Pappu Speaks: Diary of a stupendous dog

  Pappu Speaks: Diary of a stupendous dog

 Hello, everyone! I am Pappu. You might be wondering about my name, "Pappu.". Well, my atheist dad chose it because I was born in the land of Sree Padmanabha. My mother, on the other hand, thought the name was rather funny, reminding her of a famous comedy Malayalam actor, Kuthiravattam Pappu, or being used by a political party to tease another leader in the opposition party. Whatever the reason, I ended up officially named “Pappu.” My near and dear ones often sprinkle a bit of creativity onto my name, calling me Pappu Kuttan, Papps, or even Pappadom. Despite the uncertainty about my name, one thing is clear:

 I’m the most loved one in my family.

I have two elder brothers who are off living their lives in the UK, while I chose to stay with my parents. Now, let me share a little family secret. My second brother, Gokul, is adopted. My parents try hard to make us feel that they love us all equally, but sometimes Gokul is not convinced. He insists that I get more of the good food, throwing a fit to my mother about it. It’s hard to know how he thinks that ordering pizza through Swiggy and devouring it in his room without sharing is any way to behave. If I were to judge sibling rivalry, I’d say we’re all just a little competitive!

I have three major weaknesses: food,  the A.C and family. Whenever my mother wants to lure me outside, she calls out, “Pappu, come and have your biscuits!" It’s a trap I know all too well, but I can never resist the crunchy delight. And let’s not even begin to talk about the air conditioner in our bedroom. Bless the inventors! I love the bliss of sleeping under it. Some might call it a luxury for a four-year-old dog, but I say, if you have it, why not enjoy it?

Sleeping snugly under my parents' bed with the AC blowing softly is one of the happiest hours of my life. Calm, peaceful, and carefree! Here’s a tip for all to keep yourself happy: with the air conditioner on, everyone in the family should sit together, talk, and laugh until their jaws ache. The presence of a genuine and lovable fellow like me in the middle of it makes all the difference.

The most important aspect of my life is love. I could go on about it later, but for now, let me say that the love I receive is the essence of my existence, and the love I give back is a thread that binds us together. I’m non-judgmental, my love is pure and sincere, and it doesn’t rely on mood swings. With zero ego, I’d do anything to protect the bonds I share with my family.

My parents hold my intelligence in high regard. By the time I was a few months old, I had learned commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “down,” not to mention “you are not coming”—a favorite phrase of my mother’s when she’s had enough of me following her everywhere. I understand Malayalam, picking up words that catch my attention: “biscuit,” “pazham” (banana), "pucha” (cat). I can even identify the honk of my father’s car from quite a distance.

Fellow furry companions like cats roam around, but whenever I rush towards them, they seem to misunderstand my intentions and dart away in fright. Honestly, I mean no harm to them, 

I could find a bit of pride in overcoming my initial fears of everyday objects. The sound of the washing machine, vacuum cleaner, and hairdryer no longer sends me running for cover. My mother saw the videos of some dogs doing math calculations; she made some futile efforts to teach me the same . But why should I learn something that is of no use to me? Nevertheless, my family agrees that I possess a good sense of time;  I'm aware of my feeding times, and even a five-minute delay leaves me restless! Sunday is a special day in my calendar; that’s when my father gives me the command “jump in!” and I leap into the tank filled with water for both play and bath time—a ritual I look forward to.

Traveling is another joy I cherish. Each vacation, we embark on car rides to visit my grandparents. We often stop at a KTDC hotel along the way, where I’m treated like royalty, greeted by employees who love to pamper me with special treats like vadas and eggs. Fellow travelers often come over, asking my name and age—it lights up their faces, young or old, and brings back memories of their own pets. Sometimes, we visit the beach, where I relish the sea breeze, even if my father is hesitant about taking me alone. My dream? To travel abroad and visit my brothers in the U.K. I’ve heard about pet-friendly flights, and the thought of applying for a passport and visa fills me with excitement!

 I often watch the news with my family, understanding the stories of dogs who bite and misbehave, creating fear and panic among people. My question to all of you is, How can a dog reciprocate kindness when it hasn’t experienced it? Most dogs that behave aggressively are simply victims of their circumstances. Many pet owners abandon their pets when they become old or sick. Has anyone considered the trauma these animals experience when they are cast out of a family they viewed as their entire world? 

For me, at the end of the day, no matter what name I go by—Pappu, Pappadom, or Papps—I find joy in the love that surrounds me. I hope that love continues to flourish in the hearts of my family and friends, for that is what my life is truly about—love, companionship, and the joy found in every wag of my tail.