On the run....

There is an important person you have to meet. This person is a child whom I had known for a few years. Our coming together and bonding tight in friendship, is a long story. To sum it up, we are partners in walking, talking and shepherding each other out of harm's way. Incidentally we share many interests in common - particularly befriending dogs and willing cats. 

To keep in touch with our other interests, he has a collection of factbooks, Encyclopedias etc. Opting for the real-world experience instead of turning over the glossy pages, we take the so-called nature walk, while talking about anything under the stars. For all these comraderies, he will tease me with quizzes from his subjects of special interest. Trying times for me, but probably he is attempting to keep my old brain as sharp as a canine' teeth.

The child and I have struck up a deal. As often as possible, I should accompany him during walks outside the residential apartments. That is how, we happened to see them, heads down and looking at the passersby. At some other times, they were standing together, under the tree shade and yapping. Piqued by curiosity, we did a little intelligence gathering that left us feeling sad for their plight.

Though they have been living in the neighbourhood for a few years, neither the civic authorities nor the other residents of the locality accepted their existence. This lack of concern bothered them a little but put them in constant fear for life. Without recognition, it was an uphill task for making ends meet. In    fact, their lifestyle was so simple, it would not have pinched anyone's pocket though it might have pinched someone's conscience.

On another occasion, we met them near our apartment. The yet to become friends, initially showed little interest to our presence and continued to enjoy the cool shade under a tree. This kindled the interest in the child, and he carefully approached them with measured steps. My attempts to restrain him did not douse his enthusiasm. He showed disappointment in not being able to break the ice.

We resumed the walk-back in silence and then he invited me to read with him one of the books from his collection. Fearing a quiz session, I wanted to decline; hoping to bring back the smile on his face, I relented. After about 30 minutes, he asked me, "why they don't want to be friends with us?" I had no definite answer to this question but assured him, in course of time, they will become friends. 

We made it a point to regularly take our walks to those places where we are likely to meet with them. Though initially it was a frustrating experience we could sense the ice slowly melting, in our favour. Now, we could feel a grudging acknowledgement from our would-be friends. The child was beside himself and went hyperbolic, planning what kind of treats he should greet them with. Silently, I brought out my purse and surreptitiously counted my fortune, because the kid gets away (his way with me to part) with whatever he fancies from me. 

He started off with crunchy biscuits and later upgraded to high tea. It had become a ritual to bring home made delicacies, now and then. The child must have used his charm on his parents, to do so. The yet-to-become friends slowly lowered their guard of suspicion. We understood their predicament and dilemma and reluctance - to trust us or not. They opted to go with trust.

From this point onwards, like the ice floes melting due to global warming, the friendship grew at the pace of greyhounds. They responded with unreserved affection and eagerly awaited our visits. The child talked with them incessantly, not allowing me to participate in the monologues. Nothing left to do, I stood and watched with great admiration and appreciation for the child.

As days rolled by, we became more and more attached to our new friends. The child asked me, one day, " Why other people cannot understand and show compassion. Why they had to be subjected to hounding by civic authorities and residents?"

Do they deserve this unwelcome life? My emphatic reply is a "NO ". Do I have a solution for their plight?  To this too, my unequivocal answer is a "NO". If you have one, please share it with the child. You can find him easily - he will be there where he usually meets with his friends. He has even named them with affection. They seem to like the names and respond enthusiastically, when called out. You might be shocked to know that they are homeless.  They have no I D since they did not apply for any. Kindly use these photographs and it will be easy for you to identify them. They are neither overly affectionate nor aggressive.

And the likely places where you can meet with them?

Under the cool shade of trees or near an eatery or road corners. Now it is your luck!

Let me now, introduce you to our friends.

 

                                Timon                                  Spike                              Spencer. 

About us - The child could be anyone and I could be anyone from any locality and from anywhere in the city. Probably, you might also see us with our new friends!