In March last year, Alexis Fernando John found a homeless dog outside his aunt's house. Alexis was grieving for a beloved uncle who had just passed away and every time he visited the house to see his cousin and aunt, he fed the large, friendly dog some biscuits and leftovers out of pity. He didn't know that Hachiko (christened by his niece after the dog in the movie “Hachiko”) would turn into a loyal friend who would follow him everywhere.
Hachiko was very protective of Alexis's family. Alexis noticed that someone had hurt Hachiko a long time go, causing him to lose vision in one eye. A few months later, Alexis realised with horror that Hachiko had been hurt again. “Someone had hit him on the forehead between his eyes and he was oozing blood,” he recalls. Shortly after this, he decided to permanently adopt the dog and get him treated at Dayakara Trust, Auroville.
Alexis says Hachiko is the world's friendliest dog despite the cruelties he has suffered at human hands. “He's very well-behaved, like a baby in my hands, when they give him injections”, he says. His whole family rallied behind him after the adoption. “My mum feeds and walks him and asks his permission before making plans. My sister put up his pictures on Facebook saying he is the newest entrant to the family. Our whole world changed for the better,” he says. Hachiko's story is particularly special because he wasn't regarded by most as a conventionally cute puppy. His wounded eye left a scar and he was a fully-grown adult. “It doesn't matter whether a dog is ugly or cute. Only internal radiance matters. He misses us even when we're gone for an hour. He stands on two legs and puts his front paws on me, asking for a hug. He loves me. And he just wants me to love him back.” (Looking to adopt a homeless puppy? Call 9746018456 or email metropetpassion@gmail.com with your city and phone number)
