For nearly two decades after Brownie, we didn’t have a pet. Almost my entire family loves animals, but life was busy. Then the pandemic hit, and it played havoc on the kids' psyches—boredom, loneliness, no outings, nothing to do. They sought something to keep them engaged. Being pet lovers, they put consistent and persistent pressure on their parents to get a pet. Their parents, too, felt the need.

My younger son was lucky enough to find a very cute puppy in another state in the US. It belonged to a particular breed, and he and my daughter-in-law wanted to surprise the kids.

Without their knowledge—no easy feat nowadays—they secretly paid for and bought the pup. It was airlifted to their home. On the day of the arrival, my elder son's family had also been invited over, and their kids didn’t know about it either. When the puppy was brought home, there was a sudden silence of happy shock, followed by laughter and applause. Though we weren’t there to witness it, the whole event was captured on video, thanks to smartphones.

My grandsons had the honor of naming the pup. They called him Milo.

Milo has since become an integral part of the family. Being part shepherd dog, he runs incredibly fast and can never sit still. He constantly demands play and exercise. Every day, he has to be taken to the park for fetch games or running, in addition to his regular morning and evening walks. Whether Milo gets tired or not, we certainly do! The elder of my two grandsons has also taken up the responsibility for his walks and exercises.

Milo has long hair and needs haircuts more often than we do. It's quite a sight to see him peer through the hair that falls across his eyes. He’s playful but also a very disciplined pet—loving and caring as well.

We finally got to meet him in person after two years. And there are plenty of stories to tell about him.

Once, when my younger grandson was upset and crying, he had left his glasses somewhere and was sitting alone in a room. Milo, who can never tolerate the kids being upset, found the glasses with his teeth and brought them to him. Perhaps this small gesture lifted my grandson's mood.

During our visit, I accidentally stepped on Milo a few times. Luckily, there was no major injury to him. But being the smart dog he is, he quickly realized my vision issues and adjusted immediately. The moment I stood up or he heard my footsteps, he would quickly get out of the way. As I moved between rooms, he would accompany me and sit near me for a while—always escorting and caring.

I’m known for giving massages to my grandkids, and Milo had to be added to the list. Whenever he felt like getting a massage or when I called him for one, he would quietly come over and present his throat first. Then he’d turn around, positioning his back perfectly for me to massage.

At exactly 10:30 each night, Milo would get a snack. When we were visiting, my wife took over this duty. And right at the appointed time, he would start tugging at her clothes to remind her. How does he keep track of time?

My elder son has his own way of playing with Milo. Whenever he visits, he starts their special game—whether it’s play-fighting or chasing each other around. Milo and my granddaughter have also struck up a special relationship. The moment she arrives, he snatches her footwear and disappears with it. As soon as someone announces she’s on the way, Milo leaps to the front door and waits expectantly.

Above all, I wonder: how can pets display so many emotions? Is it real, or is it our perception? I can vouch for having seen these emotions firsthand.

For instance, when I had a painful tooth extraction, Milo was restless. As soon as I came home, he sat next to me, staring as if to ask about my health. After I stroked him and reassured him that I was fine, he calmly left.

Similarly, a few days before my heart attack, as I was leaving for my elder son’s house, Milo kept circling me anxiously, as if he had a premonition. It was only later that I realized this.

There are many more stories to tell. I may ask the kids for more and write them down.

Pets are truly Godsent. Looking at them and playing with them can relax you, helping you forget your worries and anxieties. They also teach kids patience, caring, love, and a special bond that’s hard to explain. Sure, they demand time, but aren’t they part of the family?

Continued in 163 - Chowchows and Wah-Wahs - Part 1