The Canine Connection

I have always wondered what makes dogs so lovable. What is it about a dog that makes it man's best friend? The breeds of pet dogs may vary from the rich to the poor but the reasoning given by most people is the same. They say a dog is very faithful to you and remains by your side throughout its life. There is certainly no doubt about that. But is it that simple?
I have always been very fond of animals, especially dogs. Very often I wonder whether the pet needs the man more or is it the other way around. A man who has picked up a stray from the street and takes care of it providing food and shelter might feel he's done a favor on the little unprotected thing that could easily have been trampled by a speeding truck. But why is this poor thing so very often a dog? Why not a poor person without shelter and food? My understanding to this is that there is a definite connection between man and the canines. We just love this species. We love these four legged creatures which follow us when we walk, which somehow manage to relate to your feelings without uttering a word and without fail are the first to reach the door when you come back from work.
People who haven't kept pets find it 'amusing' how a family grieves the death of a pet. Its like losing a child for the grown ups and like losing his best friend for a kid. I have experienced both these feelings. As a kid, when a neighbour broke my adopted stray friend's leg while reversing his car, I kind of developed a huge hatred for him even as a kid. The poor thing had to go because the injury was very severe. When another of my pets, Zen passed away, the absence of the four legs made home look so dull. When you ring the bell and suddenly when there's noone to greet you with wild celebration that you've got used to, that's the time you truly realize the importance of that little creature.
Dogs don't take much time to judge you. Either they like you instantly, or you are a reject straightaway. I still don't understand why one of my pets doesn't like the subziwali's loud voice and the other which can still not tolerate just one of the servants at my nani's place. In that little head, they have a big enough brain to form opinions about people it seems. You simply can't give a dog a bath or touch its tail if it doesn't like you.
Another thing, you may be possessive about your pets but they are much more possessive about you. They just don't like other people getting closer to them and diverting the owner's attention from them. The best thing about dogs and the biggest difference between them and humans (according to me) is that they never crib. They might be a little choosy when it comes to food but you won't see a dog giving you a dirty stare because of that. They are surely among the most adjusting species known. Humans should actually learn to stay happy from animals. Alas, little pretty things in life don't seem to satisfy us smarter beings.
This blog is actually dedicated to all my canine friends with whom I've shared a relation which I can never express entirely. Thank you friends for all the energy you brought into my life and the immeasurable sweetness that I'll always cherish.

The elusive perfect woman!

Right from the school days, every boy dreams of winning the best available girl's heart. He feels a great joy if he manages to get close to her even once in a day between lectures, during recess, during physical training sessions or while taking the same bus back home. His happiness knows no bounds if she invites him to her birthday party or becomes his laboratory partner.
He can't stop smiling looking at her. He is ready to protect her from any problem and feels sorry and sad if she doesn't do well. His friends teasing him about her being his girlfriend and not just his friend irks him. He really cares for her and doesn't understand why people are always after them being together. All of this comes to a sudden end the day school gets over and the boy and girl move to two different colleges.
The guy is still in a state of dilemma if he should have let the girl know about his 'special' feelings for her. Was she the best woman he was destined to meet? Or as people generally say, "Son, college years are going to be the best years in your life"? The years of limitless opportunities and possibilities. He is totally confused as years pass by and doesn't feel that special thing for anyone. He watches the other happy couples get along amazingly well, a few couples break up because of no evident reason and he gets further confused as to what he really wants in life. His friends get sick hearing his tales from his school days and brand him a 'Loser'.
Then suddenly one fine day, he comes across this wonderful person, this girl who smells wonderful, talks beautifully, walks beautifully, dreams about the same thing as he does and on top of it all, she considers him charming.
But this time he chooses to be careful. What if there are better girls in store for him? What if he loses out on this girl the same way as he lost his school buddy? What if he feels much strongly about the girl than she reciprocates? He even considers the option of just going out and play it all strings unattached. After all, that’s how it has worked for all his 'cool' and 'smart' friends. Who wants all those sentiments and attachments to creep into this setting which seems like so much fun? There is absolutely no need to take that risk. But the big question that keeps lingering on in his mind is "Till when?". What about the perfect woman he's always dreamed of? Has he lost his mind? Who is he looking to please; his friends?
His best friend tells him, "Don't worry mate. Love happens. You cannot force it at any time. One day you will find her". This is the guy who stays away from girls because his parents firmly believe its 'improper' behavior to go out with someone you don't wish to marry. A good son that he his, he believes his 'producers' can never be wrong. He has been made to believe that time will find him the perfect girl. It’s all made in heaven. His other good friend believes he's wasting his time pondering about the hearty issues. He speaks out of experience that a girl is a girl; she's perfect for you till the day she gives it to u. There is no steady perfect girl. It’s all a load of crap. He's found his fun with variety. The amazing thing about these friends is that both are extremely happy with their way of lives. So why is he confused? Is it because he has no clarity of thought? Is it because he wants to play it safe for his parents but at the same time lead a life of his own, a life full of adventures? Is he maybe trying too hard to find an answer even though it doesn't exist?
I have had my share of doubts in this regard. What I have realized is that unless you try, you will never get anywhere close to the woman you have been looking for. You have to take initiative unless lady luck is too kind and generous on you. I have also realized that you will always receive a package of shortcomings along with all the good attributes you like in that person. This is bound to happen. A human is not human without shortcomings.
When you meet this woman with minimum shortcomings according to your standards, don't let her move away. Don't chase one or two extra attributes in the next woman you find attractive. She would fall short on a few counts on your list that the previous person had. Time increases the sweetness in any relationship manifold.