- MARK TWAIN

My sister & I remember having dogs as far as our memories go, but never did we have more than two dogs at one go. But destiny loaded with its package of infinite surprises, delivered a gift wrapped surprise package to us four years ago in the form of Four Fur balls, lovingly called DEVILISH ANGELS.

Here’s a quick peep into their backgrounder. Our four Angels’ Mum, Brendy was a homeless street dog with a harrowing skin disorder. Her body was devoid of any hair barring her neck & tail & was a sorry sight. We discovered her sleeping under our cars one day, taking refuge from the vagaries of the unpredictable weather. It did not take very long for us to win her confidence & she wolfed down her bowls of milk & bread day after day with eyes brimming with gratitude. (It is amazing how dogs talk to you with their eyes, isn’t it?) Two weeks later we got her shipped off to PFA for treatment & when she was released three weeks later, bright-eyed with a glossy black coat, she looked like a million bucks. She made our home her Haven & delivered a BIG surprise to us a couple of months later-a litter of nine fur balls. We got five of them adopted into loving homes with help from PFA & the remaining four females became our spoilt Babies aka DEVILISH ANGELS, namely- Rattle, Jenny, Nicky & Babydoll. We imply the word Devilish as each of them has a sweet mean streak to their personalities. Also their personalities are as vivid as their barking styles.

Rattle is most revered by her sisters, mainly out of fear as she has a real short fuse, her small stature notwithstanding.

• Pet likes- Having us all to herself, feasting on maggi & Cornetto

• Pet Peeve- Having to share her toys with her sisters.

Jenny possesses “Ice Queen“as her middle name, thanks to her cool temperament. She willingly lets her sisters call the shots for her.

• Pet likes – Food, food & more food !!

• Pet Peeve- Sight of cats, birds & lizards makes her drop her ICEQUEEN guard.

Nicky is the fussiest eater of the pack, her cravings change with the changing seasons. She possesses the shrillest voice.

• Pet Likes- Loves posing for the shutterbugs & playing with the hose.

• Pet Peeve- Needs to be cajoled & bribed to finish her meals.

Last but not the least is Babydoll , who qualifies as the goofball of the group. But behold, her goofiness very neatly conceals her resilient temperament, which makes her the slowest to bark, but the surest to bite. Only one thing rules her world-FOOD.

They have been a part of our family for over four years now & are getting naughtier albeit a little wiser everyday. They sleep & wake together, run & chase each other, eat collectively & join together on greeting us & knocking us down to our knees. We are treated to a limitless supply of Affection, Protection & Loyalty. They are the quintessence of unconditional love that dogs have for their owners since times immemorial. They have taught us that love & compassion go beyond labels & pedigrees.

Here’s hoping we celebrate many many years of growing up together. Cheers & Amen to that !!

Written by Sheena Bhurjee