Parenting A Pet
Says Veronica Menezes, a dedicated educator with a deep love for dogs…
I am a dedicated educator with over 21 years of experience at St. George's College in Mussoorie, a renowned boys' boarding school. While my life’s work has centred around imparting knowledge to young minds, another passion has shaped my life just as profoundly: my deep love for dogs. Whether it's a majestic Saint Bernard, a spirited Dalmatian, or a humble mixed breed, I’ve always found joy in the companionship of dogs. But little did I know that my heart would belong to a unique and unlikely pack of stray dogs—my beloved “Red Band”.
It all began over 12 years ago when five stray dogs—Kalu, Daisy, Brownie, Tebby, and Shadow—wandered into my life seemingly by chance. I like to call them my "roadations", a playful nickname meant to make people believe they are pedigreed dogs. In truth, these five are the very essence of resilience, and they’ve completely transformed my life in ways I never imagined. They were once frequent visitors on the school campus, fed by kind-hearted people who would offer scraps of food. But after the loss of my beloved pets, Tobby and Tebby, I was left with an undeniable emptiness. I longed for the companionship only a dog could provide.
Since I had been feeding these five strays regularly, one day I decided to open my doors to them, offering them a permanent home. From that moment on, they became my family. I provided them with soft, cozy bedding to keep them warm during the harsh winters, fed them hearty, non-vegetarian meals, and made sure they received proper care, vaccinations, and health cards. They have become accustomed to a lifestyle that could rival that of the finest pedigreed dogs. Every month, I ensure they have their baths—except for Brownie, who absolutely refuses to be bathed. And during the winter break, they accompany me to Dehradun, where they enjoy the same luxuries, one might expect for a Saint Bernard or Great Dane.
Kalu, the patriarch of the pack, was a force of nature. A wanderer at heart, he had an inexplicable obsession with chasing langurs and bikers. Though I never truly understood the reason, I couldn’t help but admire his spirit. Having spent years living on the streets, Kalu was incredibly intelligent, and it didn’t take long for him to learn commands like "sit", "give paw", and "no". I was in awe of how quickly he adapted to life with me. Sadly, Kalu is no longer with me, but his adventurous soul and unwavering loyalty will forever live in my heart. Daisy, my "granny", now old and blind, is a precious part of my family. Brownie is a character like no other. The self-proclaimed opera singer of the group, he insists on believing he’s a husky. Brownie is the Romeo of the pack, effortlessly charming every stray dog he meets. Tebby, affectionately known as "Achhe Baby", had a habit of biting, especially when the school’s domestic staff would come by. Despite her occasional aggression, Tebby was the ultimate guardian, always alert and ready to warn us of anyone approaching. Sadly, earlier this year, Tebby ran off at the sound of strange noises from the jungle, and I never saw her again. Shadow, the most affectionate of them all, has a deep need for love and attention.
Today, my Red Band consists of Daisy (Granny), Brownie, and Shadow. They are more than just pets to me—they are family. They share my home, my heart, and my life.
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