This is Mama, also called Grandma, as she is the mother and grandmother of many of the dogs of Beach Baba. Surprising all of us, including the local vet, Grandma had another litter of pups. We did not think it was possible, but then, there you are; Incredible India.
The pups were not born at a good time, they were born at the end of the monsoon, and we had seen the greatest rain since nearly 50 years. The beaches, the ghats, the roads were flooded. The pups and Mama had to moved up land several times. When they were returned to Babas cave on the Beach, the sand was dirty, and filled with mud and sand flies. The puppies had to endure very difficult conditions, and skin and parasite problems took their toll.
Still, a few survived, and looked like they would be ok. Baba is ever grateful, and calls these dogs his "children."
Here's a photo taken during a feed and clean. The pups were dewormed, treated for skin eruptions, fed, and happily sent on their way for a day of more play.
All looked good, as good as it can be, and they had a care-taker while I was away.
Soon, the sad news came. Mama/Grandma was gone. She had been ill for one day, with howling and hiding, and the next day she was dead. Three of the pups were also sick, with burns around their muzzles. As I write this, I don't know how many, if any have survived.
Baba was doing his best to care for them, and their loss would be greatly felt by him.
As I write these stories, I realize they are not all full of what we would call happiness. It's not that I go looking for the sad stories or sad endings, it's that this is the reality of the life of a street dog. It is short, it is unpredictable, and it is full of peril.
The few that experience moments of comfort, companionship, and love, are the rarities.
And perhaps we must each do our part to bring a bit of kindness into the world.
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