone instead of an ear... returns to mind.

But these puppies are fortunate. They will not have to grow to be so tough, I think, while I watch them from my window as they play on a pile of small rocks used by the builders.

One finds a larger stone and takes possession of it, inviting the others to steal it away if they dared... little growls warning of his superiority, yet continuously teasing.

Another manages to playfully trick him into letting go of the stone then, picking it up himself, he takes off with it. The first puppy takes chase.

Suddenly they both stop. I cannot see why. The clever one drops the stone. He looks shocked. He whimpers in pain. He turns and limps away, looking sorry for himself.

The one who had been out-done makes for the rock, looking pleased with himself.

It dawns on me... and I relate to the shock and sorrow...

He had been bitten. By his own brother.

I realise that it is not quite circumstance, but Nature, that dictates.

Sadly, it sure is a dog-eat-dog world.

Action vs Intention

My brother-in-law was telling a story from his younger days, how when an old friend had playfully pretended to hit him, his reflex led him to jerk forward, into a metal frame that cut straight into his shoulder, resulting in 40 stitches. It was meant to be a joke, but it was months before that shoulder was functioning as it should.

It was all over the news just recently. A 21-year-old drink-driver ran over a cyclist on his early morning training, killing him on the spot. It was only meant to be a regular night out having fun, perhaps a little too much too drink, now a husband and father of three is dead.

Action vs intention... what causes the rift? Mindlessness: impulsive behaviour without due consideration of consequence.

So valuable a lesson, to be mindful, always; to be conscious, ALWAYS.

I am thankful my own recent reminder was received without too much repercussion, but may I always be so lucky?