Dog's Name & Age
Gullu, 2 years 1 month
In a Word, My Mutt Is…
Nature's child
Best Characteristics of the Breed
Adaptability
Most Challenging Characteristics of the Breed
fearfulness
When, Where and How I Got My Mixed-Breed Dog
I brought Gullu home from his second foster home at a small town near Kolkata. He had been living there with a family of four: a couple & their 2 sons. It's a typical poor Indian family, where love and violence exist in equal proportions.
Gullu had been chained up most of his time spent with this family. When I brought him home, people thought I had lost my head, for he was a dog with behavioural 'problems' and thus, declared unsuitable for a life among human beings.
I'd Describe My Dog As…
'Born free'. He is a creature of Mother Nature. His body, mind & soul find peace in the grassy tracks of my neighbourhood. Climbing sand pits near construction sites in the neighbourhood gives him the contentment little girls find on swings & little boys find flying kites!
He is still a little confused about who he is, and what is the meaning of his life. He's fearful of human beings, and yet in constant need of their company. He would accept you instantly if you accept him the way he is.
He would not take kindly to strangers trying to clean him up, clip his nails, or do anything even remotely unpleasant/suspicious/frightful to him.
He can be quiet as a mouse & loud as a lion!
He is playful, inquisitive and always ready for new adventures. He is insecure & fears rejection.
He doesn't live to eat, though he does have a sweet tooth.
His eyes communicate what he feels more than I noticed in my previous experiences with pet/stray dogs.
He sees no reason why he should be cleaned after outdoor activities, though he has developed patience & tolerance for grooming over the four months that he has been living with me.
He learns what I teach him, if I can convince him of its relevance in his life.
He treats people the way they treat him.
He gives me hope and determination;so far, he has proved ALL vets in my town wrong in their prognosis and made it crystal clear that they really need to update their awareness, increase their sensitivity and change their attitude towards older mongrels & their ability to learn & adopt.
He loves me and I love him right back:)
We are a team!
Advice
- Each dog, irrespective of its breed, comes with its own unique personality. Indian Mongrels are no exceptions.
- Love, kindness, patience to repeat commands and willingness to accept mistakes go a long way in ensuring your dog trusts you and wants to make you happy with its behaviour.
- Treat it with respect and understanding to receive the same from it.
- Mongrels (and, I repeat, pedigree dogs as well) can adapt to new environment in a positive and pleasant way if the new environment brings them what many pet dogs are sadly deprived of, in my country, at least: love, care, dignity, and the freedom to be themselves.
