Chintu Needs A Home

Those eyes...

I've never had a pet before. I've always wanted one. When I did get a chance to bring one home many years back, my mother promptly gave me two choices. "It's either going to be you or that puppy in this house".

That offer still stands.

We found Chintu just outside our office gate close to midnight, curling up in a corner - almost lifeless. He seemed scared when we approached him. But, he was too weak to fight back or even move. When we got close, we saw a thin rope tied around his neck (abandoned perhaps?). That was when we saw the horror. Ticks - hundreds of them - many the size of beetle-bugs crawling and rooted to his slender body. His gums were almost pale white. They had almost sucked him dry.

Chintu - When we found him

All the online articles suggested that he be taken to a vet. We decided to take him to the pet clinic first thing in the morning. But until then, we needed to shelter him. We took him to the terrace and fed him bread slices dipped in warm milk. He gulped them up quickly. We covered him in a blanket and placed him in a cardboard box to keep him warm. We were hoping Chintu would make it through the night.

Poses with his tummy full after a nice, warm meal

It was one of those bittersweet days. Earlier that day, we had gotten news from CUPA that the puppy we had admitted a couple of days back didn't survive. We'd found him on the road side unable to move - most likely hit by a motorbike or a car. It was a spinal injury. The doctors said his chances of survival were bleak. Eventually, he succumbed to his injuries. We had named him July. 

Cutting back to Chintu's story, we took him to the vet in the morning as planned. The doctor said that this was worst case of tick infestation he'd seen in his entire career. The horror was still unfolding... When the doctor checked Chintu's ears, our stomachs turned. More Ticks. There were so many, it looked like a bee-hive. A couple of days more and he wouldn't have made it.

On the road to recovery: Notice his ears

After the medications were administered to Chintu - and a huge list of prescriptions to go along with them, we took him back to our office. We fed him lean meat and a bowl of rice as advised by the Vet. We also gave him a gentle rub-down with a wet cloth. The ticks were still attached to his frail body. But, the doc assured us that the ticks will be gone in a few days once the medicines start taking effect.

Chintu in a playful mood: Sliding down the Solar Panel

Just as in all relationships, because we had bonded, we couldn't let him back on the streets. We just couldn't. It wasn't about those adorable puppy eyes he gave us or the fact that we'd grown to love him. It was something much more than that. The incidents that had transpired over the previous day - the tale of two puppies - one saved from the brink, and the other, not so lucky. Perhaps, there was a reason for us to keep him safe.

Chintu Soaking up the Sun. Notice his ears now!

We told ourselves that we will foster Chintu until his vaccinations and de-worming sessions were complete. He's become a healthy, strong and happy Indian puppy. He's about 4 months old now. Our landlord has been very kind all this while in accommodating our request. But, the time has come for him to find a new home.

Chintu is quite smart, loves to play and would make an excellent watch dog. He's a bit cautious near other dogs though. He has a high drive and is very energetic. So, he loves to go for walks.

Chintu - Today

My time spent with Chintu has taught me a lot. Dogs are remarkable animals. They make for amazing companions. I've always believed that when the right owner and the right pet come together in the right setting, it could lead to a wonderful life experience. We hope someone can give Chintu that and get the same in return.

Chintu playing with a rope in the terrace

If you would like to adopt Chintu or can help us find him a new home, please email me at praveen (DOT) rajaretnam (AT) gmail (DOT) com.

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Thanks,
Praveen