We lost Bruno last December. He was only three. He might be gone in his physical state, but he lives on in our hearts. He arrived at our house on the auspicious day of Onam in September. My aunt and uncle drove him all the way from Mumbai to Delhi. He was a wheat coloured Labrador whose skin was blistered with lesions. These were the marks of malignant skin cancer he had acquired due to negligence. His first owners were extremely inconsiderate, tying him up inside a bathroom all day, every day. His second owners were no better. During the heavy monsoon of Mumbai, he was left chained in the balcony, through rain and shine. Due to this neglect, he lost his hearing and was partially blind. He also had a heart disease which enlarged his heart to the size of a tennis ball. My aunt rescued him from that atrocious woman’s prison. She is a huge animal lover and couldn’t bear to see Bruno in such pain. She brought him to us in the hope that he would be cured and would live a long and happy life.
Despite all his ailments, he still was a delight to have. No vengeance did he have in his heart; he greeted everybody he met with a wagging tail and a sloppy lick. Due to his terrible skin condition, he had to undergo medical treatment. We hoped that one day after proper treatment, he would be able to live a relatively normal life. Sadly, his condition deteriorated as he entered the final stage of cancer. With a heavy heart, we had to take the agonizing decision of putting him to sleep. We believed that the only way he could actually attain peace was to get rid of his suffering.
I believe he’s looking down upon us from wherever he’s residing in heaven, his innocent heart filled with love. Finally, his suffering has come to an end. We still miss him dearly. He is the embodiment of life and joy, of determination and hope; hope to get better one day. His memory lives forever more in our hearts and souls.
Rest in peace Bruno.
