Bheem is a Short Story

Bheem was born on November 10, 2018, to Jambavathy as a premature puppy. His womb mate did not survive, leaving him to enjoy the privilege of nursing from his mother alone.

With his pink nose, white fur adorned with black patches, Bheem was quite the sight. Our neighbors marveled at how our dogs exhibited such human-like qualities. Two of them even requested that we consider giving them a puppy if Jambavathy had another litter in the future.

We were overjoyed when Bheem first opened his eyes and eagerly made his way to the bowl of cow's milk, drinking hungrily. We named him Bheem, and he quickly lived up to his namesake from the Mahabharata—known for his immense appetite and rapid digestion. Despite his small size, Bheem ate voraciously, taking short naps to digest before eagerly seeking his next meal. The sight of him waiting patiently while we cooked for him and his mother remains a cherished memory.

Bheem's sleeping habits often reminded us of his human-like nature. His peaceful slumber at just a month old made us reflect on the strange notion of dogs being like humans in our lives, and vice versa. It often made us ponder the curious behavior of dogs in society—standing on streets, observing people, and barking at strangers.

Bheem’s favorite sleeping spot was often his mother’s lap or occasionally Nathan’s school shoe. Perhaps he found comfort in the warmth of the leather, reminiscent of his mother’s presence or maybe he was avoiding the bright lights that might have startled him during his early days.

As he entered his second month, Bheem’s energy blossomed. He ran around joyfully, ate heartily, played with his mother, and even "helped" us in the garden by digging next to us as we planted. His favorite spot was a makeshift camp he created in the evenings, where his mother Jambavathy would sometimes seek solace. 

 

We have a video of Bheem playfully pouncing with his mother, embodying the spirit of a little tiger.

Tragically, Bheem’s journey with us ended on January 31, 2019, due to an accident. Though his time with us was brief, we find solace in believing that he now inhabits a better form—perhaps as a human somewhere. Nathan was deeply affected by Bheem’s passing, weeping alone in the backyard as he cradled Bheem in his final moments, desperately trying to rouse him. KPS was out of town and missed the chance to bid farewell, only seeing Bheem’s final image upon his return. Despite the sadness, KPS saw it as a beautiful, albeit brief, chapter in our lives and wanted to preserve it with words and images.

Dear Mother Nature,

We are deeply grateful for the gift of a tiny life that graced our days with its joyful presence. Through this precious being, we have glimpsed the profound wonders of life—a miracle often taken for granted by those of us who are still learning.

No amount of wealth or resources could ever restore the unique charm and love that this little one brought into our lives, with its gentle breaths, playful barks, and unwavering companionship. The simple yet profound moments of waiting by the stove for its next meal were filled with a beauty that words can scarcely capture.

Dear Mother, 
It is a unique play you offered us, thank you, we appreciate the beauty in it.

🙏